Name: Chocolate Peanut Butter Bark With Roasted Peanuts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 1 h 12 min
Yield: 45
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (16 oz) package chocolate candy coating (like Candiquik); 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 2 cups dry roasted peanuts (no skins)

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Chocolate and peanut butter are a classic pairing that tantalizes the taste buds. Chocolate Peanut Butter Bark is a simple yet scrumptious confection. The crunch of the peanuts combined with the smooth chocolate and peanut butter is perfect for your sweet tooth, especially during the holiday season.

Mom always made chocolate-covered peanuts when I was growing up. This is similar to her recipe but with the addition of peanut butter.

By using quality ingredients and following these easy steps, you can create a batch of chocolate peanut butter bark that looks as good as it tastes.

Ingredients Required (Complete Printable Recipe Card Down Below!)

When creating chocolate peanut butter bark, selecting high-quality ingredients is essential for the best flavor and texture.

For this easy recipe, you’ll need:

Chocolate Candy Coating (like CandiQuik)
Creamy Peanut Butter
Dry Roasted Peanuts (without the skins)

Kitchen Tools and Equipment

Before you begin making the bark, ensure you have the following kitchen tools and equipment ready:

Microwave-safe bowl: For melting the chocolate. Preferably a medium-size bowl so it’s easier to handle.
Spatula or Large Spoon: Stir the chocolate and peanut butter mixture uniformly.
Baking sheet: A flat surface is necessary to spread the mixture into a thin layer. Line with parchment paper for non-stick purposes.
Parchment paper: This prevents the bark from sticking to the baking sheet and makes clean-up a breeze.
Measuring cups: To measure out ingredients accurately.

Preparation Steps For Chocolate Peanut Butter Bark

Gather ingredients and measure the peanuts and peanut butter. Line a 13×9 baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate coating according to the package directions until melted and smooth.

Add the peanut butter. Stir until blended and smooth.

Stir in dry roasted peanuts until well combined.

Pour the chocolate/peanut mixture onto the prepared baking pan. Spread evenly.

Let sit until hardened, at least two hours. Break into small pieces.

To speed up this process, you can place the pan in the refrigerator to harden completely. Because of the peanut butter, this isn’t as hard as some candy bark. It’s just right!

Storage

To ensure the Chocolate Peanut Butter Bark stays fresh, follow these storage guidelines.

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature (68-72°F) for up to 2 weeks.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the bark for up to 1 month. This is how I store it. I like it straight from the refrigerator.
Freezing:
- Short-Term: Wrap individual pieces in parchment paper and place them in a zip-top bag, freeze for up to 3 months.
- Long-Term: For up to 6 months, use a vacuum sealer to prevent freezer burn and preserve flavor.

Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled for the best texture and flavor.

Note: Before consuming, let frozen bark thaw at room temperature to prevent condensation.

Humidity and Heat

Keep away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
In humid environments (>50% humidity), refrigeration is preferred to prevent softening.

Variations and Alternatives

You can easily modify the recipe according to dietary needs and flavor preferences. Below, find specific ways to adapt this treat to suit your taste or requirements.

Dietary Modifications

For Vegan: Substitute dairy chocolate with vegan chocolate and use plant-based peanut butter. Confirm that your sugar source is vegan-friendly.
Gluten-Free: Ensure all your ingredients, including the chocolate and peanut butter, are certified gluten-free.

Flavor Variants

Extra Crunchy: Add 1/2 cup chopped pretzels when you stir in the peanuts.
Sweet & Salty: Sprinkle a little sea salt or crushed salted almonds on top of the bark before it cools.
Spicy Twist: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground cinnamon into the melted chocolate for a warm spice flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

When crafting chocolate peanut butter bark, selecting the right ingredients and following best practices ensures delicious results. The FAQs below address common concerns and provide expert guidance.

What type of chocolate works best for making peanut butter bark?

I prefer to use chocolate candy coating because it melts smooth and creamy in the microwave. You can replace the candy coating with a 12 oz. package of milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate chips.

Can you use natural peanut butter in chocolate peanut butter bark recipes?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter in your recipes; however, ensure it’s well stirred to avoid oil separation. Its consistency is typically looser, which may affect the texture of the bark.

How can you make a healthier version of chocolate peanut butter bark?

To create a healthier bark, opt for dark chocolate with a high cocoa content and low sugar.

Is it possible to create a keto-friendly chocolate peanut butter bark, and what substitutions are necessary?

For a keto-friendly version, use sugar-free dark chocolate and a low-carb sweetener such as stevia or erythritol. Replace traditional peanut butter with a sugar-free variant or another nut butter that is low in carbs.

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Yield: Approximately 45 pieces