Are you craving a cool, decadent treat that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! These Frozen Reese's Bars are the perfect homemade dessert for satisfying your sweet tooth. This easy recipe requires no baking, making it ideal for a quick dessert or a fun weekend project. Get ready to dive into layers of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and crunchy peanut butter cups – all frozen to perfection! This recipe is perfect for those looking for quick dinner ideas or simply a delicious and satisfying treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), finely crushed
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 (14 ounce) package of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, coarsely chopped
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, peanut butter, and melted butter. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8x8 inch baking dish. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your hands to ensure an even layer.
Creating the Peanut Butter Filling:
- In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. This might take a few minutes, so be patient!
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Gently fold in half of the chopped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.
Assembling and Freezing the Bars:
- Spread the whipped peanut butter mixture evenly over the cookie crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining chopped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups over the peanut butter filling.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the bars to set completely.
Making the Chocolate Topping:
- Once the bars are frozen solid, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the frozen peanut butter mixture and spread evenly.
- Return the dish to the freezer for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden.
Serving and Enjoying your Frozen Reese's Bars:
Once the chocolate is set, cut the bars into squares and serve immediately. These are best enjoyed slightly softened, so letting them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving is recommended.
Tips for the Best Frozen Reese's Bars:
- For a finer crust, use a food processor to crush the cookies.
- If your heavy cream isn't quite cold enough, it may not whip as easily. Chill the bowl and beaters beforehand for best results.
- Don't overmix the peanut butter filling, as this can deflate the whipped cream.
- Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Consider adding chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even more chocolate chips.
Variations:
- Salted Caramel Swirl: Add a swirl of salted caramel sauce to the peanut butter filling for an extra layer of flavor.
- Mint Chocolate Chip: Use mint chocolate cookies instead of Oreos and add Andes mint chips to the chocolate topping.
- Different Peanut Butter: Try using a crunchy peanut butter for a different texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 (This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used).
This recipe provides a delicious and easy dessert for any occasion. These frozen treats are a delightful way to cool down on a hot day or satisfy a late-night craving. Perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Enjoy!