Cacao Butter Peanut Butter Bars (Cacao Butter Recipes)

Looking for cacao butter recipes? This recipe for cacao butter peanut butter bars combines creamy peanut butter, raw cacao butter, and natural sweeteners to create a decadent, gluten-free, and Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD)-friendly treat.

These bars are simple to make, using just a handful of ingredients, and they’re sure to satisfy your sweet cravings without refined sugars or additives. With natural ingredients and a short baking time, these bars are perfect for anyone looking for a healthier dessert option.

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Ingredients

3/4 cup raw cacao butter, melted
1 cup peanut butter (use natural, no-sugar-added peanut butter for the best results)
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 13×9-inch glass baking pan. There’s no need to grease it since the peanut butter and cacao butter provide enough natural oils.

Melt the Cacao Butter

Place 3/4 cup of cacao butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1 minute, then stir. Repeat in 30-second intervals until fully melted. This should take about 2–3 minutes, depending on your microwave’s strength. Be careful to avoid overheating, as cacao butter melts quickly.

Combine the Peanut Butter & Cacao Butter

In a mixing bowl, pour the melted cacao butter over 1 cup of peanut butter. The heat from the cacao butter will help soften the peanut butter, making it easier to blend. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

Add Bananas and Sweetener

Add 2 mashed bananas and 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup to the mixture. Stir thoroughly to incorporate the ingredients.

Mix in Vanilla, Eggs, and Baking Soda

Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 2 room-temperature eggs, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined, creating a smooth batter.

Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 20 minutes. The bars are ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing them. These bars are deliciously moist and chewy, with a perfect balance of cacao butter richness and natural sweetness from honey and bananas.

Tips for Perfect Cacao Butter Peanut Butter Bars

• Choosing Cacao Butter: Use raw cacao butter for the best flavor. Cacao butter adds a mild chocolatey richness without the need for cocoa powder or chocolate chips.
• Sweeteners: While honey is used in this recipe for an SCD-friendly version, you can also substitute with maple syrup or coconut sugar for a unique flavor twist.
• Customizing the Recipe: For added texture, try mixing in cacao nibs or a small amount of unsweetened cocoa powder. You could also use coconut oil alongside cacao butter for a more delicate, soft texture.
• Storage: These bars store well in the refrigerator for up to a week or can be frozen for longer. Enjoy them cold for a firmer texture or at room temperature for a softer bite.

Why Cacao Butter Is a Great Addition to Gluten-Free, SCD Desserts

Cacao butter is a versatile, naturally derived fat that adds a rich depth to baked goods. Unlike conventional butter or oils, raw cacao butter has a subtle chocolatey taste that complements peanut butter, bananas, and other whole-food ingredients. Additionally, cacao butter is rich in antioxidants, making it a great choice for vegan chocolate recipes and other chocolate chip cookie alternatives.

Using cacao butter instead of milk powder or milk chocolate keeps this recipe dairy-free and suitable for those with dietary restrictions, including those following gluten-free and SCD guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is cacao butter, and how does it differ from cocoa butter?

Cacao butter is made from raw cacao beans, whereas cocoa butter is processed at higher temperatures. Both add a creamy, mild chocolate flavor but raw cacao butter preserves more nutrients, making it ideal for those looking for a minimally processed ingredient.

What is the best way to melt cacao butter?

The best way to melt cacao butter is over very low heat. Since cacao butter has a low melting point, it melts easily without much heat. To prepare it for recipes, finely chop the cacao butter with a sharp knife, then place it in a small pan on the lowest heat setting. Stir gently to avoid overheating.

What’s the difference between cocoa butter and cacao butter?

The main difference lies in the processing: cacao butter is generally raw, while cocoa butter is typically processed at high temperatures, which removes its raw status. This is similar to how cacao powder and cocoa powder differ in terms of processing. Since these names aren’t strictly regulated, some companies may label processed cocoa butter as cacao butter, so it’s best to check the product details if raw is preferred.

Do you refrigerate cacao butter?

Cacao butter will naturally re-solidify at room temperature, but if you need it to harden more quickly, you can place it in the refrigerator or freezer. It can be transformed back and forth between liquid and solid forms as often as needed without losing its quality.

Can you eat cacao butter straight?

Yes, cacao butter is completely edible in its raw form. It can be enjoyed as a crunchy topping or even used in baked goods to add a rich, creamy texture to desserts or breads. While it’s often melted for recipes, it’s also a tasty addition in its solid form.

Is cacao butter SCD legal?

Cacao butter is permitted on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), unlike chocolate. Its rich and creamy texture is similar to chocolate, making it an excellent substitute without added sugars or other restricted ingredients. Be sure to blend thoroughly to keep the texture smooth and consistent in recipes. Baking with cocoa butter is perfect for SCD desserts, if you are looking for more recipes using cacao butter, try this cacao butter ice cream recipe.

Are cacao butter recipes good for keto?

Yes, cacao butter recipes can be keto-friendly. With 14 grams of fat per tablespoon and no carbs or protein, cacao butter recipes can be incorporated into a keto diet as an ideal source of fat. Cacao butter is also free from hidden sugars, making it a great choice for maintaining ketosis without disrupting blood sugar levels.

More Specific Carbohydrate Diet Recipes

• Paleo Blueberry Muffins – Gluten Free & SCD Desserts or Breakfast
• Cashew Bread – Grain Free, Gluten Free, SCD, Paleo
• SCD Deep Dish Pizza Recipe (Gluten-Free SCD Pizza)
• Paleo Banana Cream Pie (SCD, Gluten Free)
• 3 Ingredient Coconut Milk Ice Cream