The holidays are a time for sweet indulgence and creating treats that bring joy to your family and friends. Few desserts capture the magic of the season like Chocolate Marshmallow Peanut Butter Bites. These delightful snacks combine the creamy richness of peanut butter, the fluffy sweetness of marshmallow crème, and the decadent goodness of chocolate—all sandwiched between buttery crackers.
Imagine biting into these sweet delights: the crunch of the cracker, the smoothness of the filling, and the luscious chocolate coating. Whether you’re preparing holiday treats, hosting a party, or looking for a fun activity with the kids, these no-bake bites are perfect for every occasion.
Why You’ll Love Chocolate Marshmallow Peanut Butter Bites
- Quick and Easy: With no baking required, these bites come together in under an hour.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The salty-sweet combination of buttery crackers, peanut butter, and chocolate makes these irresistible.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun and simple recipe that kids can help with, from spreading the filling to decorating with sprinkles.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite chocolate or toppings to make them uniquely yours.
- Great for Gifting: These bites pack beautifully in festive tins, making them an excellent homemade gift.
Ingredients for Chocolate Marshmallow Peanut Butter Bites
Main Ingredients
Ingredient | Measurement |
---|---|
Buttery round crackers (e.g., Ritz) | 48 |
Creamy peanut butter | ½ cup |
Marshmallow crème | ½ cup |
Chocolate (dark, milk, or semi-sweet) | 1 pound, melted |
Holiday sprinkles | Optional, as desired |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chocolate Marshmallow Peanut Butter Bites
Step 1: Prepare the Base Layers
- Lay Out the Crackers
- Arrange 24 crackers on a clean surface or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. These will serve as the base for your stack.
Step 2: Add the Filling
- Spread the Peanut Butter
- Using a butter knife, spread about ½ teaspoon of creamy peanut butter onto each cracker base.
- Add Marshmallow Crème
- Spoon a dollop of marshmallow crème onto the peanut butter, spreading it gently to create an even layer.
Step 3: Seal the Stacks
- Top with Crackers
- Place another cracker on top of the filling to form a sandwich. Press gently to secure the layers without squeezing out the filling.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
- Choose Your Method
- Use a double boiler for smooth, controlled melting, or melt the chocolate in the microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring in between.
- Achieve the Perfect Consistency
- Ensure the chocolate is smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a teaspoon of vegetable oil to thin it out.
Step 5: Coat the Stacks
- Dip Each Stack
- Using a fork, dip each cracker sandwich into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Remove Excess Chocolate
- Lift the stack out with the fork, allowing the excess chocolate to drip off before placing it on the parchment-lined sheet.
Step 6: Decorate
- Add Holiday Sprinkles
- While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle festive decorations like holiday sprinkles or edible glitter over each bite.
- Be Creative
- Try adding crushed candy canes, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of white chocolate for unique variations.
Step 7: Set and Serve
- Let the Chocolate Harden
- Allow the coated bites to set at room temperature. For faster results, refrigerate them for about 30 minutes until the chocolate is firm.
- Transfer and Serve
- Once the chocolate is fully hardened, transfer the bites to a serving platter or airtight container for storage.
Perfect Occasions for Chocolate Marshmallow Peanut Butter Bites
- Holiday Parties: These colorful, bite-sized treats are perfect for festive gatherings.
- Homemade Gifts: Pack them in decorative boxes or tins for a thoughtful gift.
- Kids’ Snacks: A fun and satisfying treat that’s easy for kids to help make and enjoy.
- Movie Nights: The ultimate sweet and salty snack for cozy evenings.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Marshmallow Peanut Butter Bites
- Use Quality Chocolate
- High-quality chocolate melts better and provides a smoother, shinier coating.
- Don’t Overfill
- Use just enough filling to prevent it from oozing out when pressed.
- Work in Batches
- Dip a few sandwiches at a time to keep the chocolate from hardening before you can coat them.
- Avoid Overheating Chocolate
- If chocolate burns, it can seize. Melt it slowly and stir frequently for the best results.
- Keep It Cool
- Work in a cool environment to prevent the chocolate from melting too quickly during assembly.
Creative Variations
- Peppermint Twist
- Add crushed peppermint candies to the chocolate coating for a holiday-inspired version.
- Nutty Crunch
- Swap creamy peanut butter for crunchy or almond butter to add texture.
- Dark Chocolate Delight
- Use dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet flavor profile.
- Salted Caramel Drizzle
- Finish with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
- Themed Decorations
- Change the sprinkle colors or toppings to match different holidays or celebrations.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 Bite) |
---|---|
Calories | 120 |
Total Fat | 8g |
Saturated Fat | 3.5g |
Carbohydrates | 11g |
Sugar | 7g |
Protein | 2g |
FAQs About Chocolate Marshmallow Peanut Butter Bites
1. Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Yes, these bites can be made up to a week in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
2. Can I use a different type of cracker?
Absolutely! Graham crackers or saltines can work well for a different flavor and texture.
3. How do I store these bites?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
4. Can I freeze these treats?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
5. What if I don’t have marshmallow crème?
You can use mini marshmallows as a substitute, but they may not spread as smoothly.
6. How can I prevent the chocolate from cracking?
Allow the chocolate to set slowly at room temperature to minimize cracking.
Why You’ll Love These Bites
From the smooth peanut butter filling to the crisp buttery crackers and rich chocolate coating, Chocolate Marshmallow Peanut Butter Bites are a treat that brings joy to every bite. They’re easy to make, fun to customize, and perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holiday season or any time of year.
Get Started Today!
Ready to bring a little sweetness into your life? Gather your ingredients, set up your workstation, and start creating these Sweet Delights: Chocolate Marshmallow Peanut Butter Bites. Whether you’re making them as gifts or keeping them all to yourself, these bites are guaranteed to be a hit.
PrintSweet Delights: Chocolate Marshmallow Peanut Butter Bites
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites
Description
Sweet, salty, and creamy, these Chocolate Marshmallow Peanut Butter Bites are the ultimate no-bake treat! Buttery crackers sandwich a delicious peanut butter-marshmallow filling, all coated in luscious melted chocolate and topped with festive sprinkles. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for holiday parties, homemade gifts, or a fun kitchen activity with the kids.
Ingredients
- 48 buttery round crackers (like Ritz)
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup marshmallow crème
- 1 pound chocolate (dark, milk, or semi-sweet, melted)
- Holiday sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Base Layers:
Lay out 24 crackers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. These will serve as the base for the stacks.
2. Add the Filling:
Spread ½ teaspoon of creamy peanut butter on each cracker base. Top with a dollop of marshmallow crème, spreading gently to cover the peanut butter layer.
3. Seal the Stacks:
Place another cracker on top of each base to form a sandwich. Press lightly to secure the filling without squeezing it out.
4. Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, melt the chocolate until smooth. If using the microwave, heat in 20–30 second bursts, stirring in between to prevent scorching.
5. Coat the Stacks:
Dip each cracker sandwich into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully covered. Use a fork to lift out each stack and let the excess chocolate drip off. Place the coated stacks on the parchment-lined sheet.
6. Decorate:
While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle holiday sprinkles or toppings like crushed candy canes or nuts over the bites for a festive finish.
7. Set and Serve:
Let the chocolate harden at room temperature or refrigerate for 30 minutes to speed up the process. Once set, arrange the bites on a serving plate or store them in an airtight container.
Notes
- For best results, work in a cool kitchen to prevent the chocolate from melting too quickly.
- To thin thick chocolate, stir in 1–2 teaspoons of vegetable oil.
- Store the bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American