Strawberry Cornbread Muffins Recipe

Strawberry Cornbread Muffins Recipe

Super Easy Strawberry Cornbread Muffins Recipe

Check out this Strawberry Cornbread Muffins Recipe! It is a cornbread muffin where strawberries are the star! Not only are these Strawberry Cornbread Muffins super easy but they also only require two mixing bowls, measuring spoons a rubber spatula, and a muffin tin!

 

 

Closeup of a Strawberry Cornbread Muffin in a white reusable muffin cup

Why I Make This Recipe

I love making muffins. They are quick and easy to whip up. These Strawberry Cornbread Muffins with their golden brown tops, sweet interior, and cake-like texture are enough to make my mouth water just writing about it! 

Enjoy these in June or whenever strawberries are abundant at your local farmers’ market. Alternatively make these year-round, swapping the fresh strawberries for frozen! Just be sure they are thawed before adding them to your batter. 

Ingredients for Strawberry Cornbread Muffins

Dry Ingredients

  • Flour
  • Cornmeal
  • Baking Powder 
  • Salt

Wet Ingredients

  • Honey
  • Milk
  • Butter
  • Eggs

Add-ins

  • Strawberries
  • Corn

 

Strawberry Cornbread Muffin on a stoneware dessert plate with flower petals as a prop.

How to Make This Recipe

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, honey, melted butter, and egg. Mix well.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy.
  5. Gently fold the diced strawberries into the batter.
  6. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
  8. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

To Serve These Muffins

I like to serve them warm with a drizzle of honey over the cornbread. You can use strawberry honey, honey butter, (better yet, strawberry honey butter), or any other honey you prefer. 

Another option, just before baking, sprinkle some turbinado sugar over top. 

I’ll serve these as a dessert, snack, breakfast, or along-side dinner. 

 

Golden Strawberry Cornbread Muffins on a stoneware plate with strawberries and flower petals as props

 

Storage

Properly storing baked goods oftentimes is overlooked. So, I have provided some guidelines for us all to follow!

Generally, I like to freeze muffins, biscuits, brownies, cookies, bread, etc. It extends their shelf life and keeps the baked goods out of my line of sight in the kitchen, keeping it tidy but also preventing unnecessary snacking. 

To reheat Strawberry Cornbread Muffins pull one out of the freezer, pop it in the microwave for about a minute, slap on some honey or butter and it’s all ready to go! The muffin tastes like I just pulled it out of the oven!

These Strawberry Cornbread Muffins should be covered and stored following the guidelines below.

  • Room Temperature – 2 to 3 days
  • The Refrigerator – about 1 week
  • The Freezer – 6 months

Closeup of a Strawberry Cornbread Muffin in a white reusable muffin cup

Sharper Nutrition Fix

Cornmeal, What is it?

Cornmeal is a meal ground from dried corn. It is ground to coarse, medium, and fine consistencies. Cornmeal is a staple ingredient in oven-fried dishes like chicken and catfish, and it is also used in polenta (Italian grits), and baked goods like these muffins.

Cornmeal is surprisingly super high in fiber. A ½ cup of cornmeal contains 3g of fiber. In this recipe, the fiber in the cornmeal combined with the fiber in the strawberries and corn results in an even higher fiber recipe.

By the way, cornmeal is not only high in fiber but it is also full of vitamins and minerals, including iron!

 

Enjoy This Recipe? You Will Love These Recipes Too!

Strawberry Smoothie Bowl [Vegan and High Protein]

Strawberry Smoothie Bowl with toppings such as granola , sliced strawberries, coconut flakes, and cocoa nibs. Placed on a plain eggshell white back drop.

Strawberry Muffin Smoothie

Strawberry Muffin Smoothie with strawberry garnishes

 

Date Caramel with Almond Butter

A white bowl filled with swirled light brown date caramel

Panera Mexican Street Corn Chowder: An Easy Copycat Recipe – Another corn recipe and one of my most popular recipes!

 

Strawberry Cornbread Muffin on a stoneware dessert plate with flower petals as a prop.

Strawberry Cornbread Muffin Recipe

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
Classic Cornbread muffins with some tasty strawberry and corn kernal add ins!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 12 muffins
Calories 163 kcal

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • measuring spoons
  • rubber spatula
  • muffin tins

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • cup cornmeal
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp kosher salt

wet ingredients

  • 1 cup whole milk or other milk of choice
  • ¼ cup honey
  • ¼ cup butter, melted or coconut oil, avocado oil
  • 1 egg

Add ons

  • 1 cup strawberries, diced or 1 cup drained thawed frozen strawberries
  • ½ cup corn kernels I used canned corn

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the milk, honey, melted butter, and egg. Mix well.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy.
  • Gently fold in the diced strawberries and corn into the batter.
  • Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
  • Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For cast iron skillet cornbread bake for 20-23min.
These are even more delicious when you add honey-butter over top!
To check for doneness: Using a toothpick, insert it into the center of a muffin. If the toothpick comes out clean, they are done. Some browning over top is expected and desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1muffinCalories: 163kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 4gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 226mgPotassium: 110mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 175IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 72mgIron: 1mg
Keyword breakfast, cornbread, muffin, strawberry
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
The Best Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Peanut Butter

The Best Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Peanut Butter

Vanilla Cinnamon Peanut Butter

The Vanilla Cinnamon Peanut Butter offers nutty sweetness with a warm touch. Perfect for delightful PB&J sandwiches, it pairs deliciously with sliced apples and adds fantastic flavor to various smoothie recipes!

 

 

A slice of bread lathered with Vanilla Cinnamon Peanut Butter sitting on top of three stacked plates of different sizes. Food props include the bowl of nut butter with a ceramic spoon, sliced apples and peanuts.

Why I Make This Recipe

I enjoy crafting homemade peanut butter with various flavors like honey-roasted, chocolate, and Vanilla Cinnamon. This Vanilla Cinnamon Peanut Butter recipe is easy and allows for creative experimentation.

Tools For This Recipe

You don’t require a specialized nut butter machine; a simple food processor will do the job for this recipe.

Ingredients

This recipe uses natural, dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan ingredients. Plus, it costs just over $2 to make, although prices may vary based on your location and ingredient costs. Typically, a 16oz jar of regular-priced vanilla cinnamon peanut butter ranges from $4 to $8, depending on the brand.

  • Peanuts ($0.47)
  • Vanilla Extract ($1-2)
  • Cinnamon ($0.85)
  • Maple Syrup ($0.17)
  • Kosher Salt (negligible cost)

A hand holding a ceramic spoon with thick and creamy Vanilla Cinnamon Peanut butter on the spoon.

 

How to Make This Recipe

This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes.

Blend:

  • In a food processor, blend peanuts until coarse.

Add Flavor:

  • Add vanilla, cinnamon, maple syrup, and salt.

Blend Until Smooth:

  • Continue blending, pausing the machine, and scraping sides as needed with a rubber spatula. Continue to blend until you reach the desired consistency. The longer you blend the smoother the peanut butter will become. 
  • The peanuts will go through stages, from crumbs, eventually forming a ball, and finally, smooth peanut butter.) This entire process takes about 15-20 minutes in my food processor. 

Store:

  • Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.

 

A food processor filled with peanuts

 

A food processor after the peanuts, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon have been blended into a smooth butter

 

FAQs (Ask The Dietitian)

What Flavors Mix with Peanut Butter

The versatile and rich profile of peanut butter pairs exceptionally well with many flavors. Consider these combinations:

  • Chocolate
  • Honey
  • Fruit Jams and Jellies
  • Maple Syrup
  • Coconut
  • Spicy Flavors like Sriracha or hot pepper jelly
  • Nuts
  • Salt
  • Marshmallow Fluff
  • Vanilla Ice Cream
  • Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
  • Other nut butter like almond butter

Experimenting with these combinations can lead to delightful culinary discoveries!

 

Mini Pancakes on a blue plate with Vanilla Cinnamon Peanut Butter Maple Syrup in a small white bowl on the plate. Red sliced apples are also shown as dippers for the peanut butter syrup.

 

What Food Pairs Well with Peanut Butter

Savory and nutty notes make peanut butter a versatile companion in the culinary world. Here are some fantastic food pairings to elevate your peanut butter experience:

Dippers

Drizzle

Recipes

  • Smoothies and Milkshakes – Like my Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie or Peanut Paradise Smoothie
  • Noodles (savory)
  • Stir Frys
  • Chicken Satay
  • Bread (with jam/jelly) PBJ!
  • Cinnamon Swirl Toast
  • Granola
  • Energy Bites
  • Cheesecakes
  • Cupcakes
  • Cookies and Brownies
  • Peanut Butter Maple Syrup

Indulge in these pairings to discover the delightful harmony that peanut butter brings to a wide range of dishes.

 

Nut butter in a glass bowl with a ceramix spoon and some peanuts scattered around the ground, sliced golden apples i the top left corner.

 

Enjoy This Recipe? You Will Love These Too!

Date Caramel with Almond Butter

A white bowl filled with swirled light brown date caramel

Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars

three chocolate peanut butter crunch bars stacked with more bars in the background

Air Fryer Baked Apples

A grey speckled dessert plate with 2 halves of baked apples with pecan oat topping and a scoop of creamy ice cream and a bite taken from the plate.

Nut butter in a glass bowl with a ceramix spoon and some peanuts scattered around the ground, sliced golden apples i the top left corner.

Vanilla Cinnamon Peanut Butter

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
The Vanilla Cinnamon Peanut Butter offers nutty sweetness with a warm touch. Perfect for delightful PB&J sandwiches, it pairs deliciously with sliced apples and adds fantastic flavor to various smoothie recipes!
Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Breakfast, lunch, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 14 servings
Calories 166 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Food Processor
  • 1 rubber spatula
  • 1 set of measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 cups peanuts
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • salt to taste

Instructions
 

Blend

  • In a food processor, blend peanuts until course.

Add Flavor

  • Add vanilla, cinnamon, maple syrup, and salt.

Blend Until Smooth

  • Continue blending, pausing the machine, and scraping sides as needed with a rubber spatula. Continue to blend until you reach the desired consistency. The longer you blend the smoother the peanut butter will become. 
  • The peanuts will go through stages, from crumbs, eventually forming a ball, and finally, smooth peanut butter.) This entire process takes about 15-20 minutes in my food processor. 

Store

  • Transfer Peanut Butter to an airtight container and refrigerate.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 166kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 7gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 6mgPotassium: 208mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 0.4IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 1mg
Keyword 5-ingredient
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Pumpkin Smoothie with Chestnuts

Pumpkin Smoothie with Chestnuts

Pumpkin Smoothie Made Even Better with Roasted Chestnuts!

October is full of falling leaves, cozy sweaters, and fallen chestnuts! Now add those roasted chestnuts to a pumpkin smoothie and you have the ultimate fall smoothie. 

I am in love with this new Pumpkin Chestnut Smoothie recipe. Rocket City Chestnuts gave me a bunch of their Chestnuts and I am having a blast experimenting with chestnuts in some of my favorite recipes. I just had to share!

This Pumpkin Smoothie with Chestnuts is a spin-off of my Pumpkin Chestnut Soup. Pumpkin and chestnut flavors go so well together in so many dishes. In this smoothie, I bring the flavors of fall alive with cinnamon, dates, pumpkin, and chestnuts. Now, let’s dive into the ingredients!

 

An 8oz mason jar filled with light orange pumpkin smoothie with chestnuts over newspaper with chestnuts scattered on the newspaper

 

 

The Star Ingredients

Chestnuts: These chestnuts came straight from a local Huntsville Small Business, Rocket City Chestnuts! They are a family-run orchard offering already-picked fresh local chestnuts. I roasted and shelled my chestnuts, and even snacked on a few before they hit the blender!

Pumpkin: Around this time of year, I love adding pumpkin to smoothies. It’s festive and makes for a healthy pumpkin smoothie. 

Option to use homemade pumpkin however, I use leftover pumpkin puree. I like to use the canned pumpkin puree leftovers to make pumpkin chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, pumpkin pie, or even a pumpkin spice latte! You can also freeze pumpkin puree. 

Banana: I always have bananas on hand. Usually, they are very ripe, kept frozen, and already cut. Frozen banana is my go-to fruit addition to any pumpkin smoothie.

 

Two 8oz mason jars with straws with toasted oats scattered on the table.

 

Other Pumpkin Smoothie with Chestnut Ingredients

MCT Powder: I love adding MCT powder to smoothies. MCT Powder is a creamy ingredient but has lots of nutritional benefits. I talk more about this ingredient in the Sharper Nutrition Fix section of this post, so keep scrolling down!

Dates: I almost always add a touch of sweetness to a smoothie and I love using dates. The flavor can’t be beat, especially in a smoothie like this. Even though the smoothie is cold, the pumpkin, chestnuts, and banana paired with dates make you feel warm and cozy.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon is another example of a “cozy” ingredient. Cinnamon + pumpkin = cozy! This is a must in this recipe.

Soy Milk: I use soy milk because it has 8 grams of protein per 1 cup. You can use any milk for your smoothie, like almond milk. 

Yogurt (or Ice):  Use plain Greek yogurt, vanilla Greek yogurt, another type of vanilla yogurt, or dairy-free yogurt to make your smoothie extra thick. Ice works as well. 

Smoothie tip: You can also freeze soy milk or another milk in an ice cube tray. Add those frozen milk cubes to thicken up the smoothie. 

Optional Ingredients: Maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, peanut butter, or even pumpkin seeds. 

 

Close up of a pumpkin smoothie with chestnuts. Toasted oats are scattered on the table and overtop the light orange smoothie.

 

The Smoothie Blueprint

How to make a pumpkin Smoothie

Just like with my other smoothies and breakfast smoothies, I follow this Fruit Shake Blueprint. A fruit base, liquid, sweetness, fat, and “additional”. The lovely pumpkin and chestnuts count as both the fruit and the “additional” ingredient!

I love this smoothie recipe because it is so different from my usual smoothie concoctions but just as delicious.

 

Smoothie Blueprint infographic

 

Sharper Nutrition Fix: MCT Powder, a secret ingredient?!

What is MCT powder?

MCT stands for Medium Chain Triglycerides. MCT powder is most commonly extracted from coconut oil. I use nutiva organic MCT powder.

About 4 years ago, I discovered how wonderful MCT powder was in my morning coffee. It is plant-based, creamy, and not at all overwhelmingly coconutty. I originally started using MCT powder in my coffee because it is shelf-stable. I needed a creamer Finally, I found MCT powder! The taste is simple, not too flavorful, just the right amount of creaminess, and I love it. Bonus! Specifically for my plant-based peeps, This recipe (including MCT) is 100% plant-based

After discovering this MCT creamer, I have added it to many smoothies, chia pudding, and oatmeal recipes. And did you know?! Based on current research, possible benefits of MCT powder include but are not limited to;

  • A great energy source, fuel for the day! 
  • It may help optimize the growth of good gut bacteria
  • It may play a role in weight management, and heart disease prevention
  • Seizure control
  • May aid with digestive issues 

As usual in science and research, more research is needed. Check out these articles on WebMD and FCER.org if you want to learn more.

 

Close up of a pumpkin smoothie with chestnuts. Toasted oats are scattered on the table and overtop the light orange smoothie.

 

More recipes to try

Strawberry Muffin Smoothie

Strawberry Muffin Smoothie with strawberry garnishes

 

 

 

 

Peach Cobbler Shake

Peach Cobbler shake with three shakes. Blue and white straws sticking out from the shakes.

 

 

 

 

Almond Joy Smoothie

A chocolate brown smoothies in a mason jar rimmed with chocolate, toasted coconut, and chopped almonds

 

 

 

Two 8oz mason jars with straws with toasted oats scattered on the table.

Pumpkin Smoothie with Chestnuts

Enjoy this Pumpkin Chestnut Smoothie this Autumn. It has all the flavors you love and will fuel you up for the day!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Breakfast, Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 2 servings
Calories 386 kcal

Equipment

  • Blender

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unflavored, unsweetened soy milk
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup roasted chestnuts, chopped
  • 2 dates
  • 2 tbsp MCT powder
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • If you're using raw chestnuts, you'll need to roast or boil them and then peel them before using in the smoothie. Alternatively, you can use store-bought pre-cooked and peeled chestnuts.
  • Add all of the ingredients to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  • If it's too thick, you can add more soy milk in small increments until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Taste the smoothie and adjust the sweetness and spice level by adding more honey or spices if needed. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 386kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 16gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 98mgPotassium: 802mgFiber: 4gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 5282IUVitamin C: 29mgCalcium: 299mgIron: 2mg
Keyword smoothie
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Gluten Free Dairy Free Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookies

Gluten Free Dairy Free Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookies

Gluten Free Dairy Free Cookies!

The Holiday season has arrived which means these Gluten Free Dairy Free Thumbprint Cookies are making their debut!

During this time of year, cookies are being baked all across the world! Gotta leave a plate of cookies and a glass of milk out for Santa! I have a few tried and true favorites, but this Holiday Thumbprint cookie recipe is new to me. Moreover, these gluten free dairy free cookies are a perfect choice for those with dietary restrictions, offering a scrumptious option for everyone to enjoy.

Bite shot of a almond flour thumbprint cookie with a deep purple jam filling.

A New Holiday Favorite

I’d be lying to you if I said I have enjoyed Thumbprint cookies all throughout my childhood and the truth is this is my first experience with them! I’ve never really been a fan. Maybe that’s because they were all made with wheat flour and my interests were in the gingersnaps, snowballs, and shortbread cookies. Oh, and anything Christmas crack, bourbon-soaked or dipped in chocolate!

These will now and forever be in my Christmas cookie rotation. I can’t believe it took 30+ years, but I’m finally enjoying these perfect Christmas cookies. And I highly recommend you do too!

Powdered sugar dusted on a close up shot of an almond flour thumbprint cookie surrounded by more thumbprint cookies.

The Basis of this Holiday Thumbprint Cookie

Food Blog – Eating Bird Food

I stumbled across this recipe when attempting to create a gluten-free cookie to bring to Thanksgiving. After some brainstorming and Google searching, I found a wonderful recipe by Brittany the creator of the food and recipe blog, Eating Bird Food.

It brings me so much joy to share this recipe, inspired by Brittany’s recipe for Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookies, with you. Using Brittany’s recipe as my base, I slightly adjusted this almond flour cookie based on my preferences.

I love this recipe because it’s so easy and simple! However, I am also partial to almond flour, I think it’s super underrated in the food world, especially for desserts. Honestly, this recipe is better with almond flour vs regular wheat flour.

Powdered sugar dusting of an Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookie

Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookie Dry Ingredients

Almond Flour: A little unknown secret, I love almond flour. It’s just so tasty. Make sense, I love nuts.

You won’t miss the flour in these cookies, the almond flour makes these cookies so deciding, nutty, and buttery.

Salt: The salt is the finishing touch for this delicious cookie dough, and a little goes a long way. There is something about the combination of sweet and salty that is Holiday Thumbprint Cookie perfection.

Bite shot of a almond flour thumbprint cookie with a deep purple jam filling.

Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookie Wet Ingredients

Butter: Well of course butter! More butter for the buttery cookie effect. As Brittnay’s recipe states, you can use a different fat here, i.e. coconut oil, or margarine. But, I am all about the butter.

Sugar: I genuinely enjoy using coconut sugar when baking. The flavor is nutty with a slightly caramel taste. I also love the caramel color of coconut sugar, resulting in a nice golden-brown coloring in my cookie.

Vanilla Extract: Let’s give these cookies a little extra flavor shall we? I enjoy the taste of vanilla, but you can try any other flavor combinations. For example, swap vanilla for almond extract or even lemon, orange, or perhaps rum!

I love to swap vanilla extract for orange or lemon. I’ll even add a bit of citrus zest to the dough, too!

Powdered sugar dusting of an Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookie

Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookie Fillings and Toppers

Jam: And last but certainly not least, the jam!

I have my favorite brands, i.e. Bonne Maman, Stonewall Kitchen, or Dickinson’s. Homemade jam would taste wonderful on these cookies too. To make your cookies even more festive try a deep red jam like raspberry or cherry!

Optional: Powdered Sugar for Dusting: This is an optional extra step because these cookies are divine without them.

I love this addition because it really adds to the festive feelings I have during this time of year. The deep red of the jam represents Santa’s suit and the white powdered sugar represents snow or the white trim on his Santa suit.

Another option that would be super yummy, is a white chocolate drizzle over top!

Almond Flour Thumbprint cookies in a cookie tin with powdered sugar

Sharper Nutrition Fix: Cookies and Mindful Eating

Take care to Mindfully Eat even when it’s not the Holiday Season; but this is a great time of year, when people are gathering and celebrating over large meals, to come back to the topic of Mindful eating. If you haven’t tried it, give it a go with these Holiday Thumbprint Cookies! It’s truly a mind-blowing experience.

Harvard School of Public Health has a great article on Mindful Eating. They discuss what it is, how it works, and even current research on the topic. If you are interested, check out the article!

Below are some quick and easy tips to remember this holiday season!

Infographic for mindful eating during the holiday season. 1) Bring awareness to your senses, 2) avoid skipping meals, 3) take a smaller plate, 4) slow down and take smaller bites, 5) consider where the food came from, 6) drink water.

More Recipes to Try

Love these cookies? Try some other dessert recipes!

Brown Butter Bourbon Chocolate Chip Cookies

Brown butter Bourbon Chocolate Chip Cookies

Date Caramel with Almond Butter

A white bowl filled with swirled light brown date caramel

Season’s Greetings and Happy Holidays!

Original Article Published – 12/20/2021

Powdered sugar dusting of an Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookie

Gluten Free Dairy Free Thumbprint Cookies

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
With an increasing number of people adhering to gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free, and vegan diets, this recipe offers a wonderful opportunity to accommodate a wide range of dietary preferences and ensure everyone can indulge in a delicious treat.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
cooling time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 cookies
Calories 104 kcal

Equipment

  • 2 Large mixing bowls
  • 1 rubber spatula

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup almond flour
  • ¼ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ cup softened butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 tbsp sugar

Cookie Filling

  • ¼ cup raspberry jam or other flavor per preference

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mixing Dough

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, sugar, melted vegan butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until well combined and a dough forms.

Forming Cookies

  • Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to gently press down in the center of each dough ball to create an indentation.
  • Fill each indentation with a small amount of your favorite fruit jam or preserves.

Bake & Cool

  • Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Storage: You may store these cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days or freeze them for 3 to 6 months. 

Nutrition

Calories: 104kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 85mgPotassium: 5mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 118IUCalcium: 21mgIron: 0.4mg
Keyword cookie
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Healthy No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars Recipe

Healthy No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars Recipe

Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

You will love these Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars. They are crispy, chocolatey, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and have only 8g of sugar per serving! It’s a no-bake dessert that is quick and easy to create.

This holiday season, I developed a lower-sugar alternative to a Christmas cookie. I wanted something with chocolate, crispy, and crunchy. After brainstorming and playtime in the kitchen, I discovered a recipe for these Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars.

I utilize almond flour and Rice Krispies cereal to help create a yummy peanut butter filling. Then, I top it all off with delicious melted dark chocolate.

three chocolate peanut butter crunch bars stacked with more bars in the background

Ingredients in Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars

The Peanut Butter Crunch Layer

Peanut Butter: I use any peanut butter that has no added sugar, crunchy or creamy peanut butter works. I prefer crunchy peanut butter with a little added salt. 

Crispy Puffed Rice: Puffed rice cereal or crispy rice cereal must be toasted to create that lovely crispy crunchy peanut layer. I find the OG Rice Krispies work best. 

Almond Flour: Almond flour helps bind the ingredients together. Almond flour has a delicate taste and the flavor does not overpower the other ingredients.

Maple Syrup: A little goes a long way. The maple syrup adds hints of vanilla and caramel. Maple syrup also has a fruity sweetness.

Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract compliments the flavors of peanut butter, maple syrup, and chocolate.

Top down view of crunch bars with some bars flipped onto their sides to show crunchy rice cereal

Ingredients in Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars

The Chocolate Layer

Dark Chocolate Chips: I use 70% dark chocolate or greater. Ghirardelli has a nice variety of dark chocolates like this 86% dark chocolate bar.

Peanut Butter: For even more peanuty flavor.

Coconut Oil: Option to skip the coconut oil and just use peanut butter to thin the chocolate however, I enjoy the subtle coconut flavor.

Crispy-Peanut-Butter-Bars-closeup showing the chocolate layer over top the bar

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars

Make Peanut Butter Crunch Filling

  • Place all peanut butter bar ingredients in a bowl and mix until combined.
  • Line a 9×9 inch baking pan or 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper. If you skip this step the bars will not pop out of the baking pan when cooled.
  • Press the peanut butter mixture into the baking or cake pan.

Melt Chocolate

  • Melt chocolate, peanut butter, and coconut oil over a double boiler. Once all of the chocolate is almost melted remove and stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the ingredients are combined.
  • Pour chocolate mixture over Peanut butter bars. Spread it evenly with your chocolate mixing spoon.

*Option to melt the chocolate over a microwave instead of the double boiler method. Check out this article by Molly Allen “How to melt chocolate on the stovetop or microwave for smooth results every time” for further detailed instructions. 

Chill, Slice, and Serve 

  • Place the dessert in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Before the chocolate has almost set but not completely, add desired toppings (coconut flakes, sprinkles, etc.). If the chocolate is too runny, the toppings will sink into the chocolate.
  • Place the bars back in the fridge for another 30 minutes. Slice and serve once the chocolate is set.

Peanut Butter Crunch Bars Infographic showing the peanut butter bar section and melted chocolate.

Eating These Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars Recipe

Below are a few ways I love to enjoy these Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars.

Alone: I’ll eat these bars as a snack after a long hike or as a sweet treat. With 7 grams of protein (that’s more than a handful of almonds) and a relatively low amount of sugar for such a decadent dessert you can count on these bars to fill you with nutritional goodness.

On a dessert board: I like to pair these with other Christmas cookies around the holidays. I’ll put some orange slices and nuts on the board too.

A la mode: Try heating your bar in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, then top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an even more decadent dessert.

Heading saying Peanut Butter Crunch Bars. Imafe of crunch bars with a chocolate layer and toasted coconut topping.

Sharper Nutrition Fix: Peanuts

Origins: Likely first cultivated by the Incas, peanuts are native to South America. Traders, Spanish and Portuguese in origin, introduced peanuts to countries like China, India, and West Africa.

Developed in 1890, Peanut Butter was promoted as a health food at the 1904 St. Louis World Fair.

Where they grow: Peanuts are not true nuts. Peanuts are legumes. Peanuts require a long, warm growing season with ample water which limits growing to the warmer temperature regions. China, India, Nigeria, and the United States lead the world in peanut production. Georgia and Florida are the leading growers in the US.

Nutrition: High in fat, rich in protein, and fiber, peanuts are a nutritional powerhouse. Peanuts are a source of niacin, Vitamins E, B6, folate, and the minerals magnesium, manganese, and potassium with lower amounts of iron and calcium.

Peanuts spilling out of bowl

More Recipes

Better Than Quest Cookies and Cream Crunch Bars

Walnut Snowballs

Almond Thumbprint Cookies

Top down view of crunch bars with some bars flipped onto their sides to show crunchy rice cereal

Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
These no-bake, holiday decorated Crunchy Peanut Butter Bars and so good, you forget they have some pretty healthy ingredients. Moreover, this bar is 100% plant-based!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Resting time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16 servings
Calories 232 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9x9 baking pan
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 double boiler
  • 1 rubber spatula
  • 1 stirring spoon
  • 1 set measuring cups and spoons
  • parchment paper

Ingredients
  

Peanut Butter Bars

  • 1.5 cup peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey (this sub is not plant-based)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cup puffed rice

Chocolate Topping

  • 3.5 oz dark chocolate see recipe notes
  • 1 tbsp peanut butter
  • 1 tsp coconut oil

Other Toppings

  • 2 tbsp unsweetened coconut flakes optional

Instructions
 

For the Peanut Butter Layer

  • Place all peanut butter bar ingredients in a bowl and mix until combined.
  • Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper. If you skip this step the bars will not pop out of the baking pan when cooled.
  • Press the peanut butter mixture into a 9x9-inch baking pan.

Chocolate Layer

  • Melt chocolate, peanut butter, and coconut oil over a double boiler. Once all of the chocolate is almost melted remove and stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the ingredients incorporated.
  • Pour chocolate mixture over Peanut butter bars. Spread it evenly with your chocolate mixing spoon.

Chill & Serve

  • Place the dessert in the refrigerator for 30min to 1 hour. Before the chocolate has almost set but not completely, add desired toppings (coconut flakes, sprinkles). If the chocolate is too runny, the toppings will sink into the chocolate.
  • Place bars back in the fridge for another 30min. Serve once the chocolate is set.

Nutrition

Calories: 232kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 7gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 0.4mgSodium: 109mgPotassium: 194mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 29mgIron: 1mg
Keyword chocolate
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