If you have a serious sweet tooth and a love for all things peanut butter and chocolate, then you are absolutely going to adore this Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Bark Recipe. This dessert is a delightful combination of creamy peanut butter, rich semi-sweet chocolate, and the crunchy, colorful burst of Reese’s Pieces that makes every bite a celebration. Perfectly layered and irresistibly flavorful, this bark is a festive treat that comes together quickly and impresses every time you share it with friends or family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, straightforward ingredients is key for this recipe. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, taste, and appearance that make this peanut butter bark so unforgettable.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Provides that deep, smooth chocolate foundation that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Peanut butter chips: Adds an extra layer of peanut buttery flavor and creamy texture throughout the bark.
- Vegetable oil: Helps the chocolate melt smoothly for easy spreading and a glossy finish.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star nutty ingredient that brings richness and creaminess to the filling layer.
- Softened butter: Creates a smooth, spreadable consistency in the peanut butter mixture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a hint of warmth and depth.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the peanut butter layer to help it set just right.
- Reese’s Pieces: Sprinkled on top for a crunchy finish and that signature Reese’s color pop.
How to Make Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Bark Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This is your canvas for layering the chocolate and peanut butter, and it ensures an easy cleanup plus no sticking when it’s time to break your bark into pieces.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter Chips
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and vegetable oil. Heat them in 30-second bursts, stirring after each interval until you have a silky, smooth melt. This step is crucial because the texture of your melted chocolate sets the tone for the whole bark.
Step 3: Create the First Chocolate Layer
Pour half of your melted chocolate mix onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and gently spread it into an even rectangle. Chill this chocolate blanket in the refrigerator until firm. This solid base supports the creamy peanut butter middle layer and keeps your bark stable.
Step 4: Mix the Peanut Butter Filling
Using a separate bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Mix until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth. This mixture is your luscious, dreamy mid-layer that brings all the peanut buttery goodness.
Step 5: Add the Peanut Butter Layer
Once the first chocolate layer is fully set and chilled, spread the peanut butter mixture evenly on top. Take your time to create a nice uniform layer because it’s going to be the star of the show when you bite into the bark.
Step 6: Finish with the Top Chocolate Layer and Reese’s Pieces
Pour the remaining melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, smoothing it out carefully so it covers the middle completely. Then, sprinkle the entire surface with Reese’s Pieces for that irresistible crunch and splash of color. Pop it back in the fridge to set until firm and ready to break apart!
How to Serve Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Bark Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to elevate your bark a bit, consider adding extra Reese’s Pieces on top right before serving. You can also sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness and bring out the chocolate and peanut butter flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This bark shines beautifully on its own as a dessert, but it also pairs wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a fun twist, serve alongside warm coffee or hot chocolate – the combination is pure bliss.
Creative Ways to Present
Try breaking the bark into rustic chunks and layering them in a clear glass jar for a gift or party favor. You could also arrange your bark pieces on a festive platter with small bowls of extra Reese’s Pieces or mini peanut butter cups for dipping. Presentation makes this delicious treat even more tempting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Bark Recipe keeps beautifully stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. It’s perfect for making ahead for parties or sweet cravings anytime.
Freezing
If you want to keep your bark fresh longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will last for about 2 months and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Reheating
Since this bark is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, reheating isn’t recommended. Allow the bark to come to room temperature after freezing for the best texture and flavor experience without melting the chocolate layers.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a bit more texture and crunch to your peanut butter layer, which some people love. Just know that it may make spreading slightly trickier, so work gently.
What if I don’t have peanut butter chips?
No worries! Peanut butter chips enhance the peanut taste, but you can just use all semi-sweet chocolate chips or even add a little extra peanut butter to your peanut butter layer to compensate.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?
While butter is delicious, vegetable oil helps keep the chocolate smooth and glossy when melted. Butter might thicken the chocolate too much or affect the shine, so stick with vegetable oil for the best results.
How long does it take to set the bark in the fridge?
It usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour for each layer to set well enough, depending on your fridge temperature. Just check occasionally so you don’t chill it longer than needed!
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped peanuts or walnuts would complement the flavors beautifully, and you can mix them into the peanut butter layer or sprinkle some on top for added crunch and variety.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying this Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Bark Recipe enough if you crave a sweet, salty, and crunchy treat that’s both easy to make and irresistibly good. It’s perfect for sharing or indulging yourself, and once you have it in your dessert rotation, it’ll quickly become a beloved classic. So go ahead, dive into that delicious combo of peanut butter and chocolate – you won’t regret it!
Print
Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Bark Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delightful Reese’s Bark combines layers of rich semi-sweet and peanut butter chocolate with a creamy peanut butter filling and crunchy Reese’s Pieces on top. Perfectly sweet and peanut buttery, this no-bake treat is quick to prepare and ideal for sharing or gifting.
Ingredients
Chocolate Layer
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup peanut butter chips
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Peanut Butter Filling
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 3 tbsp softened butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Topping
- 1 cup Reese’s Pieces
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy removal of the bark.
- Melt chocolate chips: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and vegetable oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Spread first chocolate layer: Pour half of the melted chocolate mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly into a rectangular shape. Place in the refrigerator to chill until the chocolate sets completely.
- Prepare peanut butter filling: In a separate bowl, mix together the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add peanut butter layer: Once the first chocolate layer is set, evenly spread the peanut butter filling over it.
- Top with remaining chocolate and candies: Pour and spread the remaining melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer. Immediately sprinkle Reese’s Pieces evenly over the top.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the entire bark until fully set and firm, about 20 minutes, before breaking into pieces for serving.
Notes
- Use parchment paper to make removing the bark from the baking sheet easier.
- Be careful not to overheat the chocolate when microwaving to prevent burning.
- For a firmer bark, chill longer before breaking.
- Store the bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
