Craving a dessert that's both decadent and nutritious? Prepare to have your mind blown by these incredible Peanut Butter Chocolate Chickpea Bars - a revolutionary recipe that transforms humble chickpeas into a mind-blowing chocolate sensation! These bars are not just a treat; they're a game-changing snack that proves healthy eating can be absolutely delicious. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, a health-conscious foodie, or simply someone who loves chocolate, these bars will become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- In a food processor, add the drained and rinsed chickpeas. Pulse until the chickpeas are smooth and free of lumps, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Once the chickpeas are smooth, add the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt to the food processor. Blend the mixture until all ingredients are well combined and the texture is creamy.
- Stir in the chocolate chips by hand using a spatula or spoon, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the chickpea mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and press it down firmly to create a compact layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the edges are slightly firm and the top has a slight sheen.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
- After the bars have cooled, cut them into 16 squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred size.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate them for longer shelf life.
- Enjoy your delicious Peanut Butter Chocolate Chickpea Bars as a healthy snack or dessert!
Tips
- Ensure your chickpeas are thoroughly drained and rinsed to prevent excess moisture in the bars.
- Use a food processor to achieve a completely smooth chickpea base - no lumps allowed!
- For extra richness, use natural peanut butter with no added sugar.
- Don't skip the parchment paper - it makes removal and cutting much easier.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to help them set properly.
- For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and texture.
- For best results, chill the bars before serving for a firmer, more cohesive texture.
- Experiment with different nut butters or add-ins like chopped nuts or dried fruit for variety.
- These bars are best consumed within a week and can be refrigerated to extend shelf life.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 140kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
