Get ready for a treat that’s both salty and sweet. This Cheez It peanut butter chocolate recipe is your new go-to snack. It’s easy to make with just three ingredients and quick prep time.
Imagine the crunch of Cheez-Its, the creaminess of peanut butter, and the richness of chocolate all together. It’s a flavor mix that’s perfect for any time of day or as a hit dessert at parties.
This recipe makes 36 tasty cracker sandwiches. You’ll need 72 Cheez-Its, 1/4 cup of peanut butter, and 8 ounces of chocolate chips. Each treat has about 45 calories. Plus, they’re ready in minutes, with a 30-minute chill to set the chocolate.
Key Takeaways
- Quick and easy 3-ingredient recipe
- Perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors
- No baking required – just assemble and chill
- Makes 36 delicious cracker sandwiches
- Each bite contains only 45 calories
- Stays fresh for up to 2 weeks when stored properly
Why These Chocolate-Covered Cheez It Bites Are Irresistible
Get ready to fall in love with these sweet and salty snacks! Chocolate-covered Cheez It bites are the ultimate treat. They combine crunch, creaminess, and irresistible flavors. This easy dessert recipe is about to become your new favorite.
Perfect Balance of Sweet and Salty
These bites offer a heavenly blend of flavors. The saltiness of Cheez Its pairs beautifully with rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. Each bite delivers a taste sensation that keeps you coming back for more.
Quick No-Bake Preparation
Whip up these quick no-bake treats in no time! With just 15 minutes of prep and 45 minutes of cooling, you’ll have a delicious snack ready in about an hour. No need to turn on the oven, making this perfect for hot summer days.
Kid-Friendly Snack Option
Kids love helping in the kitchen, and this recipe is perfect for little hands. They can easily assist with assembling the cracker sandwiches or drizzling chocolate. Plus, the familiar taste of Cheez Its makes these treats a hit with picky eaters.
| Recipe Details | Nutritional Info (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Total Time: 1 hour | Calories: 180-220 |
| Servings: 24 | Protein: 3-4g |
| Prep Time: 15 minutes | Fat: 12-15g |
| Cooling Time: 45 minutes | Carbs: 15-18g |
Whether you’re looking for an after-school snack, party treat, or late-night indulgence, these chocolate-covered Cheez It bites fit the bill. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and sure to please crowds of all ages. Give this simple recipe a try and discover your new go-to sweet and salty snack!
Essential Ingredients for Your Cheez It Treats
Making these tasty Cheez It treats is easy with just three ingredients. You’ll need Cheez-Its, peanut butter, and chocolate. Let’s look at what you’ll need for this simple recipe.
Begin with a box of Cheez-Its. These crackers are the base, adding a salty crunch. Next, pick your peanut butter. You can choose creamy or crunchy, depending on what you like. The peanut butter holds everything together and adds a nutty taste.
Finally, you’ll need chocolate. You can use chocolate chips or melting chocolate wafers. Milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate works well. Some people add coconut oil to the chocolate for a smoother texture.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cheez-Its | 15-20 crackers | Salted variety |
| Peanut Butter | 2 tablespoons | Creamy, not crunchy |
| Chocolate | 5 cups | Melted semisweet chocolate |
With these three ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious Cheez It snack. It’s a perfect mix of sweet and salty. This easy dessert is great for quick treats or fun projects with kids.
Required Kitchen Tools and Equipment
Making Cheez It Peanut Butter & Chocolate treats is easy. You don’t need a fancy kitchen. Just a few basic tools will do. Let’s look at what you need to make these yummy snacks.
Basic Kitchen Utensils
First, get the basics. You’ll need a baking sheet covered with wax paper or parchment paper. This is where your treats will set. Also, grab a medium bowl for melting chocolate and a spatula or spoon for mixing. These tools are key for your sweet and salty treats.
Chocolate Dipping Equipment
Specialized tools can make your treats look better. Chocolate dipping forks or spiral dippers can give a pro look. But, a regular fork works just fine too! For melting chocolate, a double boiler or a chocolate melting pot is helpful.
Snack Storage Solutions
After making your treats, keep them fresh. Use airtight containers for storage. They keep your Cheez It Peanut Butter & Chocolate bites crispy and creamy.
| Essential Tools | Optional Tools | Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Baking sheet | Chocolate dipping forks | Airtight containers |
| Wax paper | Double boiler | Resealable bags |
| Medium bowl | Chocolate melting pot | Cookie tins |
| Spatula or spoon | Candy thermometer | Glass jars |
The beauty of this snack is its simplicity. You can make delicious Cheez It Peanut Butter & Chocolate treats with just the basics. Don’t worry if you’re missing some fancy gadgets. Just enjoy the process and the yummy results!
Simple Recipe for Cheez It Peanut Butter and Chocolate
Get ready to make a mouthwatering peanut butter chocolate snack. This easy Cheez It dessert recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet and salty cravings. Let’s dive into the simple steps to create these delicious bites!
To start, you’ll need:
- 24 Cheez-It crackers
- 12 teaspoons of creamy peanut butter (Jif recommended)
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Begin by spreading about 1/2 teaspoon of peanut butter on 12 Cheez-Its. Top each with another cracker to make sandwiches. Next, melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil in the microwave. Heat in 10-second intervals, stirring between each, for a total of 30 seconds.
Dip each sandwich in the melted chocolate, ensuring full coverage. Place them on a lined baking sheet and freeze until the chocolate sets. Your easy Cheez It dessert recipe is now complete! This peanut butter chocolate snack yields 12 servings, perfect for sharing or savoring over time.
| Nutrition per Serving | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 152 |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 19g |
| Protein | 2g |
These 3-ingredient treats can be stored at room temperature for up to a week or frozen for three months. Enjoy your homemade Cheez It peanut butter and chocolate snacks!
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Ready to learn how to make Cheez It treats? Let’s dive into the delicious world of peanut butter sandwich crackers coated in chocolate. This easy recipe will have you snacking in no time!
Creating the Cracker Sandwiches
Start by spreading a thin layer of peanut butter on one Cheez It cracker. Use about 1/2 teaspoon. Then, top with another cracker to make a mini sandwich. Keep making them until you have enough for your batch.
Melting Chocolate Properly
Now, let’s talk about melting chocolate. Break your chocolate into small pieces for even melting. Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. This prevents burning and ensures smooth, glossy chocolate perfect for coating.
Dipping and Coating Techniques
Dip each peanut butter sandwich cracker into the melted chocolate. Use a fork to lift it out, tapping gently to remove excess. Place on a parchment-lined tray. For extra flair, drizzle additional chocolate on top. Let cool at room temperature or refrigerate for quicker setting.
“These chocolate-covered Cheez It bites are the perfect balance of sweet and salty. They’re addictively good!”
With these simple steps, you’ve created a batch of irresistible Cheez It peanut butter and chocolate treats. They’re perfect for parties, gift-giving, or just satisfying your sweet tooth at home.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Coating
Mastering chocolate dipping techniques is key to creating irresistible Cheez It Peanut Butter & Chocolate treats. Start by adding a teaspoon of coconut oil to your melted chocolate. This simple trick enhances the consistency, making it easier to coat your treats evenly and giving them a beautiful shine.
When melting chocolate for desserts, patience is crucial. Avoid overheating, as this can lead to a grainy texture. Instead, use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. For a professional finish, consider tempering chocolate for desserts. This process involves carefully heating and cooling the chocolate to stabilize it, resulting in a glossy finish that snaps when bitten.
Before dipping, chill your Cheez It sandwiches. This helps the chocolate set faster and more evenly. Use a fork or specialized dipping tool to fully submerge each sandwich, then gently tap off excess chocolate. Place the coated treats on a lined sheet to set.
| Coating Tip | Purpose | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Add coconut oil | Thin chocolate | Smoother coating |
| Temper chocolate | Stabilize structure | Glossy finish |
| Chill sandwiches | Faster setting | Even coating |
By following these tips, you’ll elevate your chocolate coating game and create picture-perfect treats that look and taste professionally made.
Storage and Shelf Life
Storing homemade snacks like Cheez It Peanut Butter & Chocolate treats is important. It helps keep their taste and texture great. Let’s look at the best ways to keep these no-bake desserts fresh and extend their shelf life.
Room Temperature Storage
For a quick treat, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. This is perfect if you want to enjoy them fast!
Refrigeration Guidelines
Living in a warm place? Keep them in the fridge. This way, they’ll last up to two weeks. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before eating for the best taste.
Freezing Instructions
Did you make a big batch? Freezing is a good choice for long storage. Put them in a freezer-safe container, with parchment paper between layers. They’ll last up to three months. To enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Proper storage is crucial for keeping no-bake desserts fresh. By following these tips, your Cheez It Peanut Butter & Chocolate bites will stay tasty. Whether you’re eating them tomorrow or months later, they’ll be delicious!
| Storage Method | Shelf Life | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 1 week | Quick consumption |
| Refrigerated | 2 weeks | Warm climates |
| Frozen | 3 months | Long-term storage |
Nutritional Information Per Serving
Curious about the Cheez It dessert calories? Let’s look at the homemade treat macros. Each serving has 200 calories, offering a mix of taste and nutrition.
For those tracking their peanut butter chocolate snack nutrition, here’s what you’ll find in each serving:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Total Fat | 15g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5g | 16% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 13g | 5% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g | 9% |
| Total Sugars | 10g | – |
| Protein | 5g | 0% |
These treats offer a good protein boost, thanks to the peanut butter. They’re also lower in sugar compared to similar snacks, with 50% less than leading hazelnut spreads. While not a health food, they provide a satisfying balance of sweet and salty flavors.
Remember, moderation is key. Enjoy these tasty bites as part of a balanced diet. A serving size is about 5 pieces, perfect for satisfying your craving without overindulging. Store them in an airtight container and they’ll keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Variations and Substitutions
Try new Cheez It dessert variations to keep things exciting. With a few simple swaps, you can make different flavors for various tastes and diets.
Alternative Chocolate Options
Change up your Cheez It treats with different chocolates. Dark chocolate adds a rich taste, while white chocolate is sweeter. Try mint or orange flavored chocolates for a unique taste. Sugar-free chocolate chips are good for those watching sugar.
Nut Butter Alternatives
Don’t stick to just peanut butter. Almond or cashew butter can bring new tastes to your Cheez It snacks. Sunflower seed butter is great for nut-free options. Cookie butter or chocolate hazelnut spread add an indulgent touch.
Be creative with your Cheez It base too. Use white cheddar or spicy crackers for a different flavor. These changes let you make many Cheez It treats for any taste or diet.
| Variation | Ingredients | Calories per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Classic | Ritz crackers, peanut butter, milk chocolate | 173 |
| Nut-Free | Cheez It crackers, sunflower seed butter, dark chocolate | 165 |
| Indulgent | White cheddar Cheez Its, cookie butter, white chocolate | 185 |
Remember, you can easily double the batch size if needed. These treats can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, refrigerated for 1 month, or frozen for at least 4 months. Enjoy trying out your Cheez It dessert variations!
Common Troubleshooting Tips
Making homemade treats can sometimes lead to unexpected challenges. Here are some tips for fixing chocolate coating issues and preventing soggy crackers in your Cheez It Peanut Butter & Chocolate bites.
If your chocolate is too thick for dipping, add a teaspoon of coconut oil to thin it out. For chocolate that’s too thin, let it cool slightly before coating. When chocolate seizes or becomes grainy, start over with dry utensils to avoid moisture contamination.
To prevent soggy crackers, chill your peanut butter sandwiches longer before dipping. If Cheez-Its lose their crunch during storage, place a slice of bread in the container to absorb excess moisture.
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Thick chocolate | Add coconut oil |
| Thin chocolate | Cool slightly |
| Seized chocolate | Use dry utensils |
| Oozing peanut butter | Chill longer |
| Soggy crackers | Add bread to container |
For chocolate that won’t set, your kitchen might be too warm. Pop the treats in the fridge for a quick set. Remember, practice makes perfect when tackling these homemade treat problems. Even if they don’t look flawless, they’ll still taste amazing!
Serving Suggestions and Presentation Ideas
Your Cheez It Peanut Butter & Chocolate treats are ready to impress! Let’s explore some creative ways to serve and present these tasty morsels. Whether you’re hosting a party or gifting them to friends, these ideas will make your treats stand out.
Party Platter Arrangements
For your next gathering, create eye-catching dessert platter ideas. Arrange your Cheez It treats on a large wooden board or elegant serving tray. Mix them with other snacks like fresh fruit, nuts, or mini pretzels for variety. Add small bowls of dipping sauces such as caramel or extra melted chocolate to elevate your party snack presentation.
Gift Packaging Options
Transform your treats into delightful homemade food gifts. Package them in clear cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons. For a more rustic look, use kraft paper boxes lined with parchment paper. Add a personalized label or tag with the recipe name and ingredients. These thoughtful packages make perfect holiday gifts or party favors.
Remember, presentation is key! Whether serving at a party or giving as gifts, your Cheez It Peanut Butter & Chocolate treats will surely impress with these creative serving and packaging ideas.
