
Mar 20, 2017
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You know when your body wants something sweet, but you just want none of the guilt? I have those moments all the time, and these Healthy Chocolate Chip Blondies is one of those healthy dessert recipes that comes to the rescue!
Watch how easy these are to make!
How to make healthy no bake desserts
When I think of the foods my body craves, it’s usually salty things like nuts, cheese, olives, hummus… I mean, growing up in Spain that’s what we had for snack regularly, salty things. Like in the afternoons, I’d sit with my grandpa playing cards while shelling peanuts and eating olives.
However, I hate to admit that I’ve developed quite a sweet tooth through recipe development. I try all things, snack on all things, and therefore, eat all things!

I made these blondies for a group of ladies in my boxing class that has so kindly volunteered to be the testers for all my Family KickStart Program recipes and treats. They were all doing their own whole-food 30-day programs so my KickStart recipes were perfect for them!
If you’ve never heard of Family KickStart, it’s a 30-day program created with a Whole Food & Whole-Family approach where the entire family eats real foods together while eliminating processed foods and sugars from their diets. Check out Family KickStart here.
I brought a batch to eat from “a Pinterest recipe that I had to modify because I didn’t have half of the ingredients.” Oh, how familiar this was to my ears since I know that sometimes people change things and they don’t always come out as described. Ha!
Making these is a very simple process. Can you mix ingredients in a bowl with a spoon and then press them down into a container? Seriously, it’s that easy. Check out this video where I show you how to make them.

So, back to the blondies. The following week I brought my first batch to my newly found group of taste testers, and they all agreed they were great! Thrilled with my newly found zero-guilt recipe, I now make them from time to time and keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. They usually don’t last that long since my husband and kids have discovered them as well.
On a final note, I’ve made these with added protein powder, up to ¼ of a cup, for extra nutrition and have been able to reduce the honey in half by removing 1-2 tablespoons of coconut flour.
How do you know it’s going to hold together? When the texture in the bowl has the consistency of playdough, and you pinch it, it holds together. Trial and error I tell you.
Are you a chocolate brownie person or a blondie person?

Healthy Blondies Recipe Substitutions FAQ
There have been many questions regarding this simple recipe about the ingredients and substitutions. Check the answers below if you have any questions regarding substitutions.
Can you use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter?
You can use any nut butter for this recipe. However, nut butters that have a runnier/thinner consistency tend to need more time to set or 1 to 2 teaspoons of additional coconut flour.
Can you use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter?
You can use any nut “butter” for this recipe. However, nut butters that have a runnier/thinner consistency tend to need more time to set or 1 to 2 teaspoons of additional coconut flour.
Can you make these healthy blondies nut-free?
Absolutely! For a nut-free alternative, use sunflower butter, pea butter, soy butter, or sesame butter.
Can you use another flour in place of coconut flour?
Unfortunately no. Coconut flour is not really a “flour” it’s ground and dehydrated coconut meat. It also absorbs 10 times its weight in liquid and it does not perform like any other “flour.”
This recipe only works with coconut flour.

Can you freeze this recipe?
I’ve always found that freezing coconut flour goods changed the texture so I would not recommend freezing these healthy blondies bars.
The good news is that they last in the fridge for up to a week and the recipe doesn’t yield enough for an army so you probably won’t have many leftovers to freeze anyway!
Can I omit the chocolate chips?
This recipe can certainly be made chocolate-free for a plain blondie. You could also add chopped raisins, dried fruit, or chopped nuts in the same amount as the chocolate chips.
Is there a good replacement for bananas?
If you don’t like bananas or don’t have any ripe bananas on hand, try mashed pumpkin instead. The pumpkin texture is “wetter” so you’ll need to add 1 to 2 teaspoons of additional coconut flour.

No Bake Healthy Chocolate Chip Blondies
Ingredients
- ½ cup mashed banana
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- ⅔ cup coconut flour sifted
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Line an 8×4 loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the banana, add peanut butter, honey, and vanilla. Once the mixture is cohesive and creamy, add in the coconut flour and combine well. The final step is to add in chocolate chips and combine.
- Spread mixture into a lined pan with your hands, pressing down and spreading evenly, to about ½ thick. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours until firm.
- Picking up the parchment paper, remove from pan and cut into individual squares.
- You can wrap them individually or in an airtight container and refrigerate them for a week. They can also be wrapped individually and frozen for up to a month.
Notes
- Make sure to measure the mashed banana since coconut flour is not a very forgiving ingredient.
- You can add up to ¼ cup vanilla protein powder for an extra protein boost (not included in nutrition facts).
Carol Tedesco
Hi Laura , I just discovered your site by accident as I was looking for a recipe for boiled eggs, yours looked the easiest. Thank you. So I also browsed through some of your recipes and I’m so excited to try your No bake Blondies. I need to get the coconut flower first though. I will definitely be using your site for other recipes , oh I also want to try the zucchini chips recipe. I love to cook and bake. My sister has celiac disease so I will be baking som e goodies for her too. I.m also trying to eat lean without processed foods lots of greens and fruit in my diet. Kind regards, Carol Tedesco
Laura Fuentes
Hi Carol! Thank you for checking out my recipes! I hope you find them easy to make and boh you and your sister can enjoy. I definitely recommend these healthy blondies!
Bob
Can I use prunes instead of bananas?
Laura Fuentes
I have not tried these with prunes. Let me know how they turn out! Definitely high fiber!
Aerial
I don’t have any bananas on the counter right now, but I have some over ripe ones in the freezer, will these work?
Thanks!
Laura Fuentes
Yes. you can use the freezer ones but your blondies will look a lot more brown and you’ll need to add a teaspoon or two of additional coconut flour to absorb the liquid moisture from being frozen.
Patricia
Did you use salted or unsalted peanut butter?
Laura Fuentes
probably salted. Either will work!
Allyson
Laura,
Can I use Almond Flour instead of coconut flour?
Laura Fuentes
Unfortunately, no. Almond flour is not a substitute for this recipe with these measurements. You’ll have to modify the amounts in all the other ingredients.
krystal
Do you recommend trying with pumpkin puree instead of mashed bananas?
Laura Fuentes
You can absolutely use pumpkin puree instead!
Intrepid
How did this turn out? I need a substitute for bananas in healthy recipes and I haaaaaaaaaate bananas for some reason.
Mark
Works great with sunflower butter or any other nut butter alternative!
Mark
Going to try this with sunflower butter, since I’m allergic to peanuts. Will reply later once I try it. I will have to mix the sunflower butter a lot though, since the oils tend to separate a lot.
Laura Fuentes
Thank you, Mark! It should work out just fine. Keep me posted
Kelsey
Mine have been in the fridge for 4 hours now and they are still extremely soft. I just threw them in the freezer. I did use regular flour as I didn’t have coconut flour. Would this effect that?
Laura Fuentes
Hi Kelsey, unfortunately, traditional flour is not a substitute for coconut flour in this recipe. Coconut flour is 10x more absorbent than regular flour and cannot be substituted without changing the recipe entirely.
Eleanor
Hi, can you taste the coconut in this?
Laura Fuentes
It does have a coconut flavor but it’s not overbearing.
Katie
Hey. I want to try this recipe but don’t have anything to measure the banana in cups. Do you know how much mashed banana I need to add in grams? Thanks!
Laura Fuentes
1/2 cup of mashed banana is approx. 150g of banana. Enjoy!
ezabela khidhir
Does it taste like peanut butter?
Laura Fuentes
Unfortunately, you cannot. Coconut flour is 10x the absorbency of ap gf flour.
Kathie
Can you add walnuts or pecan for some extra crunchiness???
Laura Fuentes
Absolutely!!
Jackie
What are the measurements if you want to add protein powder?
Laura Fuentes
You can add 1/4 cup, max.
Kim
This is such an amazing healthy treat. I can’t wait to make them again.
Jenny
I just made my first batch of these bars. I had my 10 year old granddaughter, who eats gluten-free d/t psoriasis, lick the spoon. She said “YUM”. I also licked the spoon and found that I liked it too! Great recipe!
Laura Fuentes
I’m so glad you liked them, Jenny! Thank you for trying my recipe.
Becca
Is there a sub for banana perhaps pumkin!? Thank you
Laura Fuentes
pumpkin will work for this! you’ll have pumpkin bars instead. Enjoy!
January
My daughter loves these in her lunchbox & I feel great about sending them as a healthier treat!
Anne
Can I use green banana flour instead the coconut flour?
Laura Fuentes
Unfortunately, there is no substitute for coconut flour. Banana flour does not absorb as much liquid as coconut. Sorry! You’ll have to modify the recipe’s liquid measurements.
Sophie
Great recipe concept! I found it made a difference the second time through to use a really ripe banana. I also upped the maple syrup to ⅓ cup instead of ¼ and doubled the mini chips.
Sarah
Hoping to convince my daughter to eat these instead of the cookie dough she keeps making
Laura Fuentes
good luck!
Cristin
Love this recipe! They’re so yummy! When adding the protein powder do you need to remove any of the coconut flour?
Laura Fuentes
When I add the protein powder they turn out a bit more dense but not enough that will make you change the coconut flour amount. I’m so glad you enjoyed them Cristin!
Taysom Garside
I work for my university’s wellness center where we help students learn to eat healthier. I was wondering if if would be okay with you if I used your photo as an example to the students of a healthy treat they can make? We will make sure to give you photo credit and leave the water mark on it so people know it is your photo.
Laura Fuentes
Sure thing. Thanks Taysom!
Michelle
Hello, I made this recipe exactly as it is written and the bars won’t set. Is there anything I can do to salvage them? Any tips would be appreciated. Thank you!!
Laura Fuentes
Michelle, I’m sorry you’re having trouble with the bars. This is a coconut flour issue. Add a little more, that should do it!
sara
Can you substitute oat flour instead of coconut flour? Thanks!
Laura Fuentes
Unfortunately, no. The oat flour does not absorb the 10:1 ratio like coconut flour. sorry! You’d have to add more to the recipe.
Alex K Levine
How many grams of coconut flour is needed? I prefer to weigh ingredients when possible to make sure I have the right amount. Thanks!
Laura Fuentes
80 grams approximately.
Erin
Planning on making these tomorrow . Do I need to have over-ripe bananas? Or will normal, yellow bananas work fine
Stacy Russell
These look so good. I can’t wait to make them. I am always looking for quick no bake snack ideas and we love anything with chocolate chips. 🙂 I found this on Pinterest and it had been saved over 100k times. Figured I better check it out.
Laura Fuentes
Thanks for trying them Stacy!
Alexis
I tried this recipe and it came out kind of bland and chalky, what do you suggest?!
Laura Fuentes
It’s far from bland. were any substitutions made? What brand of coconut flour did you use? and what type of nut butter was used?
LL
I tried this with almond flour and it never formed up. I also wasn’t measuring how much almond flour I was using, though. However, the taste was just fine! I’m just going to use it as a dip!
Laura Fuentes
That is because almond flour is not recommended for this recipe. The recipe uses coconut flour which is essential to absorb the moisture. Glad you were able to use it as a dip! I bet that fruit tasted amazing.
Jess
If I don’t have mashed bananas, what can I use as a substitute?
Thanks!
Laura Fuentes
pumpkin!
Susan
Hey there. My son is allergic to all nuts but this recipe sounds and looks amazing. Could I use soybutter?? I saw the other comments on nutbutter. Soybutter is pretty running though.
Laura Fuentes
Absolutely. Use soy butter for this recipe. There’s also Sesame Butter (Amazon) and I love it. not as runny. Enjoy!
Laura
Tried to make these yesterday but sadly they still haven’t set! Not sure where Iv gone wrong!
Laura Fuentes
were any substitutions made?
laura
No substitutions were made- it still hasn’t set ♀️
Paula Rollo
I am sorry but I really don’t know. I make these bars every week almost and they set every time.
Amy Carnrick
Great idea. Can’t wait to try. Thanks!
Ander
What are the nutrition facts Laura?
Laura Fuentes
Hi Ander, the recipe has been updated to include the nutritional data. Enjoy!
Delia
OOooh! These look both yummy and doable! I will make as directed because they sound so yummy but will also try with sunflower butter because if I could get my daughter to eat them I could send them to day care where no nuts are allowed.
I was happy to see how easy this recipe looks because I saw a different snack bar recipe somewhere else recently and was horrified by the mass quantities of stuff (peanut butter and coconut milk – Whoa! high calorie and fat) for just 18 servings. It sounded delicious but like I should use it to fuel me as I run from coast to coast (haha! if only I would do such a Forrest Gump thing. hint: I would not.) So I was pleasantly surprised to see these as I can easily see myself making these. And I have coconut flour already! yay!
Keep up the good work! (I love your non-dairy, gluten free and vegetarian recipes).
Delia
Laura Fuentes
I hope you enjoy these Delia!
Carmen
How many carbs do these have?
Laura Fuentes
Hi Carmen, you can easily calculate the nutritional information for this recipe on any fitness/nutritional app.
BobbyJoeTheDolphin
What do you do if you don’t have any chocolate chips? I did not plan ahead when making this.
Laura Fuentes
you can make blondies without them, no biggie. add chopped raisins?
Holly
How many calories are in a serving of this? Looks yummy!
Laura Fuentes
Hi Holly, we don’t count calories on our recipes (at the moment) but you can plug it into any calorie counter and you’ll have it!
Melissa
Do you think these would freeze well?
Laura Fuentes
I’ve always found that freezing coconut flour goodies changes the texture.
Malinda
Made these yesterday and love them! Thanks!
Laura Fuentes
I’m so glad! thanks for trying my recipe!
lisa franklin
on the healthy chocolate blondies:
love this! i did very little honey – just a few drizzles – and added more banana and lots more peanut butter
Felisha
Allergic to coconut. Is there a substitute
Laura Fuentes
This recipe does not have a substitute for coconut. Sorry!
Rebecca
One of my kids is allergic to banana. Oftentimes you can substitute applesauce for banana. Do you think applesauce would work?
Laura Fuentes
I’ve never tried it for this recipe. sorry!
Jodi
This was a great recipe! My kids & I loved it and it was very easy. I was also very excited because I’ve had this bag of coconut four in my cabinet for months and was so confused about how to use it! Perfect 🙂
Julie
Laura, you mentioned you could halve the honey by removing a tablespoon or two of coconut flour. Would I do that to the recipe as written above or is the recipe written with that modification already? These look great! Will try them soon. Thanks!
Danielle
`Hi Laura,
I only use pea protein, will that work? And if i add it do I still use the same mount of coconut flour or will it make the bars too dry?
Laura Fuentes
there is no substitute for coconut flour in this recipe. Sorry!
Autumn
Could you substitute AP flour for coconut flour? I know it wouldn’t be as healthy, but it’s usually what is on-hand.
Laura Fuentes
Unfortunately no. coconut flour is not really a “flour” and it absorbs a lot more than regular flour.
Jacquie
Can you you subsitute Almond flour for the coconut flour and app;e sauce for the bannana and Agava for the honey
Laura Fuentes
Unfortunately no. coconut flour is not really a “flour” and it absorbs a lot more than regular flour.
Sandy
My daughter is allergic to coconut. Is there another option for flour? Also, with flour I was under the understanding that flour needed to be heated/cooked to make sure to kill any bacteria before consuming. Is this not true?
Laura Fuentes
this recipe was developed to be used with coconut flour only. sorry!
Nina
Hi Laura,
sounds and looks amazing! Would it be possible to substitute almond butter for peanut butter?
Thank you!
Laura Fuentes
Absolutely!
Natalie
What can I substitute for peanut butter? (We are allergic to soy too)
Laura Fuentes
there is a no-nut butter made with sunflower seeds and another with yellow peas. I hope this helps!
Lauren
Do you think almond or cashew butter would work? My kids can’t have peanuts.
Laura Fuentes
absolutely!
Hm
Why coconut flour? Can I use a different flour?
Laura Fuentes
Unfortunately no. coconut flour is not really a “flour” and it absorbs a lot more than regular flour. This recipe was designed to be lower carb and GI than using traditional grain flours.
RW
What can I use if I do not have coconut flour? I have wheat flour and flaxseed meal.
Laura Fuentes
Unfortunately those won’t work. coconut flour is not really a “flour” and it absorbs a lot more than regular flour.
Molly
Why coconut flour? Can you use whole wheat flour?
Laura Fuentes
Unfortunately no. coconut flour is not really a “flour” and it absorbs a lot more than regular flour.
Heidi
If I don’t have coconut flour, can I use another type of flour?
Laura Fuentes
Unfortunately no. The recipe was developed with coconut flour and not tested with traditional flour.
Eileen
If coconut flour is not an option, is there anything else you would recommend as a substitution, and how would it affect the measurements of the other ingredients?
Thanks!
Laura Fuentes
If coconut flour is not an option, I suggest you look at another recipe that uses traditional flour. I have not tested it with other substitutes. sorry!
Jen
I used wheat flour, they were good
Laura Fuentes
🙂
Faiza
Wouldnt raw unroasted/uncooked wheat flour cause stomach ache?
Lisa
Have you tried using almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter?
Laura Fuentes
Yes, and both work wonderfully!
Emilia
These look great! I’m always looking for healthy and sweet snacks. Thanks for sharing!
Molly
When you add the vanilla protien powder do you need to make an adjustment to the amount of coconut flour you add?
Thank you!
Laura Fuentes
No. I just add 1/4 cup of vanilla protein powder to the recipe as written. Now, if my bananas are on the small side, I might add a tablespoon of water. You’ll feel the texture. I hope it helps!