Dig into the delightful world of White Chocolate Peanut Biscoff Bars! These sweet treats are a blend of rich white chocolate, crunchy peanuts, and spiced Biscoff cookies, making them a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a gathering or simply indulge in a delicious afternoon snack, this recipe is both quick and easy to prepare. The combination of textures and flavors will surely satisfy your sweet cravings!
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your own batch of irresistible White Chocolate Peanut Biscoff Bars:
- Roasted Peanuts: ~1 and 1/4 cup (200g) – Peanuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, balancing the sweetness of the white chocolate.
- Biscoff Cookies: 200g – Crushed Biscoff cookies lend a spiced and caramel flavor to the bars; however, feel free to substitute with any favorite cookies!
- White Chocolate: 200g (for filling) + 200g (for topping) – This luscious chocolate provides smoothness and sweetness that brings the mixture together beautifully.
- Whipping Cream: ~1/2 cup (100ml) – The cream works to melt the chocolate, creating a creamy filling to bind the ingredients.
- Lotus Biscoff Spread or Nutella (optional, for garnish): 1 tablespoon – A drizzle of this creamy spread adds an extra layer of flavor and attractiveness to the bars.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Peanuts
Start by coarsely chopping 200g of roasted peanuts. You can use a food processor for this step, or you can chop them using a knife, ensuring a chunky texture that will add crunch to the bars.
Step 2: Crush the Cookies
Next, coarsely grind the Biscoff cookies in a food processor, or place them in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. You want a fine crumb that will easily combine with the other ingredients, providing a flavorful base.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate and Cream
In a double boiler (Bain-marie) or microwave, melt 200g of white chocolate together with 1/2 cup (100ml) of whipping cream. Stir frequently until the mixture is completely smooth and combined. This chocolate mixture will serve as the binder for your ingredients.
Step 4: Assemble the Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the coarsely chopped peanuts, crushed Biscoff cookies, and the melted chocolate mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed, ensuring an even distribution of flavors throughout the mixture.
Step 5: Spread the Mixture
Line a 28 cm × 18 cm baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal. Pour the combined mixture into the dish and spread it evenly, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure a uniform layer.
Step 6: Chill the Mixture
Refrigerate the baking dish for about 30 minutes, allowing the base to firm up before adding the chocolate topping. This helps set the bars and makes them easier to cut later.
Step 7: Top with White Chocolate
After chilling, melt the remaining 200g of white chocolate. Once melted, pour it over the chilled base in the baking dish, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
Step 8: Garnish (Optional)
For an extra touch of flavor and decoration, melt 1 tablespoon of Lotus Biscoff spread or Nutella and drizzle it over the top of the white chocolate layer. This step is optional but adds a wonderful visual appeal and depth of flavor.
Step 9: Final Chill
Return the dish to the refrigerator for another 15-20 minutes to allow the chocolate topping to harden fully. Once set, your bars will be ready for slicing.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Once the bars are fully chilled and set, slice them into squares or rectangles. Enjoy them as a delightful treat on their own, or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert!
Serving Suggestions
- With Ice Cream: Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast.
- With Fresh Berries: Serve with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a fruity and tart balance.
- Coffee or Tea: Enjoy with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
- For Gifting: Cut into smaller squares, wrap individually in parchment paper, and present them as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Cooking Tips
- Cutting the Bars: Use a serrated knife to cut the chilled bars neatly to avoid cracking.
- Resting: Allow the bars to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing to ensure they cut cleanly.
- Extra Crunch: For an added crunch, sprinkle some whole peanuts on top of the melted chocolate before it sets.
- Different Flavors: Substitute dark or milk chocolate for the white chocolate if you prefer a different flavor profile.
- Base Firmness: Press the cookie-peanut mixture firmly into the pan to create a sturdy and stable base.
Nutritional Benefits
These White Chocolate Peanut Biscoff Bars not only taste great, but they also offer some nutritional benefits:
- Protein: Peanuts provide a good source of protein, helping to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Healthy Fats: The unsaturated fats from peanuts contribute to heart health and overall wellness.
- Antioxidants: While white chocolate doesn’t have as many antioxidants as dark chocolate, it still offers some health benefits.
- Minerals: Peanuts are rich in magnesium and phosphorus, which are essential for various bodily functions.
- New Flavors: The spiced Biscoff cookies introduce unique flavors without the need for additional sugar.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
- Nut-Free Alternative: If you need a nut-free version, replace peanuts with sunflower seeds.
- Gluten-Free Option: Choose gluten-free cookies to adapt this dessert for a gluten-free diet.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free white chocolate along with coconut cream to make this a dairy-free treat.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate: Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freeze: You can also freeze the bars in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps and minimal equipment needed, these bars come together rapidly.
- Versatile: You can customize the recipe by using different types of chocolate or nut alternatives.
- Rich Flavor: The sweet, spiced cookie flavor combined with creamy chocolate guarantees a delectable dessert.
- Perfect for Gifting: Cut and wrap these bars for a delightful homemade gift for friends and family.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These bars are an ideal dessert for parties, potlucks, or any gathering, sure to please every palate.
FAQs
Can I use another type of cookie instead of Biscoff?
Yes, you can substitute Biscoff cookies with any of your favorite cookies. Chocolate chip cookies or graham crackers can work well too!
Can I use something other than peanuts?
Certainly! You can replace the peanuts with any other nuts, like almonds or walnuts, or go for a nut-free option by using sunflower seeds.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
To make it vegan, use dairy-free white chocolate, coconut cream, and ensure that the cookies are vegan-friendly.
How long do these bars last?
When stored properly, the bars can last up to a week in the refrigerator or up to two months in the freezer.
Can I add extra mix-ins to the bars?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even other types of spreads to enhance the flavor.
Conclusion
These White Chocolate Peanut Biscoff Bars are a fantastic treat to make for yourself or to share with loved ones. With their rich, indulgent flavors and satisfying crunch, they are sure to become a go-to dessert in your recipe collection. Perfect for various occasions, these easy-to-make bars will impress friends and family alike. Enjoy creating and sharing this sweet delight!