I’ll be honest—my sweet tooth has gotten me into trouble more times than I can count.
Back when I had to switch to gluten-free, I thought dessert was going to be a dull, crumbly compromise. Then one day, inspiration struck while my kids were munching on PEBBLES™ cereal.
Why not mix their favorite crunchy snack with my love of peanut butter brownies? Boom. These brownies were born. They’re rich, fudgy, and have just the right amount of crunch to keep things interesting.
Bonus: they’re gluten-free, so I can indulge without the worry.
Tips
- For extra fudginess: Add a tablespoon of brewed coffee to the batter—it enhances the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee.
- For nut-free options: Swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- Make it dairy-free: Use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips.
- Add-ins: Throw in a handful of chopped walnuts, or swirl in some raspberry jam for a PB&J twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these brownies slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of melted peanut butter on top.
They’re also perfect on their own with a glass of cold almond milk.
Now grab your apron—these brownies aren’t going to bake themselves! 🌟
Gluten-Free PEBBLES™ Peanut Butter Crunch Brownies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These gooey, chocolatey brownies are made gluten-free and packed with crunchy PEBBLES™ cereal for a fun and nostalgic twist. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while keeping things wholesome!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (6 oz) gluten-free chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into chunks
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter (natural, no added sugar preferred)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier swap)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup gluten-free PEBBLES™ cereal (e.g., Cocoa or Fruity)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy lifting later.
- Melt and Mix: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butter. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth. Let it cool slightly, then stir in the peanut butter until creamy.
- Whisk the Wet: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and vanilla until pale and frothy—this step is key for those crackly tops!
- Combine the Dry: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Fold It Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix. Gently fold in the PEBBLES™ cereal, keeping a handful aside for topping.
- Pour and Sprinkle: Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved PEBBLES™ cereal on top for that extra crunch.
- Bake: Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Do not overbake—gooey brownies are the goal!
- Cool and Cut: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Slice into 12 squares (or more if you like bite-sized treats).
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to a month.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
