This fun treat combines creamy cottage cheese and rich peanut butter for a delicious twist on a Snickers bar! It’s sweet, satisfying, and packed with protein.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Use smooth or well-blended cottage cheese for a creamy texture. If you’re lactose intolerant, try silken tofu for a similar consistency!
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter gives a smooth finish, but chunky adds fun crunch! If you’re allergic or just not a fan, almond or sunflower seed butter works well too.
Graham Crackers or Digestive Biscuits: These give a nice base, but if you want to skip gluten, use crushed gluten-free cookies or oats mixed with a little coconut oil.
Honey or Maple Syrup: This adds sweetness, but you can leave it out if you prefer. Stevia or agave syrup are great alternatives for a lower-calorie option!
Chocolate Chips: Dark or milk chocolate brings richness. For a healthier version, consider using dark chocolate with a high cocoa percentage or dairy-free chocolate for vegan options.
How Do You Achieve the Best Chocolate Layer?
Melting chocolate might seem tricky, but it’s simple if you follow these steps. The goal is to create a smooth layer over your dessert.
- Use low heat when melting chocolate. Whether you’re using a saucepan or microwave, go slow to prevent burning.
- Mix chocolate chips with coconut oil or butter. This makes it silkier and easier to spread.
- In the microwave, heat chocolate in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between until it’s fully melted.
- Once melted, pour it gently over the cottage cheese mixture. Use a spatula to spread it evenly without disturbing the layers below.
With these tips, your chocolate layer will be smooth and delicious, making your dessert look as good as it tastes!
Cottage Cheese and Peanut Butter Snickers Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 1 ½ cups cottage cheese (preferably smooth or well-blended)
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky, your preference)
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits (for the base)
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup dark or milk chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp coconut oil or butter (to melt with chocolate)
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts
- 2 tbsp caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious no-bake dessert takes around 15 minutes to prepare. After preparation, you will need to let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours to set properly. So overall, plan for about 3 hours and 15 minutes, including chilling time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by mixing the crushed graham crackers with about ¼ cup of the peanut butter in a bowl. Stir until the mixture is well combined and binds together. Next, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of serving cups or a square pan to form an even layer for your base.
2. Blend the Cottage Cheese:
Using a blender or an electric mixer, blend the cottage cheese until it becomes smooth and creamy. This will create a lovely texture for your filling.
3. Combine the Filling Ingredients:
Add the remaining peanut butter, honey or maple syrup (if you’d like it sweeter), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the blended cottage cheese. Blend everything together until it’s fully combined and smooth. This will be your creamy filling.
4. Spread the Filling:
Take the creamy cottage cheese and peanut butter mixture and spread it evenly over the prepared graham cracker base layer. Make sure it covers the base completely.
5. Melt the Chocolate:
In a small saucepan over low heat or in a microwave-safe bowl, gently melt the chocolate chips together with the coconut oil or butter. Stir regularly until the chocolate is nice and smooth.
6. Pour the Chocolate:
Once melted, pour the chocolate mixture over the creamy cottage cheese layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
7. Add Caramel and Peanuts:
Drizzle caramel sauce over the melted chocolate layer. Then sprinkle the chopped peanuts evenly on top for a delightful crunch.
8. Chill and Serve:
Cover your dessert and refrigerate it for at least 2-3 hours, or until the chocolate is set and the dessert feels firm. Once chilled, cut into squares or serve in cups, and enjoy your protein-rich, no-bake Cottage Cheese and Peanut Butter Snickers!
This dessert is a tasty way to satisfy your sweet tooth while enjoying creamy, nutty flavors reminiscent of classic Snickers bars. Enjoy!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese! While regular cottage cheese gives a creamier texture, low-fat options will still work well and make the dessert a bit lighter.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to keep it covered to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods.
Can I Use Different Nuts or No Nuts at All?
Absolutely! You can substitute chopped peanuts with any nuts of your choice, like almonds or walnuts, for a different flavor and crunch. If you’re nut-free, feel free to omit the nuts altogether!
What If I Don’t Have Graham Crackers?
If you’re out of graham crackers, you can use crushed cookies like Oreos or digestive biscuits instead for a fun twist. For a gluten-free option, try using crushed gluten-free cookies or oats mixed with a little coconut oil.
