This fun treat combines creamy cottage cheese and rich peanut butter to mimic a Snickers bar! It’s a protein-packed snack that tastes so good, you won’t believe it’s healthy.
I love making this snack when I want something sweet but still want to feel good about it. It’s super easy to whip up, and honestly, who can resist peanut butter? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This gives a creamy texture and is packed with protein. You can use either full fat or low fat based on your preference. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using silken tofu blended until smooth.
Peanut Butter: I suggest creamy peanut butter for a smooth filling. If you’re allergic or prefer another nut, almond butter works great too! Just ensure it’s unsweetened for the best balance.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Both are excellent natural sweeteners. If you want a sugar-free version, you can use stevia or erythritol, but adjust to taste since they are sweeter than honey.
Graham Crackers: These create a nice crunchy base. If you’re gluten-free, use crushed gluten-free cookies or oats mixed with a bit of coconut oil.
Dark Chocolate Chips: They add a rich topping. Milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate also works well if you prefer a sweeter flavor. If you’re dairy-free, consider vegan chocolate chips.
How Do I Make the Creamy Filling Perfectly Smooth?
The filling is critical for this recipe, so getting it right makes a big difference in texture. To ensure a smooth consistency:
- When blending, add cottage cheese and the other ingredients (peanut butter, honey, vanilla) together; this helps them incorporate fully.
- Blend until the mixture is completely smooth—scrape down the sides of the blender if needed.
- Make sure your cottage cheese is at room temperature, as cold ingredients can create clumps.
If you like a little texture, you can leave it a bit chunky, but blending fully gives the best creamy result!
Cottage Cheese And Peanut Butter Snickers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full fat or low fat, depending on preference)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to sweetness preference)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: pinch of salt
For the Base:
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips or baking chocolate
- 2 tbsp peanut butter (for melting with chocolate)
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (unsalted)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 1-2 hours to chill and set in the fridge or freezer. Perfect for when you want a sweet snack without the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Begin by pressing the crushed graham crackers firmly into the bottom of a square or rectangular pan lined with parchment paper. Make sure it’s even so that every bite has a nice base!
2. Make the Creamy Filling:
In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, 1/2 cup peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and if you like, a pinch of salt. Blend everything together until it’s smooth and creamy—this will be the delicious filling!
3. Assemble the Middle Layer:
Now, take the creamy mixture and spread it evenly over the graham cracker base you prepared earlier. Use a spatula to smooth the top so that it looks nice and neat.
4. Chill:
Place the assembled pan in the freezer or refrigerator for about 20 minutes to set while you prepare the chocolate topping. This step is crucial for a perfect texture!
5. Prepare the Chocolate Topping:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips along with 2 tablespoons of peanut butter. Stir every 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth and well combined. You want it to be luscious and ready for spreading!
6. Top the Bars:
Once the cottage cheese layer is set, pour the melted chocolate mixture over the top. Spread it evenly across the surface and immediately sprinkle the chopped peanuts over the chocolate before it sets.
7. Final Chilling:
Return the pan to the fridge or freezer to let everything set completely for about 1-2 hours. Patience is key here!
8. Serving:
After everything is nicely set, cut the bars into squares and serve. If you want to make them even more indulgent, warm a little extra peanut butter and drizzle it on top for a delicious finish!
Enjoy your protein-rich, indulgent Cottage Cheese And Peanut Butter Snickers bars that satisfy both sweet cravings and keep things nutritious!
Can I Use Different Sweeteners Instead of Honey or Maple Syrup?
Absolutely! You can substitute honey or maple syrup with agave nectar, stevia, or erythritol. Just remember to adjust the quantity to match your taste preference since some sweeteners are sweeter than others.
How Do I Store Leftover Bars?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can also freeze them for up to 3 months! Just make sure to wrap individual bars in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
What Can I Use Instead of Graham Crackers?
If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits, crushed cookies, or even oats mixed with a little melted coconut oil. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free cookies or crushed gluten-free crackers.
