sunbutter bars

I've never tried to hide my affinity for all things nut butter.  Especially my love for sunflower seed butter, a.k.a., "SFS butter." While I typically stuff my mouth standing with the refrigerator door open dipping and re-dipping my spoon into the jar, I also like to use SFS butter to make stuff!

Sunflower seeds are great for you (and that's what I remind myself between spoonfuls into my open mouth).   They're a good source of vitamin E and an excellent source of essential fatty acids, fiber and protein.  In comparison to peanut butter, my favorite SFS butter (SunButter) reports 1/3 less saturated fat than peanut butter, as well as double the amount of fiber and the same amount of protein.

So technically, these are healthy bars, right?  I vote yes .  Especially with the addition of whole wheat flour.  Definitely healthy.

SunButter Bars
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 1/4 cup sunflower seed butter
1 cup flour

3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
a splash of lemon juice (optional, but recommended) 
1/2 cup sunflower seeds and chocolate chips (Chocolate covered sunflower seeds  would be great, too!)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line and spray an 8X8 baking dish with tin foil; Set aside.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. 
3. Add the sunflower seed butter and mix until well incorporated. 
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract and continue to beat until smooth.
5. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt together then add to the wet ingredients. Fold in the sunflower seeds and chocolate chips.
6. Press dough into prepared baking dish.
7. Bake for about 20 minutes or until light golden brown.