Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Bars
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~ raw, vegan, gluten-free ~
Last night’s creation, Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Bars, was inspired by our dear friends Victor and Sandy. They prepared a fantastic dinner for us, and we brought dessert. With a chocolate creation already rolling around in my head, Sandy emailed me and asked if I could make something chocolaty! How perfectly did that work out?! :)
To me, it is always a good sign when silence falls upon the room when the first bite is taken. I watched Victor’s face to see if I could get a read on him as to if he liked it or not…his complete silence, his innocent concentration on his plate, and the witnessing of him scraping up every last morsel and smudge of frosting off the plate, spoke volumes. No crumb was left behind. I will take that as a compliment.
The bottom layer is vibrant, decadent chocolate, the middle layer is a scrumptious peanut butter layer, and to top them both off, I dressed the brownie with a sinful chocolate frosting!
Ingredients:
Yield: I used a 6×8 pan, but you can change the size by adjusting the layer thicknesses.
Chocolate Brownie Layer:
- 3 cups raw walnuts, soaked & dehydrated
- 16 Medjool dates, pitted
- 2/3 cup raw cacao powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp water
- 1/8 tsp Himalayan pink salt
Peanut Butter Layer:
- 2 cups rolled, gluten-free oats, soaked & dehydrated
- 1 cup oat flour (see below)
- 1 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/2 cup raw agave nectar or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup raw honey or raw coconut nectar
- 1/4 cup raw cold-pressed coconut oil, melted
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp Himalayan pink salt
Chocolate Ganache:
- 3/4 cup raw agave syrup or maple syrup
- 3/4 cup raw cacao powder
- 1/3 cup virgin coconut oil, melted
- 1/8 tsp plus a pinch salt
Preparation:
Chocolate Brownie Layer:
- Place the walnuts and salt in a food processor fitted with the S-blade process until finely ground.
- Add the cocoa powder and process until the powder is incorporated. Then start adding in the dates.
- Add the water and vanilla and process mixture until it begins to stick together. It will create a ball that rolls around in the food processor but be gentle at this point. If you over-process it, the walnuts will release too much oil.
- Line a 6-inch cake pan with a parchment paper to make it easier to remove.
- Pour the chocolate mixture into the pan and distribute it evenly.
- Press down with your hand to compact.
- Place in the freezer while you make the peanut butter layer.
Peanut Butter Layer:
- To make your oat flour, place the raw oats in the food processor and process until it becomes a fine powder.
- Add in the remaining ingredients, except for the coconut oil and blend until well incorporated.
- As the food processor is running, drizzle in the melted coconut oil. You may need to stop a few times and scrape the sides and spread the dough around evenly.
- Remove the chocolate layer from the freezer. Add 1 1/2 cups of this peanut butter batter on top and press firmly with your hand. You can make peanut butter cookies with the leftover batter.
- Place back in the freezer while you make the frosting.
Chocolate Ganache:
- Place all of the ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.
- Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the blender jar with a rubber spatula.
- Take the brownie batter from the freezer and pour it on the frosting. Spread evenly, cover, and chill until ready to serve.
The Institute of Culinary Ingredients™
- To learn more about maple syrup by clicking (here).
- Click (here) for my thoughts on raw agave nectar.
- Raw honey isn’t vegan, but I still use it now and again. Read (here) why I like to.
- Learn about the wonderful characteristics of Raw Coconut Nectar (here).
- Dates are a fantastic ingredient for raw food recipes, click (here) to read why.
- What is raw cacao powder?
- What is Himalayan pink salt, and does it matter? Click (here) to read more about it.
- Is coconut butter the same as coconut oil? Click (here) to find out.
- Are oats gluten-free? Yes, read more about that (here).
- Are oats raw? Yes, they can be found. Click (here) to learn more.
- Do I need to soak and dehydrate oats? Not required but recommended. Click (here) to see why.
© AmieSue.com
Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, No Dehydration Required, Refined Sugar Free, Soy Free
This just looks too wonderful!
These are so delicious!
I am pretty new to raw food, and I made these in my cuisinart mini-processor so I had to break each layer into a couple batches, but it was still a pretty easy recipe. This would be THE recipe to try to convince people that raw desserts are every bit as delicious and rich as regular ones!
Highly recommend.
Thank you Jocelyn for sharing your experience. :) I can’t seem to get enough of the peanut butter layer myself …. but then there is the chocolate layer…oh dear, I LOVE them both. haha
Oh my gosh! These are heavenly!!! Luckily I have a freezer full of them now to munch on whenever cravings strike, lol! Thanks Amie Sue! Can’t wait to try your other recipes :)
That is so awesome Tiina! I am glad that you are enjoying them. Smart move to freeze some for later snacking. :) Have a blessed weekend! hugs
Just made these! They are chilling in the freezer waiting to serve later, I will keep you posted. SO excited! I am funny I bought the oats then I bought the oat flour. I will return the oat flour or maybe use it for something else!
Oh awesome, please do keep me posted :)
WOW these were AMAZING! Everyone loved them!! :)
Touchdown!!! Does the “happy chocolate peanut butter brownie bar* dance! Trust me, I have one. lol Thanks for letting us know Dana! Many blessings, amie sue
omg i was looking for the calories in the brownies and magically came upon this site and spotted your name! the brownies were AMAZING!
Magic! I love magic! :) They are amazing, I agree! Thank you for stopping in. Many blessings, amie sue
I love these bars! They are so very delicious. I’ve actually posted an adapted version of these on my blog, if you’re interested in taking a look. Thank you so much for the inspiration! :)
http://thefloursack.blogspot.com/2012/08/raw-chocolate-peanut-butter-bars.html
This to date is the most delicious raw dessert I have ever tasted. Incorporating raw into my diet since last year, and finding it hard to find really tasty treats. Thanks so much for this, its a keeper. A little time consuming, but worth the work.
I love that sound of that Michelle! You sound like a peanut butter fan like me. :) I could eat it daily but I don’t. I have to monitor my nut intake closely. I know it isn’t a nut but my body responds to it like other nuts. Thank you for sharing this with me. Have a wonderful weekend! amie sue
Hi Amie-Sue,
Do you have a recipe for cacao almonds.They are very expensive to buy. Looking for another recipe to
try, the one I use didn’t work to well.
Thank you.
Hi Michelle,
I happen to have a recipe call Cherry Relleno (Almond Stuffed Cherries)… you could just omit the cherry part and use the the chocolate base to cover the almonds. :) Have a great evening, amie sue
Omg !!! This is insane. The whole family loves it !! I think i over processed the first step as you said not to do, but was not sure when to stop. I was afraid that it would not stick together. Same day i made your “Fish Tacos” with the Tartar Sauce, and Cole Slaw Salad. What a meal !
Aloha
Goodness Carmen, you have been busy haha. I am thrilled that you are trying the recipes and enjoying them! As you make these recipes over and over you will start to recognize the process more. When making batters like this it is good to stop the machine and give the batter a pinch and see how it is sticking together. Have a blessed day, amie sue
Yes, and today I’m making your Raw Banana Walnut Bread ! I have been taking pictures, can i show you ?
Hi Carmen… of course! You can email me the photos to [email protected]. I would love to see them.:) Have a happy day, amie sue
sue the last page asks for Chocolate Ganache Ingredients: which includes 1/8 tsp plus a pinch salt. 1/8 tsp of what?
Rhonda…It’s Amie Sue, I notice you always call me Sue..no biggie but just letting you know. :) I am not sure I understand what you are asking me… I looked at the recipe and all the ingredients are listed. Please clarify so I can be of help. amie sue
Salt. You said it yourself. It’s 1/8 tsp plus one pinch of SALT.
What are you asking me Kris? Not sure I understand your comment. amie sue
Aime Sue! Wow. I finally got around to making this (with help from the bf). I admit to using organic, but not “freshly” made peanut butter, but that was the only deviation. We are in heaven. I warned him that the end result probably wouldn’t look as good as your pictures did, but in fact, it did! He’s taken home several pieces to share with his mom and other family and it’s been a hit out of the park :)
I’m not even half raw, but I know enough by now to know when I taste a winner, and this is IT! Thank you!
That is wonderful Anastasia! Thank you for trusting the recipe and giving it a try. :) Many blessings! amie sue
I just made these and they are like the most amazing chocolate brownies I have ever had that were raw, Thank You amie-sue and many blessing to you too! :)
ooooh I love it! Thank you Frances for sharing. Those very words tickle me pink. :) Have a terrific day! amie sue
Hi Sue, I love your recipes. In this recipe the oats needs to be soaked and dehydrated also?
Thank you)
Melinda
ps. happy Thanksgiving!
Good evening Melinda… yes indeed! I updated the recipe. It is always best to go through that process on any recipe out there. :) Good call! Happy Thanksgiving to you as well Melinda. Are you making this for your gathering? amie sue
Thank you so much. Cant wait to make it.
Your welcome Meinda… keep me posted if you do. I love hearing how it goes for others. Many blessings, amie sue
O.K. Amie Sue….this is one of the BEST treats I’ve made…like EVER!!! I kid you not, my children and husband were in and out of the freezer to retrieve these morsels from Heaven as often as I would allow (needed to keep some for myself) ;-) That peanut butter filling seriously has me craving it throughout the day. I don’t know why I am still surprised by your recipes? The fact that they are clean ingredients and taste AMAZING has me in a giddy state whenever I eat them (which is so often)! Thank you for all the time you put into these glorious recipes.
Well Audrey, that message just made my night! Thank you so much for sharing this with me. :) Now you have made me hungry. lol Thank you also for all the kind words. I hope that you have a wonderful week and keep in touch. *wonders – do I have any peanut butter made up* lol
These have been made over and over at our house. We love them. Especially with coconut ice cream.
That is just wonderful to hear Sher. So happy that you like them. :) And it sounds wonderful paired with ice cream. Darn you, you are making me hungry. hehe
Hi Amie Sue
I made these several times, they are one of My, and My familys, favourit. ( I think I have forgotten how to spell in english, was that the right spelling? It looks strange to me.)
Anyway, I wrote you a PM on your Facebook page because I could not find your emailadress anywhere.
I just Wanted to show you some pictures from a raw food sweets event I had this last weekend. I made several of your gorgeous recipes and people just loved to taste them.
I feel so grateful towards you because of all the amazing things you share so willingly with all of us out here.
You are a very special person and I wish you all the best and great happines in your life.
Big warm hug from a swedish fan of yours
Good morning Moni.
I would love to see your pictures. I just went through and looked at all my incoming messages on FB and I don’t see one from you, unless you use a different name there. Regardless, you can email me at [email protected]. Thank you for all your kind and generous words. It was a great blessing to wake up to them. Have a glorious day and I look forward in seeing you pictures. :) amie sue
Hi Amie-Sue,
These look incredible! Two questions: 1. Did you use bottled or make raw peanut butter or did you use roasted? I know in the case of peanut butter, roasted can be so much more flavorful, but of course, not raw….and 2. Have you ever tried this recipe with lower glycemic sweeteners than dates and agave…or in that case, would you just suggest a different recipe?
Thanks much,
Mary
Good evening Mary,
Q ~ Did you use bottled or make raw peanut butter or did you use roasted?
A ~ I have used various types of peanut butter with this recipe. I have made my own peanut butter with organic roasted peanuts and also with raw
jungle peanuts. And you are right, they are very different in flavor. It depends on a persons preference. Both work.
Q ~ Have you ever tried this recipe with lower glycemic sweeteners than dates and agave…or in that case, would you just suggest a different recipe?
A ~ No, I haven’t. In the brownie base, the dates are the binder for the brownie, other liquid sweeteners wouldn’t work. As far as the other two
layers, you could use raw coconut nectar or other thick liquid sweeteners. Which one do you like to use?
Have a wonderful evening, amie sue
Good Morning Amie-Sue
I’ve been making these delicious bars for over a year and
Love, Love them.
I have a friend who is vegan, do you have a recommendation to replace the honey in the peanut butter mixture.
Thank you,
Michelle
Hello Michelle,
To use a vegan option, I would use raw coconut nectar because it is closest in viscosity (if you want to keep the recipe raw). Have a great weekend, amie sue
It looks like I didn’t poor slowly enough to emulsify the coconut oil in the peanut butter layer. Now my oil is not mixing in. Any suggestions?
Gosh Amber, I am sorry that I didn’t see this till now! Did you come up with any resolve? amie sue
I saved that batch to test something out later, but I redid a new batch that worked out. And tastes amazing btw! If I did it again I think I’d take out just a tad of the sweetener in the ganache. But seriously one of the best things I’ve ever made…and I’m a pastry chef lol.
As for the bad batch, I’m going to try and use an emulsifier like xanthan gum.
I’ll let you know what happens.
Thank you for the much inspiring and informational site!!! It’s life-changing!
Sorry that the first batch didn’t come together but thankful that you trusted me enough to try it again. I am thrilled that you are enjoying the bars. :) Quite a compliment coming from a pastry chef. hehe
Thank you for the sweet words. Please keep in touch and have a blessed evening, amie sue
HI Amie Sue, If anyone would know the answer to this it would be you. Is there any other oil that would be an appropriate substitute for coconut oil in most recipes? I like coconut oil well enough, but it really does permeate every recipe, making me a bit self-conscious when I cook for others. Often I will create an amazing vegan raw dessert or some dish and invariably the first thing someone says whenever they bite into it is “oh, coconut”. It’s the first flavor people taste. Would any other healthy oil work as a straight substitute in most recipes? Macadamia oil perhaps? I would love your thoughts on this.
Well, I appreciate your confidence. :)
Naturally, it’s purely going to depend on the recipe and what the other flavor profiles are as well as the role of the oil being used. As you know, coconut oil firms up when chilled that is why it is used in many raw recipes. You can purchase refined coconut oil, but it isn’t raw. It won’t have any flavor to it at all though. As you come across recipes here on the site, you can leave a comment on them, asking if there is a replacement and I will do my best to help. I wish there was a black and white answer. :) Have a blessed day, amie sue