This recipe provides instructions for making a delectable and easy No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Slice, a rich and satisfying treat that requires no baking and is perfect for satisfying those sweet and salty cravings. This slice features a crumbly and chewy base made with crushed biscuits, peanut butter, and sometimes other additions like puffed rice or nuts, all bound together with melted butter and sugar. It’s then topped with a smooth and glossy layer of melted chocolate, creating a simple yet incredibly flavorful dessert that’s a hit with both kids and adults. The base of this no-bake slice typically starts with crushed biscuits, such as digestive biscuits, graham crackers, or Marie biscuits, which provide a slightly crumbly and textural element. These crushed biscuits are combined with creamy peanut butter, which lends a rich, nutty flavor and helps to bind the mixture. Some variations include puffed rice cereal for added crunch or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor. Melted unsalted butter and granulated or powdered sugar are usually added to the base mixture to provide moisture, sweetness, and help everything hold together. The ingredients for the base are mixed until well combined and then pressed firmly into a lined baking pan to create an even layer. The topping is a simple yet decadent layer of melted chocolate. Milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, or even dark chocolate can be used, depending on your preference for sweetness and intensity. The chocolate is typically melted gently, either in a microwave or over a double boiler, until smooth and glossy. Sometimes, a small amount of butter or oil is added to the melting chocolate to give it an extra smooth and shiny finish. Once melted, the chocolate is poured evenly over the prepared peanut butter biscuit base. Before the chocolate sets completely, the slice can be sprinkled with additional chopped nuts, a drizzle of extra peanut butter, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavors and add visual appeal. To allow the slice to firm up properly and to make cutting easier, it is usually chilled in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours, or until the chocolate is fully set. Once chilled, the No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Slice is cut into squares or rectangles and is ready to be enjoyed. Its combination of crunchy biscuits, creamy peanut butter, and smooth chocolate makes it a truly irresistible and effortless treat. The image shows a rectangular white plate filled with numerous rectangular slices of a no-bake dessert. The slices have a dark, textured base that appears to contain crushed biscuits and nuts, bound together. The top of each slice is covered with a smooth, glossy layer of milk chocolate, also studded with chopped nuts.
The texture of No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Slice is a delightful combination of a firm and slightly crumbly base from the crushed biscuits and nuts, held together with the smooth and slightly chewy peanut butter mixture, topped with a smooth and melt-in-your-mouth layer of chocolate that often has a bit of crunch from added nuts.
The flavor profile is a classic and irresistible pairing of rich, nutty peanut butter and sweet, smooth chocolate. The crushed biscuits provide a subtle, slightly savory undertone, while any added nuts contribute their distinct flavor and crunch. The overall taste is a perfect balance of sweet and salty, especially if sea salt is sprinkled on top.
No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Slice is a simple dessert made by combining crushed biscuits, peanut butter, butter, and sugar (and sometimes nuts or puffed rice) for a base, topped with a layer of melted chocolate, and chilled until set.
The preparation involves crushing biscuits, mixing them with peanut butter, melted butter, sugar, and any other additions for the base, pressing the mixture into a pan, melting chocolate for the topping, spreading it over the base, optionally adding more nuts or salt, chilling until firm, and then cutting into slices.
Ingredients:
For the Base:
- 1 ½ cups crushed biscuits (such as digestive biscuits, graham crackers, or Marie biscuits)
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup powdered sugar (or granulated sugar)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (such as peanuts, walnuts, or almonds), optional
- ½ cup puffed rice cereal (optional, for extra crunch)
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 ½ cups milk chocolate chips (or semi-sweet or dark chocolate)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or vegetable shortening (optional, for shine)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Extra chopped nuts
- Drizzle of melted peanut butter
- Flaky sea salt
Equipment:
- 9×13 inch baking pan (or similar size)
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler (for melting chocolate)
Instructions:
- Prepare Baking Pan: Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift out the slice later.
- Crush the Biscuits: Place the biscuits in a zip-top bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin. Alternatively, you can use a food processor to crush them.
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed biscuits, peanut butter, melted butter, and powdered sugar (or granulated sugar). If using, add the chopped nuts and puffed rice cereal to the mixture. Stir well until all the ingredients are evenly combined and the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Press into Pan: Transfer the peanut butter biscuit mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan, creating a solid base.
- Prepare Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butter or vegetable shortening (if using). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate in a double boiler over simmering water, stirring until smooth.
- Pour Over Base: Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the prepared peanut butter biscuit base in the baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it smoothly to the edges.
- Add Garnish (Optional): If desired, sprinkle extra chopped nuts or a pinch of flaky sea salt over the melted chocolate before it starts to set. You can also drizzle melted peanut butter over the chocolate for a decorative touch.
- Chill to Set: Place the baking pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2-3 hours, or until the chocolate is fully set and the base has firmed up.
- Cut into Slices: Once chilled and firm, lift the slice out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into squares or rectangles of your desired size. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat edges.
- Serve and Store: The No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Slice is ready to be served. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its firmness.
Enjoy this simple and satisfying No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Slice! It’s a perfect treat for any occasion and requires minimal effort for maximum flavor.