Reeses Peanut Butter Bark Recipe

Quick & Dreamy Reeses Peanut Butter Bark Recipe

Crafting homemade reeses peanut butter bark might sound like a sweet adventure waiting to unfold.

Sweet dreams become reality with this simple treat.

Chocolate and peanut butter create magic in the kitchen.

Nobody can resist these delectable layers of creamy goodness.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of rich flavors.

Minimal ingredients and quick preparation make this dessert a total winner.

Pack some for lunch or share with friends at a gathering.

Benefits Of Reeses Peanut Butter Bark On Dessert Trays

  • Quick and Easy Dessert: Whip up this delightful Reeses Peanut Butter Bark in just a few simple steps, perfect for satisfying sudden sweet cravings.
  • Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Requires only a handful of basic pantry staples like white chocolate, peanut butter, and Reese's Pieces, making it incredibly accessible for home bakers.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Delivers a perfect balance of creamy white chocolate and rich peanut butter with a crunchy candy topping that appeals to both kids and adults at parties, gatherings, or casual dessert nights.
  • Stress-Free Preparation: No complex baking skills needed – just microwave, mix, and layer ingredients, with minimal equipment required and straightforward refrigeration technique for setting.

Sweet Mix in Reeses Peanut Butter Bark

Chocolate and Coating Layer:
  • White Chocolate: Rich and smooth base for the bark, provides creamy texture and sweetness.
  • Vegetable Oil: Helps chocolate melt smoothly and creates glossy finish.
Peanut Butter Layer:
  • Peanut Butter: Provides classic nutty flavor and creamy consistency.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps bind ingredients.
  • Confectioners' Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes peanut butter mixture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and highlights other flavors.
Topping:
  • Reese's Pieces Candies: Adds crunch, color, and signature peanut butter candy flavor.

Reeses Peanut Butter Bark Recipe Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Surface

Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring extra hanging edges for easy removal.

This will help you lift the bark out smoothly once it’s set.

Step 2: Create the First Chocolate Layer

Melt white chocolate with a touch of oil in a microwave-safe bowl.

Use short 20-second bursts, stirring between each interval until the mixture becomes silky smooth.

Pour the melted chocolate into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with an offset spatula.

Pop the pan into the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to allow a soft set.

Step 3: Craft the Peanut Butter Filling

In a mixing bowl, blend peanut butter and butter until they become completely smooth.

Add in:
  • Confectioners' sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.

Carefully spread this creamy mixture over the chilled white chocolate layer.

Return the pan to the refrigerator while preparing the next layer.

Step 4: Add the Final Chocolate Topping

Repeat the chocolate melting process with the remaining white chocolate and oil.

Gently pour this layer over the peanut butter filling, ensuring an even distribution.

Sprinkle chopped Reese’s Pieces candies across the top for a delightful crunch.

Step 5: Allow Complete Setting

Refrigerate the bark uncovered for 30-60 minutes until fully hardened.

After the first hour, you can loosely cover the pan if needed.

Don’t worry if the top layer cracks when cutting – this is completely normal.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Remove the bark from the pan using the parchment paper overhang.

Transfer to a cutting board and slice into delectable pieces using a sharp knife.

Enjoy your homemade treat!

Bark Tips For Reeses-Style Peanut Butter Swirl

  • Always add a small amount of oil when melting white chocolate to ensure smooth, glossy consistency and prevent clumping during microwaving.
  • Beat peanut butter and butter thoroughly to create a creamy, lump-free filling that spreads easily across the white chocolate base.
  • Refrigerate each layer briefly to help set and create distinct, clean layers that won't mix together when adding subsequent chocolate.
  • Let the bark sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before cutting to prevent cracking and make slicing easier.
  • Sprinkle Reese's Pieces while the top chocolate layer is still soft to ensure they stick perfectly and create an attractive presentation.

Peanut Bark Keeps Crunchy in a Cool Space

  • Store the Reeses Peanut Butter Bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Always keep the bark chilled to maintain its texture and prevent melting. Remove from the refrigerator just before serving.
  • Do not leave the bark out for extended periods, as the chocolate and peanut butter will soften quickly and lose its crisp texture.

Crunchy Sips For Peanut Bark

  • Pair with Creamy Milk Stout: The rich, chocolatey notes of a milk stout complement the sweet and nutty flavors of the Reese's Peanut Butter Bark, creating a decadent dessert experience.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop cold, smooth vanilla bean ice cream alongside the bark to balance the intense peanut butter and chocolate textures, providing a cool contrast.
  • Serve with Caramel Espresso: A small shot of caramel-infused espresso cuts through the sweetness and enhances the depth of the chocolate and peanut butter combination.
  • Elevate with Salted Caramel Martini: The salty-sweet martini amplifies the dessert's flavor profile, adding a sophisticated adult twist to this playful treat.

Candy-Inspired Reworks of Reeses Peanut Butter Bark

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Swap white chocolate with dairy-free chocolate chips and use coconut oil. Replace butter with vegan butter alternative and opt for powdered sugar substitute.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly Reese's Pieces and chocolate. Check candy labels carefully for potential cross-contamination.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Use sugar-free white chocolate chips and replace confectioners' sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Select reduced-sugar Reese's Pieces or omit candies.
  • Almond Butter Variation: Substitute peanut butter with almond butter for a different nutty flavor profile. Maintain same measurements and preparation technique.

FAQs

  • What ingredients do I need for the peanut butter filling?

You’ll need smooth peanut butter, softened butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. These ingredients create a creamy, sweet peanut butter layer that complements the white chocolate.

  • Can I use a different type of chocolate instead of white chocolate?

While white chocolate works best for this recipe, you could experiment with milk or dark chocolate. Just ensure you use chocolate that melts smoothly and matches the flavor profile of the Reese’s Pieces.

  • How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing or burning when melting?

Microwave the chocolate in short 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval. This gentle heating method helps maintain a smooth texture and prevents burning. Adding a small amount of oil also helps create a more fluid consistency.

  • What if I don't have an offset spatula for spreading?

A regular spatula or the back of a spoon works perfectly fine for spreading the chocolate and peanut butter layers evenly. The key is to create smooth, consistent layers for the best texture and appearance.

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Reeses Peanut Butter Bark Recipe

Reeses Peanut Butter Bark Recipe


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4.8 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet chocolate meets creamy Reeses Peanut Butter Bark in a delightful dessert that melds rich cocoa with nutty peanut butter. Chocolate lovers will savor each mouthwatering bite of this simple, irresistible treat perfect for sharing with friends and family.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter
  • 16 oz (454g) white chocolate, coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 cup (100g) chopped Reeses Pieces candies

Binding/Texture Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (120g) confectioners sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil

Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring excess paper hangs over the edges for easy removal later.
  2. Create the initial white chocolate foundation by melting half of the white chocolate with oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring between each interval until smooth and glossy. Carefully pour the melted chocolate into the prepared pan, using an offset spatula to distribute evenly. Chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes until slightly firm.
  3. Craft the peanut butter layer by thoroughly blending peanut butter and butter until completely smooth. Incorporate confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until the mixture is uniform and creamy. Gently spread this layer over the chilled white chocolate base, ensuring a consistent thickness.
  4. Proceed with the final white chocolate layer by repeating the melting process with the remaining chocolate and oil. Pour this layer delicately over the peanut butter filling, creating a smooth surface.
  5. Embellish the top with a generous scattering of chopped Reese’s Pieces candies, pressing them lightly to ensure they adhere to the chocolate.
  6. Allow the bark to set completely by refrigerating uncovered for 30-60 minutes. After the first hour, loosely cover if storing longer to prevent moisture accumulation.
  7. When ready to serve, lift the bark from the pan using the parchment paper edges. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into desired pieces using a sharp knife, noting that the chocolate may crack slightly if extremely cold.

Notes

  • Prevent chocolate seizing by using room temperature oil and stirring gently during melting to maintain smooth consistency.
  • Ensure peanut butter mixture is well-combined but not overmixed to keep the texture light and creamy.
  • Use a cold pan and refrigeration technique to help layers set quickly and maintain distinct color separation.
  • Allow bark to slightly temper at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before cutting to reduce potential cracking and create cleaner slices.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 266
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 92mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 16mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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