It’s funny sometimes how things change isn’t it? What isn’t so funny are the changes the female body goes through with the experience of having a baby! One of mine being a newly acquired sweet tooth. I’m having to exercise much more self-control these days. Oh well… it is what it is!!
The thing is though … even before this new sweet tooth showed up, my biggest sweets weakness has always been anything chocolate-peanut butter. My favorite candy bar used to be Reese Cups. Then I discovered Peanut Butter Twix Bars. Yum. But honestly … just give me anything with chocolate peanut butter and I’m a happy camper.
Yeah … it’s the simple things in life!
So when this month’s Secret Recipe Club assignment came, and I began looking at my assigned blog, The Pajama Chef, written by Sarah, and I spotted her Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Blondies, of course I had to check them out. (I did not mention that when I discovered dark chocolate a few years ago, it only makes this combination even better!)
As I began reading about them, I found that not only were they my favorite culinary combination ever, they were a healthy version! Oh … even better! See, I love good food, but good food that is also healthy, I’m all in. Sarah and I must be long lost twin sisters when it comes to this. From her sidebar:
I’m all about healthy, delicious recipes with a side of indulgence!
These blondies meet the criteria, and in fact, I think are the perfect example of this type of recipe. She wrote about them:
The chickpea base may weird some people out, but if you don’t tell ‘em, they probably won’t even know. #totallyserious These blondies are completely delicious though, and are so simple to make that they’re sure to become part of your regular rotation.
Absolutely 100% spot. on!!
My only hesitation with these was that my son cannot have peanuts right now. We don’t keep sweets around at our house and so whenever I do make them, I know he will want to enjoy them too. Really tough call here!!
Then I had a great idea … I would make them after he went to bed! That way I could make something this month just for me and he’d never even know he was missing out.
Wouldn’t you know that didn’t happen as planned? But the good news is that these were so yummy, I am ready to make them again soon … but I can make a batch for him with sunflower butter in place of the peanut butter! This first batch I saw no need to make any adaptations. I did use organic dark chocolate and peanut butter.
Yes … they were that good. I will definitely be making them again, and pretty often. I mean it is not every day that you find a recipe that’s a treat, with your favorite flavors AND that is actually truly healthy!
If you are a big chocolate peanut butter nut like me, you must give these a try!
Are you ready to fall in love? Here you go…
Dark Chocolate Chunk Peanut Butter Blondies
As seen on The Pajama Chef
Note: Mine did not turn out as pretty as Sarah’s. I think I did not push the chocolate chunks down into the batter enough, as described in the recipe instructions.
I will work on my presentation next time around… there will be plenty of times to practice. 
- 1 15-ounce can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup organic peanut butter [or other nut butter]
- ⅓ cup honey [or pure maple syrup or agave nectar for vegan option]
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ⅛ tsp salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 3.5 oz organic dark chocolate bar, chopped or broken into chunks OR ⅓ cup plus 2 tbsp chocolate chips [regular or vegan]
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan with cooking spray or shortening and line with parchment paper.
- Combine all ingredients except chocolate and blend in food processor or blender until smooth. Spread batter evenly over parchment paper in pan and then top with chocolate chunks, pressing in to incorporate.
- Bake for 15-25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean AND edges are just beginning to brown.
- Cool in pan for at least 20 minutes. Slice into bars and keep refrigerated.
More Secret Recipe Club Reveals from Group A
About the Author
Adopted at age 2, grew up in the Charlotte, NC area. Obtained Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Appalachian State University. Loves being a Mom of two and taste-testing Chef John's culinary creations and sharing them with readers.
Peanut Butter and Chocolate are SOOOO My FAVORITE mixture too!! Reeses All the way!! These blondies look amazing!
Ashley Gill recently posted…Lalaloopsy Doll Giveaway
These sound amazing! I’m finding more & more that I prefer a healthier alternative to some of my much loved favorites. I’ll have to check out all the other links too.
It looks fine to me. I love the big chocolate chunks!! I bet it taste delicious!
Marielle Altenor recently posted…Slug Monster
These look so heavenly! I have a gigantic sweet tooth, and am a huge pb/chocolate lover!
Ashley B. recently posted…Autopilot Days.
Oh my goodness these sound delicious and they are more healthy - what’s not to love!! x
Sarah Bailey recently posted…Eye of Horus Goddess Mascara: Review
They sure do look delicious, but I think I’d have to have someone make them for me and not tell me there are beans in it, lol!
Nikki recently posted…Learn Something New with Audiobooks.com! + Giveaway
Pretty sure I could get into that dessert right there. It sure looks mighty tasty.
i’m so glad you tried this recipe! it is so good, right!??! and i’m sorry for taking so long to comment. i read your post on my phone at first and then never made it back. thanks for all your kind words
sarah k @ the pajama chef recently posted…Baked Cauli-Tots [Two Ways]
Oh my goodness Sarah … I’m in LOVE! Is it weird to be in love with food? 😉 lol But I just got back from the grocery store with ingredients for another batch. I will be keeping some of these made probably most of the time!!! Now that I have a healthy option I can make with non-GMO ingredients too … there will rarely ever be other chocolate peanut butter options for me. 😀
I’m an honorary group A member this week, and loving all of the delicious recipes I’m finding. I used to be a big fan of peanut butter cups too, before healthier eating put a stop to enjoying them. What great news to find a healthy version I can make at home!
April @ Angels Homestead recently posted…Coconut Cream Cilantro Lime Dip
I know, right April?! I hope you love them as much as I do. They will for sure become a regular around here!!
I’m a big fan of peanut butter too!
chitchatchomp recently posted…Secret Recipe Club - August !
YUM. These blondies look seriously delicious!!
sara recently posted…SRC: Blueberry-Sour Cream Muffins
I don’t know why I’m so gun shy about trying black bean and chick pea desserts, but geez, I really need to get over my wussie self because these look seriously delicious!
Becca from It’s Yummi! recently posted…Raspberry Almond Low Carb Cheesecake Bites
It’s probably the initial mental “ick”, Becca, when you think about a black beans or chick pea flavor or texture in something like a dessert … I had to “get over that” too to try this recipe. But when I read Sarah’s comments about them I knew I had to definitely let this be the recipe I “got over it”! And I’m so glad I did. Chef John said it made sense to him, the use of chick peas, because they really don’t have much flavor on their own, actually. Black beans, though … I’m not so sure, but after my experience with these I’d be more willing to give one with those a try too!