Chocolate Peanut Butter Pieces
Decadent chocolate peanut butter candies with crunchy peanuts, perfect for sharing or gifting, combining smooth chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and salty crunch in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line a 9 x 13-inch pan with foil.
- In a double boiler, melt the milk chocolate over hot, not simmering, water.
- Stir until smooth.
- Place the peanut butter in a small bowl; gradually beat in the sifted confectioners sugar.
- Add the peanut butter mixture to the melted chocolate; stir until blended.
- Set aside to cool slightly.
- Stir in 3/4 cup of the salted peanuts; spread the mixture in the foil-lined pan.
- Smooth the top, then sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup peanuts over the top, pressing lightly into the candy.
- Chill until firm, then cut into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the chocolate is finely chopped before melting. If you prefer dark chocolate, you can substitute it for milk chocolate. To make this recipe even more special, consider adding a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavors. If you have allergies to peanuts, almond butter can be a delicious alternative, though it will change the flavor profile slightly.
Serving Suggestions
These chocolate peanut butter pieces are perfect for parties or as a sweet snack. Serve them with a glass of cold milk or coffee for a delightful treat. They also pair beautifully with Ice Cream Treat for a fun dessert platter. Cut them into smaller pieces for a bite-sized treat that’s great for sharing or for guests to enjoy on their own.
Storage & Reheating
Store the chocolate peanut butter pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a warm climate, you may want to refrigerate them to prevent melting. They can be frozen for longer storage; simply wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Peanut Butter Pieces contains roughly 386 calories, with 11g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 532mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can definitely use crunchy peanut butter for added texture. Just keep in mind that it will change the consistency of the final product and may affect how smoothly the chocolate mixture spreads in the pan.
How long do these chocolate peanut butter pieces need to chill?
Typically, they need to chill for about 1-2 hours until firm. However, if you're in a hurry, you can pop them in the freezer for about 30 minutes, but keep an eye on them to avoid freezing solid.
Can I add other ingredients, like dried fruit or coconut?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding dried fruits like cranberries or diced apricots, or shredded coconut for a tropical twist. Just be mindful not to overload the mixture, as this could affect the texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).