Chocolate-Peanut Butter Spread
Last Updated on May 29, 2023 by Heather Reseck
Belief Bakery
This recipe for chocolate-peanut butter spread originally appeared in the September 10, 2022 issue of Guide magazine, a publication for children ages 10-14. It is the seventh in a series of 28 installments called “Belief Bakery” which uses a hands-on cooking project to illustrate each of the 28 fundamental beliefs of Seventh-day Adventists.
This project is in collaboration with my husband, Greg Reseck, an educator, who tests the recipes with the students in his classroom.
We emphasize the love of God and Biblical concepts and tie them into fun cooking projects with healthy plant-based recipes.
The Power of Choice
First John John 4:16 reminds us that “God is love.” Out of that love, God created humans. He could have created robots. He could have created slaves. Instead, God created man and woman in His image. That included the power to choose and the ability to love.
When Adam and Eve chose to disobey God, they stopped trusting God and rebelled against His love. As a result of Adam and Eve’s choices, all humans inherit a sinful nature. Our hearts are naturally naughty.
Look at these words:
- SIN
- PRIDE
- LIE
What is the middle letter in each word? Right–they’re all I-centered. Sin causes us to be self-centered and full of pride. We try to defend ourselves by playing the blame game or lie-and-deny.
Sin puts us out of harmony with God’s character of other-centered love. Good news–you don’t have to remain in the grip of self-centeredness and sinfulness!
If you let God’s love draw you to Him, He will supernaturally transform your naturally self-centered heart. As you spend time with Him through prayer and Bible study, you will be “transformed into His image.” (2 Corinthians 3:18, NIV.)
The forgiving, redeeming love of God transforms hearts and removes the bitterness of sin. In a similar way, in this cooking project you can experience the transformation of bitter cocoa powder into a tasty chocolate-peanut butter spread.
Choose to be other-centered and share some of this delicious chocolate-peanut butter spread with a friend!
Information for Kids
- Adult supervision is recommended for inexperienced junior chefs.
- Difficulty: Beginner
Before You Begin
- Read through the recipe, variations, and tips.
- Choose if you want to make the main recipe or a variation.
- Arrange to buy any ingredients you need.
Variations
- Peanut-Free: Substitute almond butter for the peanut butter.
- Nut-Free: Substitute sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter.
- Carob Peanut Butter Spread: Substitute carob powder for the cocoa powder. Reduce the honey to 2 tablespoons.
Tips
- You won’t have a 1/16 measuring spoon. Use half of 1/8 teaspoon.
- The spread will thicken in the refrigerator. Stir in additional milk as needed, 1 tablespoon at a time.
Health Bite
Honey and pure maple syrup are slightly less refined than sugar. All sweeteners are best if eaten in small amounts. “It is not good to eat too much honey.” Proverbs 25:27.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Spread
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon for stirring
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons honey or pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons almond milk or other plant milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract preferably alcohol-free
- 1/16 teaspoon salt
- Additional milk if needed
Instructions
- Stir peanut butter, cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons milk, vanilla, and salt together in a small bowl until smooth.
- If the mixture is too thick, stir in additional milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Spread on whole-grain bread, toast, waffles, pancakes, or graham crackers. If desired, top with fresh fruit. Or use it as a dip for fresh fruit.
- Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Peanut-Free: Substitute almond butter for the peanut butter.
- Nut-Free: Substitute sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter.
- Carob Peanut Butter Spread: Substitute carob powder for the cocoa powder. Reduce the honey to 2 tablespoons.
- You won’t have a 1/16 measuring spoon. Use half of 1/8 teaspoon.
- The spread will thicken in the refrigerator. Stir in additional milk as needed, 1 tablespoon at a time.
