This recipe provides instructions for making Healthy Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt Breakfast Blondies, a nutritious and delicious way to start your day or enjoy a guilt-free snack. These blondies offer a soft, slightly chewy texture and a rich peanut butter flavor, enhanced by the tanginess of Greek yogurt and the natural sweetness of maple syrup. Unlike traditional blondies that are often high in butter and sugar, this healthier version incorporates Greek yogurt to add moisture and protein while reducing the need for excessive fats. They are also naturally gluten-free if you use oat flour, making them a versatile treat for various dietary needs. The addition of a chocolate chip on top adds a touch of indulgence without significantly increasing the sugar content. These blondies are quick to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making them a convenient option for busy mornings or healthy meal prepping.
The base of these healthy breakfast blondies is a simple mixture of creamy peanut butter, which provides the dominant flavor and healthy fats, and Greek yogurt, which adds moisture, protein, and a subtle tanginess that balances the richness of the peanut butter. Maple syrup is used as a natural sweetener, lending a warm, caramel-like note that complements the peanut butter. Eggs are included to bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the blondies. The recipe typically uses oat flour as a gluten-free alternative to all-purpose flour, contributing a slightly nutty flavor and a soft texture. Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, giving the blondies a bit of a lift. A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. Vanilla extract adds a touch of warmth and complexity.
The preparation involves whisking together the wet ingredients (Greek yogurt, peanut butter, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract) until smooth. In a separate bowl, the dry ingredients (oat flour, baking soda, salt) are whisked together. The dry ingredients are then gradually added to the wet ingredients and mixed until just combined. It’s important not to overmix to keep the blondies tender. The batter is then spread evenly into a lined baking pan.
For a touch of visual appeal and extra flavor, a chocolate chip is often placed on top of each blondie before baking. The blondies are then baked in a preheated oven until they are golden brown around the edges and set in the center. The baking time will vary depending on the thickness of the batter and your oven.
Once baked, the blondies are allowed to cool in the pan before being cut into squares. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for longer storage. These Healthy Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt Breakfast Blondies are a satisfying and nutritious way to enjoy a sweet treat without the guilt. They are packed with protein and healthy fats, making them a great option for breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a healthy dessert. The image shows a wooden cutting board lined with parchment paper, on which several square blondies are arranged. The blondies have a light brown, slightly textured surface and each is topped with a single dark chocolate chip. The text below lists the ingredients: Greek yogurt, peanut butter, and maple syrup.
The texture of Healthy Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt Breakfast Blondies is soft and slightly chewy, with a tender crumb. The Greek yogurt contributes to a moistness that prevents them from being dry, while the peanut butter adds a bit of density. The chocolate chip on top is smooth and melts in your mouth.
The flavor profile is predominantly nutty and sweet, with a rich peanut butter taste balanced by the subtle tanginess of Greek yogurt and the warm sweetness of maple syrup. The vanilla extract adds a hint of aromatic complexity, and the chocolate chip provides a burst of sweet, slightly bitter chocolate.
Healthy Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt Breakfast Blondies are a nutritious, gluten-free (if using oat flour) treat made with Greek yogurt, peanut butter, maple syrup, and oat flour, often topped with a chocolate chip. They offer a healthier alternative to traditional blondies, higher in protein and lower in refined sugars.
The preparation involves whisking together Greek yogurt, peanut butter, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla, mixing in oat flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined, spreading in a pan, topping with chocolate chips, baking until golden brown, and then cooling and cutting into squares.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter (natural, unsweetened preferred)
- ¼ cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups oat flour (certified gluten-free if needed)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Chocolate chips (optional, for topping)
Equipment:
- Medium mixing bowls (2)
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- 8×8 inch square baking pan
- Parchment paper (for lining)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, peanut butter, maple syrup (or honey), egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the oat flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. The batter will be thick.
- Spread in Pan: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): If desired, sprinkle a few chocolate chips evenly over the top of the batter, or place a single chocolate chip in the center of each blondie square after cutting (if you prefer to cut before they fully cool).
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs attached. The baking time may vary depending on your oven.
- Cool and Cut: Let the blondies cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut them into squares.
- Store: Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips and Variations:
- Flour Alternatives: While oat flour is used in this recipe for a gluten-free option, you can also use all-purpose flour or almond flour. If using almond flour, you might need to adjust the liquid slightly as it absorbs moisture differently.
- Nut Butter Variations: Feel free to experiment with other nut butters like almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for different flavor profiles.
- Sweetener Options: You can adjust the amount of maple syrup or honey to your desired level of sweetness. Other liquid sweeteners like agave nectar might also work.
- Add-Ins: Consider adding chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: You can use dark chocolate chips, mini chocolate chips, or even cacao nibs.
- Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm, comforting flavor.
- Vegan Option: To make these blondies vegan, you can try using a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken) as an egg substitute.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy these blondies on their own, with a glass of milk or yogurt, or as a healthy dessert.
Enjoy these wholesome and delicious Healthy Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt Breakfast Blondies! They are a satisfying treat that you can feel good about eating.