Imagine sinking your teeth into a nostalgic childhood favorite that's been magically transformed into a low-carb, keto-friendly masterpiece! These Keto Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars are not just a dessert – they're a game-changing treat that proves healthy eating doesn't mean sacrificing flavor. With a perfect balance of nutty peanut butter, sweet sugar-free jelly, and a crumbly almond flour base, these bars will satisfy your cravings while keeping you firmly on your keto journey.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Keto
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup erythritol
- 1/4 cup sugar-free jelly
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the edges hang over for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine almond flour, erythritol, and baking powder. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well incorporated and free of any lumps.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add peanut butter and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until a consistent dough forms. The texture should be thick and slightly sticky.
- Press approximately two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a uniform base layer.
- Carefully spread the sugar-free jelly over the base layer, ensuring an even distribution across the entire surface.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the jelly layer, creating a rustic, uneven topping that allows some jelly to peek through.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for at least 30 minutes to allow the bars to set.
- Using the parchment paper edges, lift the entire batch out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board.
- Cut into 12 even bars, ensuring clean, straight edges with a sharp knife.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best texture, let bars sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips
- Ingredient Quality Matters: Use a high-quality, natural peanut butter with no added sugars to keep the recipe truly keto-friendly.
- Mixing Technique: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix gently to avoid overworking the dough, which can make the bars tough.
- Jelly Selection: Choose a sugar-free jelly or jam specifically designed for low-carb diets to maintain the keto profile.
- Even Distribution: Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the jelly and crumble the top layer evenly for consistent texture and flavor.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure they hold their shape and develop the perfect texture.
- Storage Tip: These bars keep best in the refrigerator, but let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to enhance their flavor and softness.
- Make Ahead: These bars can be prepared in advance and are perfect for meal prep or quick keto-friendly dessert options throughout the week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 160kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 40mg
