Almond Peanut Butter Squares are a glorious no-bake dessert that is peanut-buttery rich and crunchy with whole almonds. This recipe is perfect for anyone with a really sweet tooth who wants a no-fuss, wholesome, and nutty treat. Whether you’re having friends over, throwing together an emergency dessert, or trying to savor something that can be transported, these squares have high flavor and texture. This article intends to unveil the recipe, its health benefits, ideas for serving purposes, ingredient tips, beverage pairings, and more.
Almond Peanut Butter Squares
Equipment
- 1 9-inch square pan Line with foil and butter lightly
- 1 Heavy-bottomed saucepan Grease sides with butter
- 1 Spatula For spreading mixture
- 1 Foil or waxed paper For wrapping squares
- 1 Candy Thermometer optional, for soft-ball stage
Ingredients
- 1 cup 200g Granulated sugar Bright white for best results
- 1/2 cup 170g Honey Organic or minimally processed
- 1/2 cup 120ml Light corn syrup Karo brand recommended
- 1 cup 250g Creamy peanut butter Organic, minimal additives
- 1 tsp 5ml Vanilla extract Pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups 350g Whole unblanched almonds With skins for texture and nutrients
Instructions
- Line a 9-inch square pan with foil, extending over edges. Lightly butter the foil. Set aside.
- Grease the sides of a heavy-bottomed saucepan with a small amount of butter.
- In the saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup honey, and 1/2 cup light corn syrup. Stir over medium heat until boiling and sugar dissolves.
- Stop stirring and boil for 2 minutes (about 235°F, soft-ball stage).
- Remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup creamy peanut butter, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 2 1/2 cups whole unblanched almonds until smooth.
- Quickly pour into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.
- Cool at room temperature for 2–3 hours until fully set.
- Lift foil to remove slab. Cut into 16 squares (4×4 grid). Wrap each in foil or waxed paper, twisting ends.
Notes
Health Benefits
With a high glycaemic index, sugar is the quickest source of energy due to the high carbohydrate content, but it should be eaten moderately to prevent a spike in blood sugar.
- Honey: Natural sweetener and source of antioxidants, it helps soothe a sore throat and improves digestion.
- Light Corn Syrup: Sweetens food while giving a sauce texture and has no nutritional value.
- Peanut Butter: Non-chunky peanut butter that is protein-, E vitamin-, and unsaturated-fat-enriched, peanut butter is heart-healthy and boosts the feeling of satiety — a staple in any healthy peanut butter bar recipe.
- Vanilla Extract: It conveys its flavor and gives an antioxidant-rich form of anti-inflammatory properties.
- Whole Almonds: With the skin are high in fiber, vitamin E, and magnesium, ensuring heart health and blood sugar regulation.
This treat checks all the boxes for a healthy peanut butter bars no bake option that’s still incredibly satisfying.
Tips on Ingredient Selection and Storage
- Sugar: Prioritize bright white granulated sugar for dependable outcomes. Make sure to keep it properly sealed in a cool and dry place to avoid lumping.
- Honey: Choose an organic or minimally processed honey to heighten flavor and nutritional content. It is better stored at room temperature in case crystallization could set in if unrefrigerated.
- Light Corn Syrup: Karo is a good brand; keep it well, in the pantry wherever possible, with no exposure to moisture or heat.
- Peanut Butter: Choose organic peanut butter with no or minimal additives, such as salt. If oil separates, just stir it back in. Keep it either in the pantry or in the fridge/storage room, depending on how fast the jar is being consumed.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is best. Keep it in a dark, cool spot to keep it potent.
- Almonds: Unblanched, unwholesome almonds with the skins add texture and nutrients. To maintain freshness, store them under a cover in the refrigerator or freezer for up to 6 months.
Storage Tips for Squares
Store, wrapped, in the space of an airtight container at room temperature for 2 weeks or in the cooler for a month. For longer storage, put them in the freezer for up to 3 months, and, when needed, let them thaw at room temperature.
Serving Ideas and Variations
These peanut butter bars recipe ideas can elevate your dessert table:
- For Snacking: Perfect for on-the-go calories, and pictured here are perfect for lunchboxes, walks, or road trips.
- Dessert Platter: Serve just the perfect slice of banana candy, a few strawberries dipped in chocolate, and cheese.
- For Party Favors: Box them up with bows and ribbon for something different and fun this year, or pack them in empty tins for appetizers.
- Kid Food: Easy treats for kids… Sitting high on my list are our snacks made from roasted and chopped almond halves (provided they do not have nut allergies).
Variations
- Drizzle chocolate over the top: Once squares have cooled, melt dark chocolate and drizzle over the tops.
- Mixed Nuts: Get a compilation of nuts rather than one variety. Cajun or truffle-crusted almonds would be enjoyable too!
- Spice It Up: For an additional kick of warmth, try 1/4 tsp of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne spice to the peanut butter mix.
- Vegan Option: Keep your pantry stocked with sugar and corn syrup that have been vegan-certified, as some companies use bone char in the process.
This makes it one of the most flexible options for a healthy peanut butter bar recipe that suits all preferences.
Pairings
Pair these sweet, nutty squares with beverages that complement their rich flavors:
- Coffee: A nutty or caramel medium-roast attenuates the peanut butter with almond surges.
- Tea: It is recommended to pair with chai or Earl Grey teas that are hot, spiced contrasted to very sweet.
- Milk: A rich, dense whole milk or pleasant almond milk makes a contrast from the brittleness, letting the creamy feel present.
- Wine: Alternately, Moscato or a late-harvest Riesling matches the nutty golden sweetness.
- Smoothie: A great mate will be the banana-peanut butter smoothie for overall flavor harmonization.
Best Time to Consume
Almond peanut butter bars are a good distraction during the day or a post-workout indulgence because of their good mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbs, providing you with sustained energy from the nuts and peanut butter, while sugar is carb-rich for quick energy as well.
When planning an evening party, they’re ideal choices that you could possibly serve; they are quite easy to serve because of the wrapping and the bars themselves. Eat it early, as the sugar content would interfere with your sleep if taken at night.
Conclusion
The Almond Peanut Butter Squares are such a mix of straight-up basic and divine, all in one. With the best of the nutty bite of each almond crumb, the glaze coatings go soft and velvety, exactly sweet enough to please children of all ages. Since these squares are no-bake, it also becomes doable by the most novice of beginners. The recipe is nothing but pure joy once you start thinking of the range of add-ins.
The beauty of this peanut butter bars recipe easy is that by using top-notch ingredients and following the recommended storage guidelines, you are going to frame these squares at their best.
There’s nothing more beautiful and amazing than treating yourself to a scrumptious treat like these squares on a row while sipping on a hot cup of coffee. This recipe is sure to make anyone feel lavish. Treat yourself to some old-fashioned goodness without all the crap put in any commercial cake-related food.
