No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Crunch Bars

Equipment

• Heatproof bowl: For melting the chocolate.
• Microwave or saucepan: For gently heating the ingredients.
• Spatula: Helps combine the peanuts and chocolate evenly.
• Square baking pan (8-inch): Gives the bars their shape.
• Parchment paper: Makes lifting the chilled mixture easy.
• Sharp knife: For cutting neat squares.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (340 g) milk chocolate chips
• 1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup (125 g) creamy peanut butter
• 2 cups (280 g) roasted peanuts, unsalted
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ cup (85 g) additional chocolate chips, for topping (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

1. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some extra paper hanging over the edges. This will help you lift the finished bars out of the pan.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

1. Place the milk chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and butter in a heatproof bowl.
2. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is mostly melted. Continue stirring until completely smooth.
3. Alternatively, melt everything in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of gently simmering water. Make sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.

Step 3: Add the Peanut Butter

1. Stir the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract into the melted chocolate. Mix until the mixture is smooth, shiny, and evenly combined.

Step 4: Add the Peanuts

1. Add the roasted peanuts and salt. Stir thoroughly until every peanut is coated in the chocolate mixture.
2. Reserve a small handful of peanuts if you want to decorate the top.

Step 5: Transfer to the Pan

1. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly into the corners.
2. Sprinkle the reserved peanuts and optional chocolate chips over the surface. Gently press them into the chocolate so they stay in place.

Step 6: Chill Until Firm

1. Place the pan in the refrigerator for approximately 2 hours, or until the chocolate mixture is completely firm.
2. For a faster set, you can place it in the freezer for about 30–45 minutes.

Step 7: Slice into Bars

1. Lift the chilled mixture out of the pan using the parchment paper. Place it on a cutting board.
2. Allow it to sit for 3–5 minutes if it is extremely firm, then use a sharp knife to cut it into 16 squares or rectangles.
3. For cleaner edges, warm the knife slightly and wipe it between cuts.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

1. Arrange the chocolate peanut bars on a serving plate. Enjoy them chilled or let them sit at room temperature briefly for a softer bite.

Nutrition

Calories: 260 kcal · Protein: 7 g · Fat: 20 g · Carbohydrates: 17 g Dietary · Saturated Fat: 8 g · Fiber: 3 g Net · Sugar: 12 g · Sodium: 95 mg