These Gluten Free Peanut Butter Blondies are quick and easy to make with pantry staples. They are sweet and loaded with the best flavor combo - peanut butter and chocolate! If you love chocolate chip cookies, like me, you will love these. (gluten free)
Is there anything better than the peanut butter + chocolate flavor combo? I think not! You don't have to be gluten free to like these easy Gluten Free Blondies. In fact, no one will know these cookie bars are gluten free. They are perfectly sweet, rich with butter flavor, and have a chewy center. There are a few components that makes a blondie not a brownie and that is no cocoa powder and they usually contain brown sugar only. Traditionally they do not contain peanut butter but I love this combo so I'm going with it. I use this recipe often when I find myself in need of a treat for school, church or a neighbor in need.
This classic recipe is easy to make and contains simple ingredients that you probably have on hand right now. These are great for last-minute cravings or for a quick gift for a neighbor. They are made with pantry staples including my favorite gluten free all-purpose flour - Bob's Red Mill. I always use this flour because I prefer an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend that is a no-brainer.
Ingredients for Gluten Free Blondies
- peanut butter - Try to use the all-natural no sugar added peanut butter because it works great in these blondies. You can also use all-natural almond, cashew, pecan, or sunflower butter.
- butter - I melt my butter for about 30 seconds in the microwave. I have also tried this with an equal amount of coconut oil and it works as well or if you prefer you can use vegan butter.
- sugar - I used brown sugar for its molasses flavor but you can use white sugar, coconut sugar or even dark brown sugar. Note - the coconut sugar will add a different deep flavor that is less sweet.
- eggs - I always use room temperature large eggs. Just leave them on the counter for 30 minutes or so. You can also use flax eggs.
- vanilla - Get the pure vanilla extract if possible because it adds more flavor. I prefer Rodelle Vanilla Extract.
- gluten free flour - As you know, I prefer Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten Free Baking Flour because it never lets me down. This flour blend contains xanthan gum so you don't need to add it. I haven't tried any other flour blends in these chocolate chip blondies.
- baking powder and salt - Make sure your baking powder is gluten free.
- chocolate chips - I use Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips because I LOVE the flavor and they are gluten-free and dairy free. I used the chocolate chunks in here and I love the way the chocolate gets all melty on top of these blondies!
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8x8 baking pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper.
- Beat the melted butter, sugar, and peanut butter in a stand mixer (or a with a hand mixer) until light and fluffy, scraping down the sides.
- Stir the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Pour these into the wet ingredients. Try not to eat all the blondie batter at this point!
- Fold in the chocolate chips with a wooden spoon or a rubber spatula. I also love using dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips or butterscotch chips.
- Spread evenly into the prepared square pan and smooth the top. Top with more chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake in the center rack of the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- For best results, let cool on a cooling rack before cutting into squares.
Tips and Substitutions
- Cutting with a plastic serrated knife makes the pieces come out nice and neat.
- If you have a peanut allergy you can substitute almond, sunflower, pecan, or cashew butter.
- If you prefer, you can add butterscotch, white chocolate, or bittersweet baking chips.
- These can be stored in an airtight container on the counter or covered with plastic wrap for 4-5 days. I am sure they won't last that long!
- These also taste great if you brown the butter first. It makes them taste even richer.
I am sure these will become a favorite delicious treat your family will love. Call it a blondie or a chocolate chip cookie bar but either way it's so yummy. Don't forget to top it with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
More Gluten Free Chocolate Recipes
- Gluten Free Chocolate Cake
- Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
- Gluten Free Chocolate Cookies
- Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookes
Gluten Free Peanut Butter Blondies with Chocolate Chips
Ingredients
- ¾ cup natural peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened 20 seconds in microwave
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla
- ¾ cup gluten free flour I use Bob's Red Mill
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cup mega chunk chocolate chips Enjoy Life chips are gluten free
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8x8 baking pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper.
- Beat the butter, peanut butter and sugar with a mixer until creamy. Add eggs, vanilla and mix.
- Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add chocolate chips and stir.
- Spread evenly into pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool and with a plastic knife into squares.
Notes
Nutrition
Adapted from Eating Well Magazine
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