This fun recipe mixes creamy cottage cheese with sweet peanut butter to create a tasty twist on Snickers bars. It’s a perfect snack for a quick energy boost!
I love how easy these treats are to make. Just mix, chill, and enjoy! Plus, they have that yummy chocolatey flavor that makes me feel like I’m getting dessert, but it’s actually healthy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham cracker crumbs: These form the base of your dessert. If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits or even crushed cookies like Oreos for a different flavor profile!
Peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter is essential for that smooth layer. If you’re allergic or prefer something different, almond butter or sun butter work as great substitutes.
Cottage cheese: Small curd cottage cheese adds protein and creaminess. If you don’t like the texture, consider using Greek yogurt for a similar consistency, but it will change the flavor a bit.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These help create the chocolate topping. Dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips can be substituted depending on your sweetness preference!
How Do I Achieve a Smooth Cottage Cheese Mixture?
A smooth filling is key to replicating Snickers’ creamy texture. Here’s what you do:
- Use a food processor or blender to combine the drained cottage cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
- Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides if needed. This helps to eliminate any clumps.
- If it’s still chunky, blend a bit longer until you achieve that silky texture.
Getting this right means no lumps in your dessert, making each bite delightful!
Cottage Cheese And Peanut Butter Snickers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuit crumbs)
- ¼ cup melted butter
For the Peanut Butter Layer:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
For the Cottage Cheese Filling:
- 2 cups cottage cheese (small curd, well drained)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for chocolate topping)
- ½ cup chopped roasted peanuts (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 3-4 hours for chilling in the fridge. The wait is worth it for these delicious layers to set and become a perfect treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with ¼ cup melted butter. Stir until all the crumbs are well coated with butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8 inch square or rectangular baking dish to form an even crust. Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the other layers.
2. Make the Peanut Butter Layer:
Once the crust is chilled, spread the creamy peanut butter evenly over the top of the crust layer. Take your time to ensure it covers the entire surface. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Cottage Cheese Filling:
In a food processor or blender, combine the drained cottage cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Blend this mixture until it is smooth and creamy, with no lumps. Pour the cottage cheese mixture over the peanut butter layer, spreading it out evenly.
4. Make the Chocolate Topping:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and 2 tbsp of butter. Melt the mixture in the microwave, heating for 20-second intervals, and stirring after each interval until it’s completely smooth.
5. Assemble the Dessert:
Carefully pour the melted chocolate over the cottage cheese layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface, covering the whole layer.
6. Chill and Set:
Sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts over the melted chocolate layer for a nice crunch. Then, cover the dish and refrigerate it for at least 3-4 hours, or until it has fully set and firmed up.
7. Serve:
Once set, you can cut the dessert into squares or scoop it into small dessert cups. Enjoy this delightful, creamy, and delicious treat that brings a healthier twist to your favorite Snickers flavor!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Absolutely! Low-fat cottage cheese can be used in this recipe without affecting the overall flavor too much. Just ensure it’s well-drained to keep the texture consistent.
How Do I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dessert gluten-free, simply use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or a similar gluten-free cookie alternative for the crust. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make this recipe vegan, substitute the cottage cheese with a non-dairy alternative like cashew cream or silken tofu blended until smooth, and use vegan chocolate chips and a plant-based butter alternative for the chocolate topping.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 5 days. For best results, enjoy them chilled!
