Decadent Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Bars: Your New Favorite Indulgence
The search for truly exceptional gluten-free baked goods can often feel like an endless journey, frequently fraught with hit-or-miss results. Many gluten-free flours tend to yield creations that are either disappointingly dry, crumbly, or possess an unusual texture, leaving bakers yearning for the familiar consistency and mouthfeel of treats made with traditional flour. However, that arduous quest for perfection can finally conclude when you discover a truly remarkable gluten-free flour blend. For us, that moment of revelation arrived with a particular brand, whose versatility, consistent performance, and superior taste have utterly transformed our baking experience. Although our household isn’t strictly gluten-free, the rapidly dwindling supply of this amazing flour is a clear indication that a repurchase is not just desired, but imminent. It has proven its worth in countless recipes, and its stellar performance in these incredible Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Bars is nothing short of perfection. These aren’t merely “good for gluten-free” bars; they are genuinely delicious, satisfyingly rich, and packed with a robust flavor that appeals to everyone, regardless of their dietary preferences or whether they follow a gluten-free diet.
This delectable recipe draws its primary inspiration from a cherished classic: our Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Brownies, a recipe that has graced our kitchen with its presence and delightful aromas for many years. The original version, beloved for its irresistibly fudgy texture and intense chocolate-peanut butter flavor, was, of course, crafted with conventional all-purpose flour. So, if gluten-free isn’t a requirement for you, or if you simply prefer the familiarity of using regular flour, you can certainly refer back to that foundational recipe. However, this gluten-free adaptation is far more than a simple flour swap; it’s a thoughtfully reimagined creation, meticulously adjusted to ensure optimal results without gluten. We made several strategic alterations to perfect these bars in their new, gluten-free form.
Firstly, we decided to halve the original recipe, making it much more manageable for a smaller batch while ensuring optimal baking results in an 8-inch square pan. This adjustment means less waste and a quicker path to enjoying freshly baked treats, perfect for a weeknight indulgence or a small gathering. Furthermore, to achieve a richer, more complex flavor profile and an ideal chewy texture that truly stands out, we incorporated a deliberate blend of both granulated sugar and very firmly packed dark brown sugar. Granulated sugar provides a delightful crispness and clean sweetness, while dark brown sugar introduces a deeper, molasses-like note and significantly contributes to the bars’ moistness and signature chew. The final, and perhaps most impactful, modification involved simplifying the topping. Instead of the original ganache, which, while undeniably luxurious, can sometimes be quite rich and heavy, we opted for a simple yet elegant drizzle of melted chocolate. This lighter approach still delivers that essential, irresistible chocolatey finish without overwhelming the robust peanut butter flavor, allowing both elements to shine.
And, of course, the cornerstone of this recipe’s success is the careful selection of the gluten-free flour blend. The specific brand we’ve consistently relied on and highly recommend is Gluten Free King Arthur Multi-Purpose Flour. Its balanced blend of gluten-free ingredients provides the necessary structure and tender crumb, making it an ideal choice for baked goods where texture is paramount. This blend avoids the common pitfalls of gritty texture or excessive gumminess often found in other gluten-free alternatives, ensuring a result that truly rivals its gluten-containing counterparts.
Tips for Achieving Perfect Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Bars
Baking with peanut butter, especially in bar form, comes with its own unique set of nuances. Peanut butter, being naturally dense and rich in fats and proteins, can sometimes lead to baked goods that are prone to dryness if not handled with precision and care. This is particularly true for bars, which typically have a larger surface area exposed during the baking process compared to cookies or cakes. Therefore, two critical factors for ensuring the unparalleled success of these Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Bars are meticulous flour measurement and precise control over the baking time. Mastering these two elements will guarantee bars that are wonderfully moist, delightfully chewy, and bursting with flavor.
Accurate Flour Measurement is Key
One of the most common baking errors, particularly prevalent in gluten-free recipes where the balance of ingredients is more delicate, is over-measuring flour. When measuring flour by volume (i.e., using measuring cups), it’s absolutely crucial to employ the “spoon and level” method rather than simply scooping directly from the flour bag. Scooping can compact the flour significantly, leading to a substantial amount more flour than the recipe actually intends. An excess of flour will almost certainly result in dry, dense, and disappointingly crumbly bars, a far cry from the desired chewy texture.
For the utmost accuracy and consistent results, we strongly advocate for weighing your flour using a digital kitchen scale. The recipe provides the exact weight in ounces (4.2 oz for ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons), which effectively eliminates any guesswork and ensures perfect consistency every single time you bake. Even a small excess of flour can subtly, but significantly, alter the final texture, transforming the bars from moist and chewy to undesirably dense and dry. Pay close attention to this step – it’s a game-changer for gluten-free baking!
Avoid Overbaking for Ultimate Moistness
Overbaking is the arch-nemesis of a perfectly moist and tender bar. It’s important to remember that peanut butter bars, much like brownies, continue to cook slightly even after they are removed from the oven, thanks to residual heat. The key to perfection is to bake them just until the edges are lightly browned and visibly set, while the very center still appears slightly soft or a tiny bit undercooked. When performing the toothpick test, a toothpick inserted into the center should emerge with moist crumbs clinging to it, not wet batter, and certainly not completely clean. A clean toothpick often indicates that the bars are already overbaked and will likely be dry.
For these particular bars, a baking time ranging from 28 to 30 minutes in a preheated 350°F oven is typically sufficient. However, it’s vital to keep a close eye on them, especially during the final few minutes of baking, as oven temperatures can vary considerably. The ultimate goal is to achieve a bar that is wonderfully chewy, delightfully tender, and moist throughout, rather than one that is hard, dry, or excessively crumbly. Trust your judgment and your senses – a delightful, warm aroma filling your kitchen is a good sign, but visual cues and the toothpick test are paramount for ensuring that ideal texture.
Refining the Recipe: Insights from the First Batch
My initial experience baking these Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Bars was remarkably positive, yielding truly delicious results right from the start. Despite being a first-time attempt at this specific gluten-free adaptation, the bars were very good – a true testament to the quality of the King Arthur gluten-free flour blend and the careful adjustments made to the original recipe. The bars emerged from the oven with a lovely texture, a rich and unmistakable peanut butter flavor, and satisfying pockets of melted chocolate that created little bursts of decadence in every bite.
However, as is often the case with recipe development and the pursuit of perfection, there’s always room for fine-tuning, even when the initial outcome is excellent. One thought that lingered after savoring the first batch was the possibility of slightly reducing the flour content. The recipe currently calls for ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons (4.2 oz) of the gluten-free flour. While the bars were undeniably delicious and well-received, a *tad* less flour – perhaps reducing it by just one tablespoon to ¾ cup plus 1 tablespoon – might just push them into an even more ideal state of moistness and chewiness. This subtle tweak aims to achieve a slightly softer, perhaps even fudgier texture, which could further enhance the overall indulgence factor without compromising their structural integrity or making them overly delicate. This continuous refinement is part of the joy and artistry of baking, always striving for that ultimate, perfect bite! I plan to test this adjustment in a future batch and will certainly update the recipe notes with my findings and any improvements discovered along the way.
I will add notes and update if I improve them, but my first batch was very good. I may try using a tad less flour.
Other Gluten-Free Delights You Might Enjoy:
- Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookies
- Gluten Free Brownies (or Not)
- Gluten Free Coconut Sugar Brownies
- Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Favorite Gluten-Free Fudge Brownies
Recipe
Gluten Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Bars
Cookie Madness
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 stick 4 oz unsalted butter, softened
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup very firmly packed dark brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup 4.5 oz peanut butter
- 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk
- ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons 4.2 oz Gluten Free King Arthur Multi-Purpose Flour (maybe reduce to ¾ cup plus 1 tablespoon)
- 4 oz dark chocolate cut into large chunks
Topping: 2 oz dark chocolate chunks mixed with 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8 inch square metal pan with nonstick foil.
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Beat the softened butter and both sugars with an electric mixer until creamy, scraping bowl often.
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Add salt, vanilla and peanut butter and beat until incorporated. Beat in egg, the egg yolk and vanilla.
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Add the gluten-free flour and stir until blended, then stir in the chocolate chunks.
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Spread batter evenly in pan.
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Bake on center rack for 28 to 30 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Let cool completely.
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Melt the chocolate and coconut oil (or butter or shortening if you prefer) together in the microwave by heating at 30 second intervals and stirring. Drizzle over the bars and put in the refrigerator to quick set.
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Lift the bars from the pan and cut into squares. They will get softer and absorb more moisture as they sit, so you may not want to serve them immediately. Store in the freezer or in a tightly closed zipper bag or box.
Notes
Serving, Storage, and Creative Variations for Your Bars
Once these delightful Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Bars have cooled completely and their elegant chocolate drizzle has set to perfection, they are absolutely ready to be enjoyed! These bars are wonderfully versatile, making them a fantastic addition to any dessert spread, a satisfying afternoon snack, or a delightful treat to savor alongside a warm cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of cold milk. Their rich, comforting flavor makes them a truly indulgent experience all on their own.
Optimal Storage for Freshness
To maintain their optimal freshness and delightful texture, proper storage is absolutely key. After cutting them into neat squares, transfer the bars to an airtight container or a tightly sealed zipper bag. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, though in most households, they tend to disappear much faster than that! For extended freshness, especially if you’ve made a larger batch or wish to savor them over a longer period, freezing is an excellent option. To freeze, simply place the cut bars in a single layer on a baking sheet until they are solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few minutes before indulging. Interestingly, many people find that peanut butter bars, much like brownies, often develop an even richer, chewier texture after being frozen and thawed, or even enjoyed slightly chilled straight from the fridge.
Creative Variations to Explore
While this recipe is undeniably perfect as is, it also serves as a fantastic base for your own creative experimentation and customization. Feel free to unleash your inner baker and try some exciting variations:
- **Nutty Boost:** For an added layer of crunch and a deeper flavor dimension, consider stirring in about ½ cup of chopped roasted peanuts, or even other nuts like almonds or pecans, along with the chocolate chunks. The added texture is truly delightful.
- **Chocolate Diversity:** Don’t limit yourself to just dark chocolate! A mix of milk chocolate and dark chocolate chunks, or even sweet white chocolate chips, could offer a deliciously different taste experience. For true peanut butter aficionados, adding peanut butter chips would also be an incredibly fantastic addition, doubling down on that beloved flavor.
- **Spice It Up:** A subtle pinch of cinnamon or a tiny dash of nutmeg could introduce a delightful warmth to the flavor profile, beautifully complementing the rich peanut butter. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preference.
- **Topping Twists:** Instead of a simple chocolate drizzle, you could elevate the cooled bars with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt (which exquisitely enhances both the chocolate and peanut butter flavors), some additional chopped peanuts, or even a delicate dusting of cocoa powder for a sophisticated finish. For a truly decadent experience, a thin, creamy layer of homemade peanut butter frosting could be spread over the cooled bars before the final chocolate drizzle.
These Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Bars are more than just a recipe; they are an invitation to experience the joy of delicious, homemade treats that cater to diverse dietary needs without compromising an ounce on taste, texture, or quality. They beautifully embody the satisfaction of baking and the pleasure of sharing something truly special with loved ones.