Ah, Peanut Butter UBE Bars! These delightful treats combine the nutty goodness of peanut butter with the vibrant sweetness of purple yam. Just thinking about them brings back fond memories of my childhood, where comfort food reigned supreme in my home. It was a simple time, and I remember getting so excited whenever my mom baked sweet treats. The aroma of freshly baked goodies wafting through the house was always a sure-fire way to get the family buzzing!
What makes these bars particularly special is not just their stunning purple hue but also the unique flavor profile that will make your tastebuds dance! I love sharing them at gatherings because they always prompt a “What is that?!” followed by “I need the recipe!” Trust me, once you try these bars, you’ll understand why they’ve become a staple in my dessert rotation!
What’s in Peanut Butter UBE Bars?
Ube (purple yam): The star of the show! Ube adds a sweet, nutty flavor that’s utterly delicious and gives the bars their beautiful purple color. If you’ve never tried ube before, you’re in for a treat!
Creamy peanut butter: It provides a rich, smooth texture and adds that irresistible nutty flavor. I always go for a natural brand without added sugar for a healthier option.
Granulated sugar: It sweetens the bars perfectly and balances the earthiness of the ube.
Brown sugar: This adds moisture and a bit of depth thanks to its molasses content. It’s a must for that chewy texture!
All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of the bars, helping maintain their structure.
Sweetened condensed milk: A secret ingredient that makes these bars ultra-decadent. It adds creaminess and a hint of caramel flavor.
Baking powder: This helps the bars rise, giving them a lovely fluffy texture.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Salt: A little sprinkle helps enhance all the sweet flavors!
Is Peanut Butter UBE Bars Good for You?
Oh, let’s keep it real: these bars are definitely a treat, but there are a few good things going on!
Ube: It’s not only tasty but also a good source of vitamins and antioxidants. Talk about a nutritious upgrade in dessert!
Peanut butter: Offers a dose of healthy fats and protein, which means they’ll keep you fuller longer. Just remember to enjoy in moderation!
Drizzled in sweetened condensed milk, they’re on the sweeter side of life. So, if you’re watching your sugar intake, maybe have just one after dinner or during your next Netflix binge.
Ingredients
– 1 cup ube (purple yam), cooked and mashed
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Yields approximately 12 delicious bars.
How to Make Peanut Butter UBE Bars?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later on.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed ube, peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined—get ready for some heavenly aromas!
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder.
4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want soft, fluffy bars!
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Try not to eat the batter too much… I know it’s tough!
7. Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Once cooled, cut into squares, and voila! Serve them up and watch them disappear!
Sweet Suggestions for Serving
You know I can’t resist a twist on a classic! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even swirl in a little extra peanut butter on top before baking! These bars keep well, too, so store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to a week.
I can’t encourage you enough to give these Peanut Butter UBE Bars a try. They carry the nostalgia of childhood baking while offering something unique and delicious. When you take that first bite, I promise you’ll find yourself smiling, thinking, “This is what happiness tastes like!” Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your experience with me—I can’t wait to hear how yours turned out!
