A festive twist on the classic brownie, these peanut butter brownie Christmas trees are rich, fudgy, and lightly dusted with powdered sugar to resemble a snowy holiday forest. Perfect for adding a cozy, homemade touch to your seasonal spread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Double the flavor: Fudgy cocoa brownies meet creamy, nutty peanut butter for a deliciously indulgent treat.
• Better-for-you swap: Applesauce and maple syrup reduce refined sugars and fats, without compromising on taste.
• Easy to make and shape: Bake in a single pan and cut into charming triangular “trees”—no cookie cutters required.
• Festive presentation: A simple dusting of powdered sugar (and optional crushed peppermint) creates a whimsical snowy effect, ideal for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ½ cup peanut butter
• ½ cup applesauce
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ⅓ cup pure maple syrup or honey
• ½ cup oat flour
• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325 °F (163 °C). Line an 8×8‑inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the peanut butter, applesauce, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until smooth.
3. Add the cocoa powder, oat flour, salt, and baking soda; mix until just combined.
4. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
6. Bake for 20 minutes.
7. Allow to cool completely in the pan—this ensures firmness.
8. Once cooled, cut the brownies into triangular “tree” shapes.
9. Generously dust with powdered sugar to mimic snow. Optionally, top with crushed peppermint or edible glitter for extra holiday flair.

Servings and timing

• Yield: Approximately 9–12 tree-shaped brownies, depending on cut size.
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Bake time: 20 minutes
• Cooling time: 30–40 minutes

Variations

• Nut allergy? Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
• Gluten-free: Substitute oat flour with certified gluten-free flour blend.
• Spiced version: Add ½ tsp cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for a festive twist.
• Nutty crunch: Sprinkle chopped peanuts or chopped walnuts over the batter before baking.

Storage/reheating

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 7 days; bring to room temperature before serving for optimal texture.
• Freezer: Individually wrap trees in plastic wrap and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or for an hour at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular flour instead of oat flour?

Yes. Substitute with all-purpose flour using a 1:1 ratio. For a softer texture, consider adding an extra 1–2 tablespoons of applesauce.

2. My brownies are too dry. What happened?

Likely overbaked or apple­sauce amount was low. Reduce bake time by 2–3 minutes and ensure you measure applesauce accurately.

3. How do I cut perfect tree shapes?

Use a parchment triangle as a guide or lightly score the cooled brownies before cutting with a sharp knife.

4. Can I skip the applesauce?

You can, but it helps keep the brownies moist. If omitted, substitute with an equal amount of mashed banana or yogurt.

5. Are these suitable for freezing?

Yes. Freeze individual trees in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.

6. Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?

Absolutely—honey adds a slightly different sweetness but works well in the recipe.

7. Is the salt necessary?

Yes. Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate and peanut butter flavor.

8. Can I make mini bite‑sized versions?

Yes. Cut into smaller triangles or use a mini muffin tin for convenient serving bites.

9. Are these vegan?

Only if using a vegan-certified peanut butter and replacing honey with maple syrup. Omit chocolate chips or use vegan-friendly versions.

10. How do I prevent the chocolate chips from sinking?

Gently fold them in at the end and avoid overmixing. You can also press a few onto the top after spreading the batter in the pan.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Brownie Christmas Trees offer the perfect blend of festive charm and holiday flavor. With fudgy texture, luscious peanut butter notes, and snowy presentation, they make a delightful addition to any celebration. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings or gifting to friends, these treats are sure to bring smiles and seasonal cheer.

Print