Gluten Free Vegan Blondies Recipe

Picture this: the warm, nutty aroma of peanut butter mingling with melted dark chocolate fills your kitchen, wrapping you in a cozy hug. You slice into a golden, chewy blondie, the tender crumb giving way to rich pockets of chocolate that dance on your tongue. This Gluten Free Vegan Blondies Recipe is like a little slice of heaven that’s surprisingly easy to whip up—perfect for when you want a show-stopping dessert without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Gluten Free Vegan Blondies Recipe

• Ready in about 1 hour and 15 minutes: From mixing to baking, it fits perfectly into your busy schedule without sacrificing taste or texture.
• Uses simple, wholesome ingredients: Just pantry staples like chickpeas, natural peanut butter, and maple syrup come together to create pure bliss.
• Perfect for beginners: No fancy baking skills or equipment needed—just a food processor and a bit of patience.
• Impressive presentation: These blondies look gorgeous with those gooey chocolate chips melting on top, guaranteed to wow your guests.
• Customizable to your liking: Easily swap ingredients to fit your pantry or dietary needs while keeping the decadent flavors intact.

Why This Gluten Free Vegan Blondies Recipe Works

The magic behind this Gluten Free Vegan Blondies Recipe starts with chickpeas, which add a velvety, moist texture without any flour at all, creating a tender base that’s naturally gluten free. The natural chunkiness of the peanut butter brings a wonderful depth of flavor and richness, while the maple syrup lends just the right amount of sweetness and chewiness. Baking powder and soda ensure a subtle rise, giving you that perfect bite—tender but firm enough to hold together. Finally, folding in dark chocolate chips, and sprinkling some on top, creates pockets of bittersweet surprise that contrast beautifully with the smooth batter.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet come together in a way that’s both wholesome and indulgent. Each one plays a key role in making these blondies unforgettable.

• 15 oz. can garbanzo beans/chickpeas (drained): The secret base that adds moisture and structure without flour.
• ½ cup natural chunky peanut butter: Adds richness, nuttiness, and delightful texture.
• ¾ cup maple syrup: Provides natural sweetness and helps achieve that tender chew.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a sweet aromatic touch.
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder: Gives just enough lift for a light, yet chewy blondie.
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda: Works with baking powder to create a perfect crumb.
• ¾ cup dark chocolate chips: Melts into luscious, gooey pockets throughout the blondie.
• Pinch of sea salt: Balances sweetness and highlights the peanut butter flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

• Chickpeas: Cannellini beans or white kidney beans can be used for a milder flavor.
• Peanut butter: Almond or cashew butter work well if you’re avoiding peanuts.
• Maple syrup: Agave nectar or brown rice syrup can substitute, but maple syrup adds the best flavor complexity.
• Dark chocolate chips: Use dairy-free semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped vegan chocolate bars.

How to Make Gluten Free Vegan Blondies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides—this will help you lift out the blondies easily later on.

💡 Pro Tip: Grease the parchment lightly with a bit of coconut oil to ensure the blondies release perfectly.

Step 2: Blend the Batter

Into your food processor or high-speed blender, add the drained chickpeas, peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of sea salt. Process everything until the mixture is smooth and creamy, similar in texture to hummus. This smoothness is key to the perfect blondie texture.

💡 Pro Tip: Stop to scrape down the sides once or twice for an even blend.

Step 3: Stir in Chocolate Chips

Transfer your batter to a bowl and fold in ½ cup of the dark chocolate chips, distributing them evenly through the mix. The remaining chocolate chips will be sprinkled on top later for that dazzling melty finish.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a spatula to fold gently—overmixing can make the batter dense.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips evenly over the surface, gently pressing them in. Bake for about 60 minutes, but keep an eye out—your oven may vary. The blondies are done when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean and the edges are lightly golden brown.

💡 Pro Tip: If the edges brown too quickly, tent the pan with foil partway through baking.

Step 5: Cool and Set

Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then use the parchment overhang to lift them out onto a wire rack. Let them cool completely—about an hour—so the texture sets and makes slicing easier.

💡 Pro Tip: Resist the urge to cut too soon; warm blondies may fall apart.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Once fully cooled, slice into 16 squares or your preferred size. The rich, chewy texture and the swirls of melted chocolate will make them impossible to resist.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts for neat squares.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

• Over-draining chickpeas: Removing too much moisture can dry out the batter—aim for well-drained but not bone dry.
• Not lining the pan properly: This leads to blondies sticking and breaking when removed.
• Skipping the cooling step: Cutting hot blondies can cause them to crumble.
• Using sweetened peanut butter: Extra sugar can throw off the balance and make the blondies too sweet.
• Underbaking: Results in a gooey center that doesn’t hold together.
• Overbaking: Creates dry and crumbly blondies.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered this classic Gluten Free Vegan Blondies Recipe, here are some fun twists to experiment with:

Nutty Delight

Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a satisfying crunch and extra depth of flavor.

Caramel Swirl

Drizzle vegan caramel sauce over the batter before baking, swirling it gently for a luscious finish.

Coconut Bliss

Sprinkle shredded unsweetened coconut on top with the chocolate chips for a tropical touch.

Mocha Madness

Add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor with a subtle coffee note.

Berry Burst

Fold in fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries for a vibrant fruity contrast to the rich blondie base.

How to Serve Gluten Free Vegan Blondies Recipe

Garnishes

Top with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted vegan chocolate, or a sprinkle of crushed nuts to elevate presentation and texture.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a scoop of your favorite vegan ice cream or with fresh berries and coconut whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut into bite-sized squares and serve on a decorative platter for parties, or layer pieces between parchment paper in a jar for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay moist and flavorful—perfect for quick grab-and-go treats.

Freezing

Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Warm blondies gently in a microwave for about 15 seconds or reheat in a low oven (300°F) for 5-7 minutes to revive that fresh-baked warmth.

FAQs

Are these blondies really gluten free and vegan?

Yes! Using chickpeas instead of flour makes them naturally gluten free, and no animal products are involved making them fully vegan-friendly.

Can I use canned chickpeas that aren’t organic?

Absolutely. Just be sure to drain and rinse them well to remove excess sodium and preserve the best flavor.

Why use chunky peanut butter instead of smooth?

The chunks add delightful texture that complements the chewy blondie base perfectly.

Can I substitute the maple syrup with other sweeteners?

Yes, though maple syrup offers a unique flavor. Agave or brown rice syrup are suitable alternatives if needed.

What’s the best way to store these blondies?

Keep them covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

How do I know when the blondies are done baking?

Look for golden edges and a toothpick inserted in the center coming out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.

Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?

Yes! Just blend in batches if needed, and scrape down the sides often to get the smoothest batter.

Are these blondies healthy?

They’re a wholesome dessert option made without refined flour or processed sugars, meaning they’re kinder to your body without sacrificing any indulgence.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly something magical about making a dessert that’s simple, wholesome, and utterly delicious. This Gluten Free Vegan Blondies Recipe brings together the comforting flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a way that feels both indulgent and nourishing. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these blondies never fail to impress and satisfy. The blend of textures and flavors will become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.

Have you tried this Gluten Free Vegan Blondies Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 😊

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