Peanut Cream Chocolate Squares
Rich and creamy peanut chocolate squares combine a buttery crust with a smooth peanut filling and crunchy peanut topping, making a delightful treat perfect for parties or casual snacking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, oil, and one egg at low speed until crumbly.
- Reserve 1 cup of crumbs for topping.
- Press the remaining crumbs into a 13 x 9-inch pan to form the crust.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, blend sugar, peanut butter, cream cheese, and 1 egg until smooth.
- Gently spread the peanut mixture over the baked crust.
- Combine the reserved crumbs and chopped peanuts, then sprinkle over the filling.
- Press lightly to adhere.
- Return to the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until firm.
- Chill the bars for 1 hour.
- Cut into bars and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using natural peanut butter instead of processed to enhance the creaminess. You can substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free option if needed. If you're short on time, use store-bought cream cheese frosting instead of blending your own for the peanut mixture. Ensure you let the bars cool completely before cutting for cleaner edges.
Serving Suggestions
These squares are perfect for dessert platters or as a sweet treat for coffee breaks. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or milk. For an added touch, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. You can also consider serving them alongside the Low-Fat Golden Potato Salad for a delightful meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Peanut Cream Chocolate Squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Cream Chocolate Squares contains roughly 14 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 a different type of nut butter?
Absolutely! You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste will vary, and ensure that the nut butter is creamy to achieve the desired texture in the filling.
What can I do if I don't have cake mix?
If you don't have cake mix, you can make a simple crust using flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Combine 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 tsp of baking powder with the same amount of oil and egg as in the original recipe.
Can I add more toppings to these squares?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding chocolate chips, caramel drizzle, or even shredded coconut on top of the reserved crumbs and peanuts. Just ensure that any additions don't overpower the peanut flavor of the squares.
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).