Decadent Frozen Chocolate Peanut Bars
Prep time: 20 mins | Freezing time: 2–3 hours | Yield: 6–8 bars
Ingredients
The Creamy Center
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300g cottage cheese: (or curd cheese/cream cheese for a smoother finish).
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40g coconut or cocoa butter: (regular butter works as a substitute).
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40g honey: Adjust to your preferred sweetness.
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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20g cocoa powder
The Crunchy Coating
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160g dark chocolate: High-quality chocolate melts most evenly.
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40g peanuts: Ground or finely chopped.
Instructions
1. Blend the Filling
In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the cottage cheese, melted butter (coconut, cocoa, or regular), honey, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and no lumps from the cheese remain.
2. Shape the Bars
Pour the mixture into silicone bar molds. If you do not have molds, you can pour the mixture into a parchment-lined square pan and cut them into bars once partially frozen. Place in the freezer for at least 2 hours or until they are firm enough to handle.
3. Prepare the Coating
While the bars are freezing, melt the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals or using a double boiler. Once smooth, stir in the ground peanuts. Pour the chocolate mixture into a tall glass; this makes dipping the bars much easier and ensures an even coat.
4. Dip and Set
Remove the frozen bars from their molds. Working quickly, dip each bar into the chocolate-peanut mixture until fully coated. Because the bars are frozen, the chocolate will set almost instantly.
5. Storage
Place the finished bars back in the freezer for another 15–20 minutes to fully set. Store them in an airtight container in the freezer.
Pro Tips for Success
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Texture Secret: If using cottage cheese with large curds, pulsing the cheese by itself first before adding the other ingredients ensures the smoothest possible texture.
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Butter Choice: Using coconut or cocoa butter will give the filling a firmer, “snap” quality when bitten into compared to regular butter.
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Peanut Prep: Toast your peanuts slightly before grinding them to significantly enhance the nutty aroma of the coating.
Nutritional Highlight (Per Bar)
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High Protein: Thanks to the cottage cheese base.
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Antioxidants: Provided by the dark chocolate and cocoa powder.
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Healthy Fats: From the peanuts and coconut butter.