. Okay...so you might be thinking that's a
different combination?
I mean, people eat apples and peanut butter before workouts though, right? But I'll give it to ya, you don't usually find these two ingredients together in a baked goodie. Or at least I've never stumbled across it...
So thank the good Lord for my September SRC assignment, 365 Days of Baking and Moreby Lynne, for introducing me to one of the most nostalgic [takes me back to school days], addicting bars I've had in quite some time.
But first, let's talk 365. Because I was absolutely giddy the second I saw which blog I was assigned this month. And I'm sure you can guess why?
Out of all of my SRC assignments thus far, I have yet to have one that is also strictly a baking blog. Can you ba-lieve that?! Yes, I've absolutely adored each and every assignment I've had because les' be honest, I've gotten some damngoodrecipes [e.g., Grasshopper Bars, Christmas Cake Truffles, Danish Puff, and more].
But this time, I didn't have to do an inkling of researching to hunt down any baking recipes. Because they were all. right. there. And this time around, I had an extra hard time narrowing down my options because there were just so many treats! Who can resist Pumpkin Biscuits with Cinnamon Honey Butter, Banana Bread French Toast, Chocolate Caramel Macchiato Cake Balls, and Salted Caramel Thumbprints.
And to make matters slightly 'worse', this blog
doeshave some enticing cooking recipes that also got me thinking. Albeit I have no cooking skills, don't Basil Baked Salmon, Baked Ravioli with Bechamel Sauce, and Apple Cheese Chicken sound deee-lish? Yes, yes they do.
But for whatever reason [I'm thinking it was the apple/peanut butter combo], I couldn't pass up the Apple Peanut Butter Bars. Oh yeah, and possibly Lynne's husbands' reaction when he took a chomp out of these bars: "Oh my God, what the hell are these?! These are unbelievable...!"
And that is a direct quote. Check the bottom of Lynne's post ☺
And without even knowing him, I already like Lynne's hubby because he was spot on with this recipe.
The best way [that I can think of] to describe these bars is to compare them to the most chewy peanut butter cookies you've ever had. And in some spots where the tart apple pieces reside, you get an almost fudge-like texture. No joke. And to top it off, a creamy, uber peanut buttery glaze is drenched across the top. I'll be honest, I couldn't get enough of that glaze. And if you have kiddos, these bars will be right up their alley. Throw them in their lunch boxes for school and you've have one happy child. Or keep them at home for your own personal snack. Either or.
Thanks again, Lynne, for a recipe I
completely devouredthoroughly enjoyed and shared with everyone. Happy baking, everyone! .
My Notes:
- Lynne's recipe was adapted from the original by substituting the peanut butter glaze with a pecan topping and also layering the apples rather than incorporating them in pieces. I was being lazy and decided to just stir the apple pieces in and I also didn't have any pecans on hand, so I went with the peanut butter glaze. Either way, you'll love 'em.
Adapted from 365 Days of Baking and More
Apple Peanut Butter Bars:
1/2 c. unsalted butter
2 c. light brown sugar
1/2 c. creamy peanut butter
2 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2-1/2 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced to bite-sized pieces
Peanut Butter Glaze:
1-1/2 c. powdered sugar
1/4 c. milk
1/4 c. creamy peanut butter
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- Heat oven to 350°F. Grease a 13x9-inch baking pan with cooking spray; set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter until creamy. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, one at a time, to the peanut butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Add vanillaextract and stir to combine. Pour the mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until batter is smooth. Fold in apple pieces.
- Transfer batter to prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake 30 minutes or until edges are slightly browned. Remove pan from oven and set aside to cool.
- For peanut butter glaze, combine powdered sugar, milk, peanut butter, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl and whisk until smooth. Drizzle or evenly spread the glaze across the top of the bars. Cut and serve.
Yield: 2 dozen bars
FAQs
Some researchers and food experts recommend a Gala apple for pairing with peanut butter because of its sweetness. But also, Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples are tart varieties best for dipping peanut butter.
Can I eat apples and peanut butter for breakfast? ›
There is nothing better than apple and peanut butter. While most would consider this a snack in my opinion apples and any nut butter make a great breakfast. Lately I've been into cashew butter but whatever nut butter you choose would be fine.
What to eat with apples? ›
9 Things to Pair with an Apple
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese.
- Almond Butter + Orange Marmalade.
- Plain Yogurt + Honey + Cinnamon.
- Cream Cheese + Sweet Pickle Relish.
- Ricotta + Lemon Zest + Chopped Pistachios.
- Balsamic Vinegar + Brown Sugar + Ground Pepper.
- Berry Vinaigrette + Walnuts.
- Arugula + Bacon.
You can use peanut butter by simply spread it on bread and eat. You can also use it to make various milkshakes, cupcakes, cookies, ice creams, jellies, and desserts. Some people just eat a spoonful of peanut butter. You can also dip regular biscuits in peanut butter to twist them, for a change of taste.
Is it okay to eat apple with peanut butter everyday? ›
The quantity of peanut butter and apples you should eat depends entirely on your body's unique nutrient and calorie needs. Although this combo is a very healthy snack option, it's important to maintain balance by eating a variety of different foods from each food group.
Is it healthy to eat apples and peanut butter everyday? ›
Interestingly, both apple and peanut butter are great for health. Right from reducing inflammation to managing blood sugar levels to improving heart health as well as digestive health to managing weight in a sustainable way, this unique combination is a great thing to go for!
Will apple and peanut butter spike blood sugar? ›
The fibre in apples is a gel-like substance that slows down the digestion of food. Your body breaks down protein and fat more slowly when you eat peanut butter. Thus, controlling your sugar levels in both cases. Hence, eating the two together balances blood glucose levels more effectively than either food alone.
Are apples and peanut butter a good weight loss snack? ›
The combination of apple and peanut butter works effectively for weight loss due to the balance of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. This balance helps in regulating blood sugar levels and provides a prolonged feeling of fullness, reducing the likelihood of overeating.
Are apples with peanut butter healthy or unhealthy? ›
Apples with peanut butter are an ideal snack because they provide a good mix of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. When hunger strikes between meals, it's time to grab a snack.
What should you not mix with apples? ›
Try not to mix acidic fruits, such as grapefruits and strawberries, or sub-acidic foods such as apples, pomegranates and peaches, with sweet fruits, such as bananas and raisins for a better digestion. However, you can mix acidic with sub-acidic fruits. For a similar reason, you should not mix guavas and bananas.
Yes, apples are a fantastic addition to your dog's diet. They provide vitamin A, vitamin C and dietary fibre. They also provide a way to keep your dog's teeth clean and can help freshen their breath. But before you feed apples to your dog, always remove the core and the seeds.
How many apples is 2 cups? ›
How do I convert whole apples to cups? It's easy! Just remember: 2 to 2 1/2 cups chopped or sliced apples are equivalent to 3 medium apples, or about 1 pound.
Should peanut butter be refrigerated? ›
According to The National Peanut Board, an unopened jar of peanut butter can last six to nine months at room temperature. Once opened, they say that it can last two to three months in the pantry before you should move it to the fridge, where it can maintain quality for another three to four months.
What does peanut butter do to your body on an empty stomach? ›
Eating peanut butter on an empty stomach before breakfast can have some benefits: 1. Satiety: Peanut butter is rich in protein and healthy fats, which can help you feel fuller for longer, potentially reducing overeating later in the day.
What does eating a spoon of peanut butter do? ›
However, if you're trying to gain weight, build muscle, boost metabolism, or improve sleep quality, snacking on a spoonful of peanut butter can be a good choice, as it supplies key nutrients like protein, vitamins, minerals, heart-healthy fats, and tryptophan.
What fruit tastes best with peanut butter? ›
A classic pairing like apple or banana slices and peanut butter are a safe bet and will leave your sweet tooth satisfied without any guilt. You can also think outside the box and try other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, pears, peaches, or raspberries.
Are Red Delicious apples good with peanut butter? ›
Apple with Peanut Butter is a great snack. It's both filling and highly nutritious. It's also great before your workout for a little extra energy boost.
Are Fuji apples good with peanut butter? ›
Best Types of Apples to Use
I used fuji this time, but below are some of my favorites that would all work well for apples with spicy peanut butter: Fuji – One of my favorite apples to eat plain.
