No, it’s not because I let these bask out in the sun for a few hours after baking (although it is a rather nice day out today). These blondies are “tan” with the addition of a little reduced-fat peanut butter, my secret to cutting the fat instead of using melted butter, but still resulting in a dense, moist bar cookie (I also substitute it for some of the butter in banana breads, too – bananas and PB are a match made in heaven, after all!). The peanut butter adds an extra layer of flavor – slightly nutty and a great variation from the regular, vanilla/butter combination. Of course, I couldn’t resist dropping in a few semisweet chocolate chips in for good measure. You can always add whatever you have on hand for your mix-ins – chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cherries would all be lovely.
And best of all, check out my nutrition facts for these blondies. Not too bad, eh? Oh, and if you bring these to a party or give these as gifts, make sure you let the recipient know that these contain nuts, just in case that someone has a nut allergy!
Tan and Nutty Blondies
makes 16
2 Tbsp reduced-fat peanut butter, heated in the microwave for a few seconds at a time, until runny
1/4 cup canola oil
3/4 cup brown sugar, unpacked
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup ultragrain flour, or all-purpose flour, mixed with 2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Nonstick cooking spray
1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 8 x8 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter and oil with the brown sugar. Add the egg and vanilla extract; stir to blend. Add the flour/cinnamon mixture and stir to combine, then mix in the chocolate chips. Pour the mixture into the baking pan and bake, for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the blondies comes out clean.
Nutrition Facts per serving (1 serving = 1 blondie bar): 124 calories, 5.8 grams fat, 16 grams carbs, 2 grams protein
Great idea with the reduced fat PB. I love that stuff.
BLONDIES!!! You know how much I love them
Never made Blondies, but it does sound delicious.
the PB sounds really good i am gonna try that.
Okay so if you want to see how KS we are- see:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/michaeln/2734665950/in/set-72157606551949165/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/michaeln/2733834447/in/set-72157606551949165/
HAHA
PHI!!!! Seriously, we made the same thing again?!
Elra – they are yummy, and easier to make than a cookie, just whip it up and pour it in a pan, you’re good to go!
Veggiegirl – Yes, I KNOW you love blondies! You are the blondie-making queen, and I thought of you while making these!
Sharon – yep, reduced-fat PB is one of my morning staples too. Slap it on some WW toast and I’m ready for the morning
Cool-I love your nutrition facts
MMMM…Tram: these look so tasty!!!
When I buy peanut butter I always buy reduced fat & without lactose!
photos look awesome… I can almost taste them!
i made this on sat =) ure recipe is so tasty i love the cinn added in there for a kick. miss u
Those look amazing! I’m trying them tonight!
Thanks everyone! Phi, I’m glad you liked them, and Roseyrebecca, I hope you like them too! Thanks for stopping by!
I based a whole post on your recipe. Thanks! They were amazing!!! http://roseyrebecca.wordpress.com/
Those look pretty fab! I might be trying them soon!
I am always looking for low calorie sweet treats to enjoy in the evening. I can only eat so much frozen yogurt. The low cal recipes I normally find are really just a teeny tiny serving, but these seem like the perfect size!