DISCLAIMER: This post was developed in sponsored partnership with Orville Redenbacher, however, as always, all opinions are genuine.
I share my recipe for No-Bake VEGAN Peanut Butter Blondies with Caramel Peanut Popcorn for a healthy easy gluten free dessert. 
You know what a pregnant chick craves BIG TIME mid-way through her baby baking? Popcorn, Caramel and Peanut Butter. Individually, definitely, and all together, OBVIOUSLY. Okay, so I would be lying big time if I said I didn’t crave this combo without a baby growing in me, but hey, I have to use this pregnancy as an excuse for something. So, I decided to combine all of my go-to cravings into a better for you treat: my No-Bake VEGAN Peanut Butter Blondies with Caramel Peanut Popcorn! Yep. These babies are sweet, and salty, crunchy and smooth- totally ticking all the boxes right now.
How to Make No-Bake VEGAN Peanut Butter Blondies with Caramel Peanut Popcorn
First, we make blondies. Now I have nothing against a good brownie- in fact I’m a crazy big fan of them. But I’m definitely a peanut butter girl first so these are vegan peanut butter blondies are absolutely my style. I puree together some dates, almond flour, peanut butter, and super ripe banana until you get a soft fudge-like texture. Honestly, I typically eat like half of this stuff before it even comes out of the food processor, so consider that you might need to make a bigger batch if that sounds like you too. 
Next, we make the Caramel Peanut Popcorn!! Honestly, this stuff is worth a recipe all on its own and it starts with a microwavable pack of Orville Redenbacher’s Smart Pop. Popcorn has gotten a bad reputation (and unnecessarily so), probably because it’s just so tasty it’s hard to believe it’s good. But tasty food can be healthy for you too (proven by this recipe for no-bake vegan peanut butter blondies). Plus, Orville Redenbacher’s microwavable popcorn is made with 100% whole-grain non-GMO popcorn, like all popcorn, without any artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. It’s also high in fibre, gluten free and surprisingly low in calories. Their Smart Pop variety has just 120 calories, plus 4 grams each of fibre and protein per 6.5 cups! Totally leaves some wiggle room for caramel, peanuts and chocolate, don’t you think?
I then pack that caramel peanut popcorn onto the no-bake vegan peanut butter blondies and slice into small squares (or big ones, I don’t judge). Trust me, you don’t have to have a baby growing inside you to appreciate these (but I’ll use that excuse to justify me eating half the pan for as long as I can!).
Now let me know, what are some of your favourite ways to eat popcorn?
Have you tried making these no-bake vegan peanut butter blondies?
What are some of your favourite vegan and gluten free healthy treats?
Leave me a comment below with your ideas and thoughts and be sure to share this recipe with a mama-to-be in your life (or better yet – make it for them!!).
Disclosure: This recipe was developed in paid partnership with Orville Redenbacher, however, all opinions are genuine.
No-Bake VEGAN Peanut Butter Blondies with Caramel Peanut Popcorn
Ingredients
Blondies:
- 14 super soft dates pitted and minced
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1 cup powdered peanut butter
- 1 tbsp. vanilla
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 large very ripe banana
- 1/2 cup peanuts crushed
Caramel Peanut Popcorn:
- 6 super soft dates pitted and minced
- ¼ cup lite coconut milk
- 5 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp natural peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 bag Orville Redenbacher’s Smart Pop popped
- ½ cup peanuts roughly chopped
- 1 oz melted dark chocolate
- Fleur de sel
Instructions
- In a food processor, puree the dates until grainy, then add in the almond flour, peanut butter, vanilla, salt, cinnamon and banana. Puree until very smooth.
- Line a 8” square baking dish with parchment paper on both sides and press firmly into the dish. Place in freezer to set.
- Meanwhile, to make the popcorn, puree the dates in the food processor until fairly smooth, then add in the coconut milk, maple and peanut butter. Transfer to a stovetop and heat until bubbling and caramelized, about 5 minutes. Add in the vanilla and remove from the heat. Allow to cool for about 5-10 minutes so it’s still warm and still pliable but not scalding.
- Spread out the popcorn and peanuts on a baking sheet lined with a silpat and coat with the caramel. Allow to set until firm, then top with a drizzle of melted chocolate and a generous sprinkle of fleur de sel.
- Remove the blondies from the freezer and pack the popcorn firmly on top. Slice into squares and enjoy!
Abbey Sharp is a Registered Dietitian, an avid food writer and blogger, a cookbook author and the founder of Abbey’s Kitchen Inc.
Rebecca says
Love no bake recipes! Thanks!
Abbey Sharp says
Thanks Rebecca, me too
Brynn at The Domestic Dietitian says
I’m all in for any dessert that requires no baking!
Abbey Sharp says
Heck ya!
Jodi Robinson says
Oh HECK yeah! Putting on my holiday treat list :).
Abbey Sharp says
Woo Amazing! Enjoy Jodi
Abby says
Holy yum!! I can’t WAIT to make these!!
Abbey Sharp says
Thanks girl!
Lauren OConnor says
Looks and sounds wonderfully indulgent! YUM : )
Abbey Sharp says
Sure is! Thanks lovely
Denise says
This looks so yummy! Can’t wait to make them to fill those holiday tins!
Abbey Sharp says
Great plan! Enjoy Denise
Whitney E, R.D. says
Oh my goodness…YUM! Vegan + no baking + peanut butter + blondies = heaven! I so cannot wait to try this recipe! It looks amazing! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
Abbey Sharp says
Yes! Win win!
EA The Spicy RD says
Sign me up for 1 dozen please. These look amazing!!
Abbey Sharp says
You got it girl!
Jillian says
what an awesome unique combo. sounds so good!
Abbey Sharp says
Thanks Jillian
Chrissy @ Snacking in Sneakers says
I can’t believe these are no bake AND vegan! Such a winning combo and love the idea of topping them with popcorn.
Abbey Sharp says
I agree! Thanks love
Angela Cardamone @marathonsandmotivation.com says
Yum! These look so amazing, can’t wait to try them!!
Abbey Sharp says
Amazing! Enjoy girl
Farrah says
I love blondies–these look so, so good, and I love that you don’t even need to bake em’!
Abbey Sharp says
Yes! So easy!
Natalie says
Oh my.. walnuts, peanut butter, dark chocolate. + it’s no bake. I LOVE this! Looks sooo delicious Abbey. Can’t wait to make this.
Abbey Sharp says
Thanks love! Enjoy 🙂
Ginger Hultin says
Oh YES this looks so incredible – I love that it’s no-bake!
Abbey Sharp says
Totally! Thanks Ginger 🙂
Carrie A Groff says
These sound so yummy!! Can’t wait to try them! I have to get some powdered peanut butter….unless you could use regular peanut butter?
Abbey Sharp says
You could, but I found it was a little too oily and harder to work with.
Emily @Sinful Nutrition says
You had me at peanut butter! 😀 Love the sweet and salty combo!
Abbey Sharp says
Thanks Emily 🙂
Summer says
Mmmm is all I can say! I could eat that topping all on it’s own, it looks so delicious!
Abbey Sharp says
Thanks lovely
Jessica Levinson says
These look so tasty! Such an easy no bake treat!
Abbey Sharp says
Definitely 🙂
Rachel says
What a fun recipe! And delicious, too!
Abbey Sharp says
You got it! Thanks Rachel
Deborah Brooks says
you had me at caramel popcorn!
Abbey Sharp says
yes! So good
dixya @food, pleasure, and health says
all that crunch from popcorn…love this combo! i like them separately too.
Abbey Sharp says
Yes! The texture is amazing
Annmarie says
My daughter would LOVE these! I can’t wait to make them for her 🙂
Abbey Sharp says
Awesome! Enjoy love