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My top pick for a rich, no-fuss snack is this Loaded Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Bark. It mixes creamy milk chocolate and smooth peanut butter with crunchy Reese's Pieces for a tasty mix of flavors and crunch.
I first put this together one night when I needed a fast sweet for guests, and it's been a favorite ever since.
What You Need
- Reese's Pieces: fresh bags add nice crunch and fun color
- Butter: softened so it mixes smoothly with peanut butter for a richer bite
- Chocolate chips: milk chocolate melts nicely—pick a tasty brand
- Powdered sugar: sweetens and helps peanut butter layer hold its shape—best if sifted
- Creamy peanut butter: JIF spreads easily and gives that classic flavor
How To Make It
- Top Layer & Candy:
- Gently melt the last 2 cups of chocolate chips like before. Spread that on the peanut butter layer and press down the Reese's Pieces so they stick. Pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes until it's solid. Then break into pieces and keep it in a sealed container.
- Peanut Butter Layer:
- Mix together the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and softened butter in a bowl. Warm it in the microwave 10 to 15 seconds while stirring to help spread it easier. Once the chocolate base is firm, spread this mix on top evenly. Chill again to firm up this layer.
- Base Layer:
- Line a 10x15 inch pan with wax paper so nothing sticks. Melt 1.5 cups of chocolate chips slowly on low heat or in short microwave bursts, stirring often. Spread the melted chocolate on the paper, leaving a bit of space around edges. Put it in the fridge till it sets, usually about 15 minutes.
The peanut butter part is my favorite with its creamy feel and just right sweetness. One holiday I made this with my kids and watching them get excited as they mixed and layered made it extra special.
How To Store
Keep the bark in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the chocolate hard and layers firm. It stays good about a week so it’s easy to make ahead. For longer storage, wrap it tight in plastic, toss into a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw at room temp before munching.
Swap Ideas
You can switch milk chocolate chips for dark ones if you want a stronger chocolate kick—it goes well with the peanut butter sweetness. Natural peanut butter works but makes the layer thinner so add a bit more powdered sugar if you want it thicker. Other nut butters like almond or cashew can be used but they change the flavor, so keep that in mind especially if you love peanut butter.
Serving Tips
Crack the bark into bite-sized chunks and serve it up with coffee, tea, or cold milk for a fancy snack. You can sprinkle pieces over ice cream or frozen yogurt for a crunchy peanut buttery treat. Package small portions in bags tied with ribbon to make homemade gifts for holidays or parties.
These layers come together to make a rich, fun treat you can enjoy anytime. It makes sharing moments with loved ones over each bite even better.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Definitely yes, dark chocolate gives the bark a richer and less sweet taste that blends great with peanut butter.
- → How long should I chill each layer?
Put each layer in the fridge for about 15 minutes or until it feels firm, so the layers stay separate and slice cleanly.
- → What is the best way to melt chocolate evenly?
Microwave in short bursts and stir often, or melt the chocolate slowly over a double boiler to keep it from burning.
- → Can I use crunchy peanut butter for this bark?
It’s best to stick with smooth peanut butter for spreading, but crunchy will add some texture if you like that.
- → How should the bark be stored?
Store it in a sealed container in the fridge to keep it fresh and tasty for up to two weeks.