Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups Fine Almond Flour
- ¼ cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 3 Tbsp Erythritol/Monk Fruit Sweetener (Granular)
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter (Melted)
- ½ tsp Fine Sea Salt
- 16 oz Full-Fat Cream Cheese (Softened)
- 1 cup Natural Peanut Butter
- ¾ cup Erythritol/Monk Fruit Sweetener (Powdered)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- ¼ cup Heavy Cream / Double Cream (Cold)
- ½ cup Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips
- 1 tsp Coconut Oil
- 2 Tbsp Crushed Peanuts (Optional)
Instructions:
- Line the 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to overhang on two sides to create a 'sling' for easy removal later.
- In a food processor, pulse the almond flour, cocoa powder, granular sweetener, and salt until well combined.
- Pour in the melted butter (or coconut oil) while pulsing until the mixture resembles wet sand and clumps together when pressed.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press the mixture down very firmly and evenly across the bottom using the base of a measuring cup or a flat spatula.
- Place the base in the freezer while preparing the filling (approximately 10 minutes) to help it set quickly.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese until it is smooth and completely lump-free. This takes about 2 minutes on medium speed.
- Add the powdered sweetener, natural peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is fully incorporated and smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Gently drizzle in the cold heavy cream while beating the mixture on medium-low speed. Increase the speed to medium-high and whip for about 30 seconds until the filling lightens slightly in colour and becomes airy.
- Pour the peanut butter filling directly over the chilled chocolate base. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and smooth the top surface.
- Cover the pan loosely with cling film and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or ideally overnight, until the bars are completely firm.
- Just before serving, melt the sugar-free chocolate chips with the coconut oil in a small bowl (using 30-second bursts in the microwave or a double boiler). Stir until glossy and smooth.
- Lift the solidified bars out of the pan using the parchment paper sling. Drizzle the melted chocolate across the top and immediately scatter with crushed peanuts, if using.
- Use a sharp, hot knife (run under hot water and wipe dry) to cut the slab into 10 even squares. Keep stored in the refrigerator.