What happens when you combine Chocolate with Peanut butter? You get these extremely scrumptious Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars that are as delicious to bite into, as enticing they are to serve! And what’s better, they are really simple to make; no baking involved, even a novice chef can make these at home. With a crunchy peanut base, and a gooey moist and creamy chocolate center, its not surprising how wonderful these taste. Sprinkle your favorite toppings, and enjoy your Chocolate Peanut Butter bars – if you can get your kids to leave any for you! [recipe & photo courtesy of Melody from My Sweet & Saucy; adapted from an original recipe from Pichet Ong’s book The Sweet Spot ]
Ingredients
Makes 8 Servings
Peanut Chocolate Base
1 tbsp plus 1 tsp canola oil, plus more for greasing the pan
4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup peanuts, toasted and chopped
1/4 tsp salt
Peanut Butter Chocolate Filling
3 1/2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
3 tbsp cream cheese, at room temperature
3 tbsp creamy peanut butter, plus 1/2 cup for garnish
1/4 tsp vanilla
Method
Lightly grease a 9 x4-inch loaf pan and set aside. Melt the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl in 30 second increments, stirring well between each, until the chocolate is melted. Add the peanuts, salt, oil and stir well.
Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared loaf pan and spread into an even layer. Freeze, uncovered, until hard.
Making the Filling
Melt the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl in 30 second increments, stirring well between each, until the chocolate is melted. Set aside.
Whisk the cream in an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until medium peaks form. Transfer to another bowl and set aside.
Put the cream cheese, peanut butter (3 tbsp), and vanilla extract into the bowl of the electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until light, fluffy, and doubled in volume, about 7 minutes.
Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, turn the mixer speed to low and add the melted chocolate in a slow, steady stream. Once all the chocolate has been incorporated, gently fold in the whipped cream.
Assembling the Bars
Spread the filling on the frozen peanut chocolate base in an even layer and freeze until hard, at least 2 hours.
To unmold, invert the loaf pan onto a cutting board and gently tap the bottom to release the chocolate bar. Spread the peanut butter on top. Use a sharp serrated knife to cut the loaf crosswise into 1″ wide bars. You can let them come to room temperature or eat them now!
These chocolate peanut butter bars are not only delicious, they are extremely easy to make, and are great petite desserts when entertaining friends!
Related Recipes:
Pecan Pie Shortbread Cookies
Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie
Espresso Kahlua Brownies
This is a great recipe! I tried it yesterday, and it works like a charm! I sprinkles chopped M&M;'s on this and all my frieds just loved it!:)
Mmm, mmm, mmm.. yummy! Chocolate and PB that’s an awesome combination. These are no bake bars too.
that looks yummy Mansi! just what I need for my 5-yr old’s b’day party!:)
julia
What a yummy combination! And this peanut chocolate base… I think I can use it with just about anything! Love it.