These no-bake chocolate peanut bars are rich, crunchy, and super easy to make. The original recipe uses chocolate, roasted peanuts, condensed milk, butter, vanilla, and crushed biscuits.
Ingredients
- 3 cups milk chocolate or dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 cups roasted peanuts
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed digestive or tea biscuits
Optional:
- 2–3 tablespoons caramel sauce
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- Chopped almonds or walnuts
- Pistachios
- Mini marshmallows
- Dried cranberries
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the pan
Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the edges. This will make the bars easy to lift out later.
2. Melt the chocolate
Add the chopped chocolate and butter to a heatproof bowl. Melt over a double boiler, stirring occasionally.
Alternatively, microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth.
3. Add condensed milk
Once the chocolate is completely melted, stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth, creamy, and glossy.
4. Add peanuts and biscuits
Fold in the roasted peanuts and crushed biscuits. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated in chocolate.
If you’re adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or marshmallows, mix them in at this stage.
5. Transfer to the pan
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and gently press it down.
Sprinkle a few extra peanuts or chocolate chips over the top if desired.
6. Chill
Place the pan in the refrigerator for 2–3 hours, or until the chocolate is completely firm.
7. Cut into bars
Lift the chilled chocolate slab out using the parchment paper. Use a sharp knife to cut it into squares or bars.
For cleaner cuts, warm the knife slightly before slicing.
🥜 Helpful Tips
- Use good-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
- Roasted peanuts give the bars extra crunch.
- Don’t rush the chilling step.
- Salted peanuts work especially well for a sweet-and-salty flavor.
- For a less-sweet version, use dark chocolate.
- Keep the finished bars refrigerated so they stay firm.
🧊 Storage
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; let them sit for a few minutes before serving.
Makes: about 16 bars
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 2–3 hours
Total time: about 2½–3¼ hours
Difficulty: Easy
Note: This version is not keto/low-carb because it contains sweetened condensed milk and biscuits.
