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Even though I don’t have gluten sensitivity, I still try to find creative ways to take white flour out of my diet. I enjoy experimenting with recipes using things like almond flour, coconut flour, and my latest obsession, peanut flour. I must admit that I mistakenly purchased peanut flour when I thought I was purchasing peanut powder. This mistake turned into a yummy, gluten-free bread that is now a household favorite.
Peanut Powder vs. Peanut Flour
So what’s the difference between peanut flour and peanut powder? This may not be the industry explanation, but for me, it’s the texture. Many of you may already be familiar with a peanut powder called PB2. It is a very popular brand right now and is often used as a protein source in things like smoothies and oatmeal. I have found my favorite peanut powder is Protein Plus Peanut Flour. Even though this brand is labeled as flour, it has the same consistency of PB2 powder. Protein Plus is 100% peanuts with no added sugar. The original PB2 has added sugar but they do sell a sugar-free version called PB2 Pure.
NatureVibe Botanicals Peanut Flour is what I accidentally purchased. It has a coarser texture than peanut powder but it works great for making baked goods like cookies and sweet bread. I do not love this coarser texture in my smoothies or oatmeal so I stick with the Protein Plus or PB2 for that.
PB2 comes in original or cocoa flavors. Look for PB2 Pure for sugar-free.
Protein Plus Peanut Flour has the consistency and ingredients of PB2 Pure.
NaturVibe Botanicals has a coarse texture, perfect for baked goods, and used in the recipe below.
How to Use Peanut Powder & Flour
As I mentioned above, peanut powder can easily be thrown in smoothies and oatmeal. You could use it as added protein in the energy balls discussed in a previous post. The PB2 website actually has a great recipe section. I will often take peanut powder and a little homemade jam and put them in fat-free, plain Greek yogurt. I call it my PB&J yogurt. It isn’t pretty but it tastes great!
Peanut flour can do many of the same things as the powder but will have a different texture. This is why I primarily save it for baked goods. Try replacing all-purpose flour with peanut flour in any of your favorite recipes. I usually do a 1:1 replacement. The final texture may be different than you are used to but everything I have tried so far has turned out great.
Let me know how you use peanut powder or peanut flour and feel free to share your recipes.
Peanut Flour Banana Chocolate Chip Bread
Ingredients
- 2 cups peanut flour NatureVibe Botanicals is the brand I used
- 4 large ripe bananas
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prepare a loaf or bundt pan by greasing the bottom and sides.
- Combine all of the dry ingredients in a medium-sized bowl.
- Mash the bananas in a large bowl and then whisk in the eggs and the vanilla.
- Add in the lemon juice and stir to combine.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until combined, but do not overmix. Then add chocolate chips.
- Pour mixture in loaf or bundt pan and bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes and then remove from pan.
- Slice and enjoy!
Options:
- Add 1/2 cup of coconut sugar for a slightly sweeter taste.
- Decorate the top with lightly dusted powdered sugar or drizzled peanut butter.
- Replace dark chocolate chips with Lily's chocolate chips for even less sugar.
