Peanut Butter Bark

My emergency sweet stash is this peanut butter bark loaded with Reese's Pieces. I whipped it up on a whim years ago for a school fundraiser, and now it's what I grab when chocolate urges strike or friends pop in unexpectedly. The layers are just magical - crisp chocolate base, velvety peanut butter middle, another chocolate coat on top, all dotted with those colorful, crunchy Reese's candy bits.

I wrapped this bark in small see-through bags with ribbons for holiday gift baskets last December. My usually quiet brother-in-law sent me a message two days after, wondering if I'd tucked away more of 'that chocolate peanut butter stuff' somewhere. He'd demolished his portion and was hunting for extras.

Basic Components

• Milk chocolate chips: They match the peanut butter taste perfectly. Semi-sweet works in a pinch, but milk chocolate really brings out the candy flavors better.
• Creamy peanut butter: Go for mainstream brands like Skippy or Jif here. Those natural versions with oil floating on top can mess with how your bark turns out.
• Confectioners' sugar: It adds sweetness to the peanut butter section while helping it set properly. Don't swap in regular sugar or you'll end up with gritty results.
• Butter: A small amount makes the peanut butter mix extra smooth and helps it firm up nicely when chilled.
• Reese's Pieces: These candies add pops of color, satisfying crunch, and more peanut butter goodness. They also instantly signal this isn't just any ordinary treat.

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Creation Tips

Watch your melting:

Those short 20-second microwave bursts really matter when melting chocolate. It can turn from perfectly smooth to burnt in moments, so take your time and mix thoroughly between each heating.

Get the base right:

Don't rush spreading that bottom chocolate layer. A smooth, even foundation means your bark will break into nice chunks later. I always grab my offset spatula for the best results.

Keep stirring:

When you're mixing the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and butter, don't stop until everything looks totally smooth. Any tiny lumps will show up clearly in your finished treat.

Let it cool:

Those fridge breaks between adding layers aren't optional. Cooling time makes sure each section sets properly so they don't blend together.

Easy does it:

When adding Reese's Pieces on top, push them down just enough to stick. Too much pressure and they'll vanish into the chocolate, ruining that pretty spotted look.

Snap it up:

Use your hands to break the finished bark rather than cutting it. Those random pieces look much more appealing than perfectly squared sections.

I started making this bark when my children were small and always begging for those pricey chocolate-peanut butter snacks near the store registers. This homemade version became our weekend movie night treat - way cheaper than buying them and so much fun to make together. Now they're teens but still ask for it when friends visit, and I've caught them sneaking pieces from the fridge countless times.

Presentation Suggestions

Make different sized pieces depending on your needs. Small bits work great on platters with other sweets, while larger chunks stand out as their own dessert. For a quick fancy touch, pile pieces in a clear glass container with a ribbon. During winter holidays, I pair it with hot cocoa for a perfect sweet combo.

Fun Variations

Switch to white chocolate for the top for a beautiful color contrast. Toss some flaky sea salt on top for a grown-up sweet-salty mix. Want more texture? Stir rice krispies into the peanut butter section or scatter chopped peanuts alongside the Reese's Pieces on top.

Keeping Fresh

Keep your bark in a sealed container in the fridge, where it'll stay good up to two weeks. If you're piling pieces, put wax paper between the layers so they won't stick together. Need to store it longer? Pop it in the freezer for up to three months - just let it thaw in the fridge before eating.

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I've crafted this peanut butter bark so many times I could probably make it with my eyes closed. There's something really satisfying about how simple it is - no fancy methods or weird ingredients, just layer after layer of pure chocolate-peanut butter happiness. It's become my go-to dessert for bringing places since it travels nicely and gets eaten quickly. The mix of smooth and crunchy feels with that perfect chocolate-peanut butter combo makes it tough to stop at just one chunk.

Recipe FAQs

→ Is dark chocolate a good substitute for milk chocolate?

Definitely! Dark chocolate balances out the sweetness of the peanut butter nicely.

→ What’s the best way to store this treat?

Keep it in a sealed container either at room temp for up to a week, refrigerated for two weeks, or freeze for three months.

→ Can I try using crunchy peanut butter?

Go for it! It’ll be less creamy, but the crunch adds a fun texture.

→ What candy works well instead of Reese's Pieces?

You could add M&Ms, mini peanut butter cups, chopped nuts, or any candy that pairs well with chocolate.

→ Why does the chocolate crack when I break it?

That’s normal! For smoother pieces, let the bark warm slightly on the counter for a few minutes before breaking it.