These Decadent Frozen Chocolate Bars with Peanut are the ultimate indulgence for anyone with a sweet tooth. Combining the rich creaminess of cottage cheese or cream cheese with the crunch of peanuts and the deep flavor of dark chocolate, these bars are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a refreshing dessert on a hot day or simply want something satisfying to pair with your afternoon tea or coffee, these frozen bars will quickly become your go-to snack.
Easy to make, requiring no baking, this recipe is a fun and delicious way to enjoy a creamy dessert with a chocolatey twist. The creamy base is blended to perfection and frozen into ice stick molds, while the chocolate-peanut coating adds a delightful crunch. This recipe is highly customizable and can be made to suit different dietary needs. Whether you’re a fan of chocolate, peanuts, or both, this dessert will delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 300g (10.5 oz) cottage cheese or cream cheese (about 1 1/4 cups)
- 40g (3 tbsp) coconut, cocoa, or classic butter
- 40g (2 tbsp) honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 20g (2 tbsp) cocoa powder
- 40g (1/4 cup) peanuts
- 160g (5.6 oz) dark chocolate (about 1 cup)
- 40g (3 tbsp) vegetable oil
Directions
1. Prepare the Cream Base:
Start by combining cottage cheese or cream cheese with melted butter, honey, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder in a mixing bowl. Blend the mixture thoroughly using a food processor or blender until it becomes smooth and creamy. This will form the base of your frozen bars, and the blending is key to achieving a velvety texture. You can adjust the amount of cocoa powder to your taste, depending on how chocolatey you prefer the cream base to be.
2. Freeze the Cream Base:
Once the cream mixture is blended, spoon it into silicone molds. Silicone molds work best for easy removal, but any ice cube or bar mold can work in a pinch. Place the molds in the freezer and let them chill for at least 3 hours, or until they are fully frozen and solid. This step ensures that the cream base holds its shape and remains firm when coated with chocolate.
3. Prepare the Chocolate Coating:
While the cream bars freeze, prepare the chocolate coating. First, chop the peanuts into medium-fine pieces. The peanuts will add a delightful crunch to each bite, so try to chop them to your desired consistency. Next, melt the dark chocolate using a double boiler or microwave. If using a microwave, heat the chocolate in short bursts, stirring frequently to avoid burning it. Once the chocolate is melted, stir in vegetable oil to smooth out the consistency and help the chocolate coat the bars evenly. Add the chopped peanuts to the melted chocolate, mixing well to ensure they are evenly distributed.
4. Coat the Frozen Bars:
After the cream base has fully frozen, remove the bars from the molds. Quickly dip each bar into the chocolate-peanut coating, making sure they are well-covered. Be swift with this step, as the cold bars will cause the chocolate to set quickly. Once coated, return the bars to the freezer for another 15 minutes to allow the chocolate coating to harden completely.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve immediately for a refreshing dessert on a warm day, or let them sit out for a few minutes for a slightly softer texture.
- Pair these decadent frozen chocolate bars with a cup of coffee or tea for an indulgent snack. The rich chocolate and creamy base balance beautifully with a hot beverage.
- For an extra touch of luxury, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Cooking Tips
- Blend the cream base thoroughly to ensure a smooth and creamy texture. A smooth base is key to achieving the right consistency when frozen.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the coating. The better the chocolate, the richer the flavor of the bars. Look for chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for a deep, robust flavor.
- Work quickly when dipping the bars to keep the chocolate from hardening too fast. The frozen bars will set the chocolate, so you want to dip them quickly but carefully to ensure even coverage.
Nutritional Benefits
- Cottage Cheese/Cream Cheese: Both cottage cheese and cream cheese are great sources of protein and calcium, contributing to bone health and muscle repair.
- Dark Chocolate: Rich in antioxidants, dark chocolate can help protect your cells from damage and provide heart health benefits due to its flavonoid content. It also contains beneficial fats that promote good cholesterol levels.
- Peanuts: Packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber, peanuts are a great source of energy and contribute to heart health. They also help with satiety, keeping you feeling fuller for longer.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
- Gluten-Free: All ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that the chocolate and any other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free if you have a gluten sensitivity.
- Nut-Free: If you need to make this recipe nut-free, you can substitute the peanuts with seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy texture without the nuts.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
Storage
Store these frozen chocolate bars in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week. They are best enjoyed within the first few days for optimal freshness, but they will keep well in the freezer for up to a week without losing flavor or texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and simple to make—no baking required! The recipe is easy to follow, and all the steps are straightforward.
- A perfect treat for hot weather—the frozen nature of these bars makes them an ideal dessert for warm days when you’re craving something cold and sweet.
- Combines creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey goodness in every bite. The balance between the smooth, creamy cheese base, the crunchy peanuts, and the rich chocolate coating makes each bite incredibly satisfying.
- It’s a customizable recipe—feel free to adjust the sweetness, chocolate, or peanuts based on your personal preferences. You can even experiment with adding other mix-ins like dried fruit or coconut flakes.
Conclusion
These Decadent Frozen Chocolate Bars with Peanut are a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey textures. They’re simple to make, require no baking, and provide a refreshing dessert option for any occasion. With their smooth cream cheese base, rich dark chocolate coating, and crunchy peanut pieces, these bars are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings. Whether you enjoy them on a hot day, pair them with coffee or tea, or serve them as a special treat, they’ll quickly become a favorite. With their versatility and delightful flavor, they’re sure to impress anyone who tries them.