I wasn’t one of the best eater as a toddler. After faculty I’d usually head to the merchandising machine and select zebra desserts or a chocolate sweet bar to chow down on till my abdomen felt not so nice.

My sweet of alternative? PEANUT BUTTER TWIX BARS.

They had been my weak spot. I couldn’t resist the chocolate coating, crunchy shortbread crust and naturally, that deliciously candy peanut butter center. Anybody else?

Now that I’m an grownup, I hardly ever discover myself shopping for sweet bars. In all probability as a result of I’ve discovered higher consuming habits and don’t crave the sweets of my childhood, but in addition as a result of I like to bake at house and create my very own better-for-you variations.

For instance, keep in mind my salted tahini caramel millionaire bars? Or how about these fabulous better for you peanut butter cups? SO GOOD.

At the moment’s recipe is all about my real love for peanut butter twix bars. The recipe relies off of my millionaire bars that you simply all fell in love with, however as a substitute of a tahini caramel center, there’s a peanut butter filling that’s good, thick and completely candy. Oh and naturally, I can’t fail to say that these are each vegan and gluten free too! Can I get a yum?

Do-it-yourself peanut butter twix bars substances

Identical to traditional twix bars, this wholesome, selfmade model has three scrumptious layers: a shortbread layer, a peanut butter layer and a chocolate layer. Right here’s what you’ll have to make them:

• Almond flour: the gluten free shortbread base is made with fantastic blanched almond flour for one of the best texture.
• Coconut oil: you’ll want some coconut oil to offer the bottom a bit moisture and to assist the peanut butter layer agency up properly.
• Maple syrup: we’re naturally sweetening the bars with pure maple syrup.
• Peanut butter: keep in mind to make use of a pure, drippy peanut butter for the “caramel” layer. I really like Wild Friends peanut butter, and you should utilize the code ‘AMBITIOUS15’ for 15% off!
• Chocolate chips: you’ll soften some chocolate chips with a bit coconut oil to create that excellent topping. Be happy to make use of dairy free chocolate chips!
• Baking staples: don’t overlook the vanilla extract and a bit salt. Learn to make your personal vanilla here!

Elective ingredient swaps

I like to recommend sticking with the recipe as carefully as potential so that you’ve got excellent selfmade peanut butter twix bars each time, but when you must swap substances right here’s what I can advocate:

• For the coconut oil: be happy to make use of melted butter or vegan butter as a substitute.
• For the peanut butter: I feel a pure, drippy almond butter or cashew butter would additionally work, however I extremely recommend sticking with peanut butter for one of the best taste. You possibly can even use crunchy peanut butter in case you’d like!

Can I take advantage of common flour?

Sadly, no, I’d not advocate utilizing common flour rather than the almond flour as a result of the feel and taste will probably be a lot totally different.

Easy methods to make wholesome peanut butter twix bars

1. Make the bottom. Begin by mixing all the shortbread cookie base substances collectively and urgent the combination into an 8×8 inch square pan. Bake the bottom till barely golden.
2. Make the peanut butter layer. As soon as your shortbread base is finished baking, combine the substances for the peanut butter layer collectively in a small pot over medium low warmth for about 2 minutes till it’s good and clean.
3. Layer the bars. Pour your peanut butter layer on high of the cooled shortbread cookie layer, after which place it within the fridge to solidify for about Half-hour.
4. Add the chocolate. Whenever you’re about able to take the shortbread + peanut butter layers out of the fridge, soften your chocolate chips with coconut oil in a microwave protected dish. Pour the chocolate over the peanut butter and tilt the pan to ensure it’s evenly coated. Place it again within the fridge for 20 minutes till the chocolate has hardened.
5. Slice & devour. As soon as the chocolate has hardened you’ll be able to lower the bars and revel in!

Assist! The tops of my bars cracked

I’ve had a number of individuals inform me that after they went to slice their peanut butter twix bars the chocolate half cracked in a number of locations. To keep away from this, let the bars sit out for a couple of minutes at room temperature earlier than chopping into them.

Suggestions for excellent peanut butter twix bars

• Use the suitable pan. Make sure to use an 8×8 inch pan with a purpose to get the suitable form and consistency. A bigger pan will make the bars too flat.
• Pack your almond flour. You’ll wish to use packed almond flour (and ensure it’s blanched, fantastic almond flour) similar to you’ll with brown sugar.
• Don’t skip the chilliness time. I do know it’s tempting to place all the layers collectively with out ready on the chilliness time, however you actually do want the peanut butter and chocolate layers to sit back fully in order that the bars maintain collectively effectively.

Easy methods to retailer wholesome twix bars

• To retailer: these wholesome peanut butter twix bars needs to be stored coated within the fridge till you’re able to serve them. They are going to keep good in your fridge for about 1 week.
• To freeze: be happy to maintain them in a freezer-safe container in your freezer for as much as 1 month. When you do maintain them in your freezer, make sure to go away them out on the counter for a couple of minutes earlier than serving in order that they soften up a bit.

Extra brownies and bars you’ll love

Get all of my brownies and bars here!

I hope you like these selfmade, wholesome peanut butter twix bars! When you make them make sure to go away a remark and a ranking so I understand how you preferred them. Get pleasure from, xo! 

Recipe by: Monique Volz // Formidable Kitchen | Images by: Eat Love Eats

This submit was initially revealed on July twenty sixth, 2019, and republished on March eighth, 2023.