These Peanut Butter Cake bars are the perfect treat for any peanut butter lover! With a deliciously moist texture and just the right amount of sweetness, this cake is not only easy to make but also healthy for your body and soul. Ideal for dessert, snacks, or even a sweet breakfast, these bars will satisfy your cravings without the guilt.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe takes just 10 minutes of prep time, making it a quick option for busy days.
- Healthy Ingredients: Made with wholesome ingredients like oat flour and almond meal, this cake is nutritious and guilt-free.
- Versatile Flavors: The combination of peanut butter and chocolate makes it a delightful treat that appeals to everyone.
- Vegan-Friendly: With no dairy or eggs, you can enjoy this dessert regardless of dietary preferences.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, potluck, or just a cozy night in, these bars fit any event!
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Peanut Butter Cake, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Baking tin
- Baking parchment paper
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining all wet ingredients smoothly before adding dry ingredients.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a lump-free batter by ensuring thorough mixing of ingredients.
- Baking tin: Provides the right shape for your cake and ensures even baking when properly prepared with parchment paper.
Ingredients
For the Cake Base
- 1 cup Unsweetened Apple Sauce (250g) (or Banana)
- ½ cup Nondairy Yoghurt (125g)
- ¼ cup Liquid Sweetener
- ½ cup Creamy Peanut Butter (130g)
- 1 + ⅓ cup Oat Flour (120g)
- 1 cup Almond Meal (80g)
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- ½ tsp Salt
For the Chocolate Topping
- ¼ cup Cocoa or Cacao Powder (30g)
- 2-3 tbsp Liquid Sweetener
- ¼ cup Nondairy Milk or Water
How to Make Peanut Butter Cake (easy + healthy!)
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F / 160°C fan. Prepare your baking tin by lining it with baking parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Apple sauce
2. Nondairy yoghurt
3. Liquid sweetener
4. Creamy peanut butter
Whisk until the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add the following dry ingredients to the wet mixture:
1. Oat flour
2. Almond meal
3. Baking powder
4. Salt
Mix thoroughly until combined.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Transfer the batter into your prepared baking tin. Spread it out evenly and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes.
Step 5: Cool the Cake
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
Step 6: Prepare Chocolate Topping
In another mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. Cocoa powder
2. Liquid sweetener
3. Nondairy milk or water
Ensure it’s smooth before spreading over your cooled cake.
Step 7: Add Peanut Butter Swirls
Dollop some additional creamy peanut butter on top of the chocolate layer. Use a knife to create a swirl effect for decoration.
Step 8: Refrigerate and Slice
Chill the cake in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before removing it from the tin. Slice with a hot, wet knife into bars for serving.
Enjoy your delicious Peanut Butter Cake bars as a nutritious snack or dessert!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cake (easy + healthy!)
Serving your Peanut Butter Cake can elevate the experience and make it more enjoyable. Here are some tasty serving suggestions that complement the rich peanut butter flavor while keeping health in mind.
Pair with Fresh Fruits
- Berries: Serve with strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of freshness.
- Banana Slices: Add sliced bananas on top for extra sweetness and creaminess.
Add a Sweet Drizzle
- Maple Syrup: A light drizzle of pure maple syrup enhances the natural flavors.
- Chocolate Sauce: Use a vegan chocolate sauce for a delightful chocolate-peanut butter combo.
Top with Dairy-Free Options
- Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and airy, this topping adds a touch of indulgence without dairy.
- Nondairy Yogurt: A dollop of yogurt can provide creaminess and balance the cake’s sweetness.
Serve as a Snack
- Energy Bites: Cut into smaller squares for an on-the-go snack option packed with protein.
- Breakfast Treat: Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or tea for a satisfying breakfast.
How to Perfect Peanut Butter Cake (easy + healthy!)
To achieve the best results with your Peanut Butter Cake, consider these helpful tips that ensure every bite is delicious.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh peanut butter and non-dairy yogurt for the best flavor.
- Measure Accurately: Proper measurement of ingredients, especially oat flour and almond meal, is crucial for texture.
- Let it Cool Completely: Allowing the cake to cool fully before slicing helps maintain its structure.
- Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to try different toppings like nuts or seeds for added crunch.
Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Cake (easy + healthy!)
To create a well-rounded meal or snack, consider pairing your Peanut Butter Cake with these delightful side dishes. Each option complements the cake while adding variety to your plate.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides vitamins and balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Nutty Granola: Crunchy granola adds texture and makes for a great topping or side dish.
- Chia Seed Pudding: This creamy dessert pairs well with the cake’s flavors while adding fiber.
- Veggie Sticks and Hummus: For a savory contrast, serve crunchy vegetable sticks alongside creamy hummus.
- Almond Butter Toast: Toast topped with almond butter offers another nutty flavor profile that complements your cake.
- Dark Chocolate Bark: A small piece of dark chocolate bark can satisfy any sweet cravings without overpowering the cake’s taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Peanut Butter Cake, it’s important to be aware of common pitfalls that could affect the outcome. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
Incorrect Measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Using too much or too little can alter the texture and flavor of your cake.
Skipping the Cooling Step: Allowing your cake to cool completely in the tin prevents it from getting soggy. Skipping this step may ruin the texture.
Not Preheating the Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve a perfect rise.
Using Old Ingredients: Check expiration dates on your baking powder and other ingredients. Fresh ingredients will yield the best results.
Overmixing Batter: Mix just until combined to maintain a light texture. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing Peanut Butter Cake (easy + healthy!)
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap.
- Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Peanut Butter Cake (easy + healthy!)
- Oven: Preheat to 180°C / 350°F, warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 10-15 second intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Peanut Butter Cake that might help you:
Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, you can substitute almond butter for peanut butter if you prefer a different flavor or have allergies.
Is this Peanut Butter Cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe uses oat flour and almond meal, making it a great gluten-free option.
How can I make this cake sweeter?
You can increase the amount of liquid sweetener to suit your taste preferences.
Can I add chocolate chips to this Peanut Butter Cake?
Yes, chocolate chips would make a delightful addition! Just fold them into the batter before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Cake (easy + healthy!) is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with various add-ins like nuts or dried fruits. It’s perfect for satisfying cravings while keeping health in mind. Give it a try, and enjoy every bite!
Peanut Butter Cake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Peanut Butter Cake, a deliciously easy and healthy dessert that caters to all peanut butter lovers. With its moist texture and delightful chocolate swirl, this cake is perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without the guilt. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oat flour and almond meal, it’s not just a treat but also a nutritious option suitable for vegan diets. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon snack, a breakfast delight, or served at gatherings, these bars will surely impress. Experience the rich flavors of creamy peanut butter paired with chocolate in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsweetened Apple Sauce (250g) (or Banana)
- ½ cup Nondairy Yoghurt (125g)
- ¼ cup Liquid Sweetener
- ½ cup Creamy Peanut Butter (130g)
- 1 + ⅓ cup Oat Flour (120g)
- 1 cup Almond Meal (80g)
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- ½ tsp Salt
- ¼ cup Cocoa or Cacao Powder (30g)
- 2-3 tbsp Liquid Sweetener
- ¼ cup Nondairy Milk or Water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tin with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine apple sauce, nondairy yogurt, liquid sweetener, and peanut butter. Whisk until smooth.
- Add oat flour, almond meal, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture; stir until fully combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for about 20 minutes.
- Let the cake cool on a wire rack before adding the chocolate topping made by whisking together cocoa powder, liquid sweetener, and nondairy milk.
- Swirl in additional peanut butter if desired before chilling in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Slice into bars using a hot knife and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
