This fun and tasty treat combines creamy cottage cheese with rich peanut butter to create a snack that’s a little bit different. It’s like a Snickers bar but healthier!
You won’t believe how easy it is to whip this up. Just mix, layer, and enjoy! It’s my go-to when I need a quick pick-me-up that feels like a treat without the guilt!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Aim for smooth or blended cottage cheese for a creamy texture. If you can only find the curd type, just blend it until smooth. I love the creaminess it brings to the dessert!
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is essential for the best texture. If you’re allergic to peanuts, try using sunflower butter or almond butter instead. Both work well!
Honey or Maple Syrup: These natural sweeteners add a lovely flavor. If you’re looking for lower sugar options, consider using a sugar-free syrup. Just adjust the amount to taste!
Crushed Biscuits or Graham Crackers: For the base, use any type of cookies you enjoy. Digestive biscuits also work nicely if you prefer something a bit less sweet.
Chocolate Chips: I use dark chocolate chips for a rich taste, but milk chocolate can be a great substitute if you prefer it sweeter. You can also use dairy-free chips if you’re avoiding dairy.
How Do You Ensure the Peanut Butter Layer is Smooth and Fluffy?
The peanut butter layer can make or break this dessert, so attention is key! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Mix creamy peanut butter with sweetened condensed milk or caramel sauce (if using) in a bowl.
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother mix. Cold peanut butter can be tough to blend!
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors—they really do shine through!
Mix until everything is homogenous and creamy, then spread it evenly over the chilled cottage cheese layer. This will help the layers meld nicely without being tough to scoop later!
How to Make Cottage Cheese And Peanut Butter Snickers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 1 cup crushed biscuits or graham crackers (for the base)
For the Cottage Cheese Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese (preferably smooth or blended for creaminess)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (to sweeten the cottage cheese layer)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Peanut Butter Layer:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter (for the peanut butter layer)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk or caramel sauce (optional, for richness)
- Pinch of salt (to enhance flavor)
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 cup dark or milk chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp butter (to melt with chocolate)
For Garnish:
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (to sprinkle on top)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare initially, and then you’ll need to chill it for about 1.5 hours in total. The chilling time allows the layers to set beautifully, making it easier to scoop out when serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cottage Cheese Layer:
If your cottage cheese is not smooth, no worries! Just blend it in a food processor until it’s creamy. Then, add the honey (or maple syrup) and vanilla extract. Mix well to create a sweet, creamy cottage cheese mixture that will be the base of this tasty dessert.
2. Make the Base:
Now, take your crushed biscuits or graham crackers and press them evenly into the bottom of serving glasses or small jars. This will create a delicious base for your dessert. Make sure it’s packed down well for stability!
3. Add the Cottage Cheese Mixture:
Next, spoon the cottage cheese mixture over the biscuit base, spreading it evenly to form the first layer. Place the glasses or jars in the refrigerator and chill for 20-30 minutes so it can set nicely.
4. Prepare the Peanut Butter Layer:
In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter with the sweetened condensed milk or caramel sauce (if you’re using it) and a pinch of salt. Mix this until it’s super smooth and well combined. The salt really enhances the flavor, making it rich and delicious!
5. Spread the Peanut Butter Layer:
Once the cottage cheese layer has chilled, spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over it. Return the glasses or jars to the fridge for another 20 minutes to let the layers set together.
6. Melt the Chocolate Topping:
Time for the indulgent chocolate topping! Melt the chocolate chips and butter together gently in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, stirring until smooth. Take your time here, as you want it to blend perfectly!
7. Pour and Spread the Chocolate:
Now, take the melted chocolate and pour it over the peanut butter layer. Spread it evenly to cover the surface completely. This luscious layer will be the cherry on top of your dessert!
8. Garnish with Peanuts:
Before the chocolate hardens, sprinkle the chopped peanuts on top. They add a lovely crunch and extra flavor that complements the dessert perfectly.
9. Chill Again:
Cover the assembled dessert and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour or until everything is fully set. This is when the magic happens as all the layers come together!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy, serve the dessert chilled. You can scoop it with a spoon or simply eat straight from the glass. Either way, it’s going to be delicious!
Enjoy your creamy, nutty Cottage Cheese And Peanut Butter Snickers inspired dessert!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Absolutely! Low-fat cottage cheese works just as well, though it may be slightly less creamy. Just blend it until smooth to achieve a pleasant texture.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
You can easily make this dessert vegan by substituting the cottage cheese with a plant-based yogurt, such as coconut or almond yogurt. Use maple syrup instead of honey, and choose a vegan chocolate for the topping.
What Should I Do if the Layers Don’t Set Properly?
If the layers haven’t set as desired, give them additional chilling time in the refrigerator. Make sure your ingredients, especially the cream and chocolate, are at the right temperatures for optimal setting.
Can I Add Other Toppings or Swaps?
Definitely! Feel free to personalize your dessert by adding other toppings like shredded coconut, chocolate drizzle, or even dried fruits. If you don’t have peanuts, chopped almonds or walnuts would also be delicious!
