The Ultimate Easy Treat: Irresistible Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Bark Recipe
Prepare to delight your taste buds with the ultimate combination of chocolate and peanut butter: an incredibly easy and absolutely irresistible Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Bark. This simple, no-bake confection is a dream come true for anyone who craves that classic, iconic flavor pairing, offering a satisfying crunch and a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete novice, this recipe guarantees a show-stopping dessert with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
An Unplanned Indulgence: My Love Affair with Peanut Butter Bark
Initially, this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Bark wasn’t on my publishing schedule. I had other plans for today’s post, but some things are just too good, too simple, and too delicious not to share immediately. This bark is genuinely exceptional—the kind of treat that tempts you from the moment it’s made until the very last crumb is gone. Its ease of preparation is almost deceptive, given the incredible flavor it delivers.
My resolve to post something else completely vanished when I found myself utterly distracted. I decided to immerse myself in “The Thomas Crown Affair” – have you seen that film? It’s a fantastic movie, and Pierce Brosnan has always been a favorite of mine, ever since his “Remington Steele” days! Thank goodness for DVRs; I can record my favorite shows and movies late at night, then enjoy them uninterrupted when the kids are at school and my husband is at work. So there I was, comfortably propped up on my bed with all the pillows, the movie playing, and, crucially, a container of this very bark on my nightstand.
Fast forward to the movie’s credits rolling, and to my delicious surprise, the container was entirely empty. In my defense, it wasn’t a full container to begin with, but the fact remains: this bark is truly *that* good. It’s the kind of spontaneous creation that turns into an instant classic. I simply threw it together with minimal fuss, and the results were beyond satisfying.
The Undeniable Magic of Chocolate and Peanut Butter
While you could certainly use any candy bar to make bark, let’s be honest: who can resist a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup? The combination of rich chocolate and creamy, salty peanut butter is, for many, the ultimate pairing in the culinary world. It’s a flavor profile that evokes childhood nostalgia and pure comfort. These Reese’s cups were the last of my colossal Halloween candy haul, purchased the day after the holiday at an irresistible discount. Luckily, with Christmas just around the corner, I know I’ll have the perfect excuse to restock my candy supply once again!
The addition of dry roasted peanuts to this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Bark is a game-changer. They provide a delightful textural contrast, adding a satisfying crunch that elevates the experience beyond just smooth chocolate and peanut butter. More importantly, the subtle saltiness of the peanuts perfectly complements the sweetness of the chocolate and the savory depth of the peanut butter, creating a harmonious balance that keeps you coming back for another piece. This simple ingredient takes an already fantastic treat and makes it absolutely extraordinary.
What Makes This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Bark So Effortlessly Delicious?
One of the greatest appeals of this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Bark is its incredible simplicity. This isn’t a recipe that requires hours in the kitchen or a long list of complex techniques. It’s a “dump and stir” kind of dessert that yields gourmet results. The core ingredients are straightforward and easy to find: chocolate candy coating (like almond bark or candy melts), a bag of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and some dry roasted peanuts. That’s it! The beauty of bark is in its forgiving nature – there’s no need for perfect tempering or intricate designs. The rustic, broken pieces are part of its charm.
This bark is perfect for those times when you need a quick dessert, a last-minute gift, or just a little something sweet to satisfy a craving. It’s a no-bake wonder, meaning you won’t even need to turn on your oven, making it ideal for warmer months or busy schedules. The process is so simple that even kids can help, turning it into a fun family activity. The freezing step for the Reese’s cups is a small but crucial detail that makes chopping them much easier and helps them retain their shape when mixed into the warm chocolate, ensuring delightful pockets of peanut butter goodness throughout every bite.
The Recipe: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Bark
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Bark
Ingredients
- 1 package chocolate candy coating (almond bark or candy melts)
- 1 bag Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (14-18 snack size cups)
- 1-2 cups dry roasted peanuts
- 1-2 teaspoons shortening (if needed)
Instructions
- Place Peanut Butter cups in freezer for about 30 minutes. This makes them easier to chop and helps prevent them from melting too quickly when mixed with the warm chocolate.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment or waxed paper, ensuring it covers the entire surface for easy removal of the bark. Set aside.
- Melt chocolate according to package directions. For a super easy method, I love using a small crock pot on a low setting, stirring occasionally until smooth and fully melted. Alternatively, a microwave-safe bowl with 30-second intervals, stirring in between, works great.
- Remove peanut butter cups from freezer and chop into large, bite-sized pieces. Avoid chopping them too finely; larger pieces provide a better texture. Return the chopped cups to the freezer until you’re ready to mix them in, keeping them firm.
- Once chocolate is melted and smooth, remove it from the heat (or crock pot). Stir in the cold, chopped peanut butter cups and the dry roasted peanuts. Stir just enough to coat all the inclusions. If the chocolate seems a little too thick to spread easily, add 1-2 teaspoons of shortening and stir until smooth.
- Immediately pour and spread the chocolate mixture onto the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly to the edges, aiming for about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness. Allow the chocolate bark to set completely at room temperature for several hours or in the refrigerator for about 30-60 minutes. Once firm, cut or break into irregular pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for extended freshness.
Notes
Recipe source: ChocolateChocolateandmore.com
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Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Bark
- Quality Chocolate: While candy coating or melts are easiest, you can use good quality chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet) for a richer flavor. Just be mindful that pure chocolate may require tempering for a glossy finish and snap, though for bark, it’s not strictly necessary if you’re eating it quickly.
- Freezing is Key: Don’t skip freezing the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups! This simple step makes them much easier to chop without getting sticky and helps them maintain their shape when incorporated into the warm chocolate.
- Shortening for Smoothness: If your chocolate coating seems too thick to spread easily after adding the mix-ins, a teaspoon or two of shortening (like Crisco) can help thin it out and make it perfectly smooth.
- Customize Your Crunch: Adjust the amount of peanuts to your preference. If you love a lot of crunch, go for 2 cups; if you prefer more chocolate, stick to 1 cup. You can also experiment with other nuts like cashews or pecans.
- Storage: Store your bark in an airtight container. It keeps well at room temperature for several days, but for longer freshness and a firmer texture, the refrigerator is best.
Serving Suggestions & Gifting Ideas
This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Bark is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a simple after-dinner treat, package it beautifully for homemade holiday gifts, or bring it to your next potluck or party. Its rustic charm and irresistible flavor make it a crowd-pleaser every time. It’s especially wonderful during the holiday season, making quick work of gift-giving when you’re short on time but big on heart.
Beyond the Bark: More Chocolate & Peanut Butter Delights
If you’re anything like me, the love for chocolate and peanut butter doesn’t stop at bark. This dynamic duo can transform a variety of desserts into pure magic. For those who crave more of this unbeatable flavor combination, I’ve gathered some of my other favorite recipes:
I hope you’ll give this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Bark a try. It truly is a simple pleasure that brings so much joy. Whether you’re making it for yourself, for a special occasion, or just because, this easy chocolate and peanut butter treat is guaranteed to become a new favorite. Happy baking (or rather, no-baking)!