This fun treat mixes cottage cheese and peanut butter for a creamy, sweet combo that’s surprisingly tasty! It has the rich flavor of Snickers without all the fuss.
You might think, “Cottage cheese? Really?” but trust me, it’s a delicious twist! I love to scoop it up as an easy snack—great for satisfying that sweet tooth without the guilt!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Use smooth or blended cottage cheese for a creamier texture. If you’re dairy-free, consider using silken tofu as a substitute. It blends well and adds creaminess.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: Graham crackers give a nice crunch. If you can’t find them, digestive biscuits are a good alternative. For a gluten-free option, try almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is ideal for easy spreading. If you prefer crunchy, go for it! You can also use almond or cashew butter for a different flavor.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This adds sweetness; however, you can swap it with maple syrup or agave for a healthier option. If you don’t need it too sweet, you can skip it entirely.
Chocolate Chips: Dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips work well, but feel free to use white chocolate if that’s your favorite! You can even try dairy-free chocolate for a vegan option.
How Do I Successfully Make the Cottage Cheese Layer Without It Being Grainy?
The smooth creaminess of the cottage cheese layer is crucial for this dessert. Start by blending or processing the cottage cheese until it’s silky smooth. If you notice any graininess, blend a little longer.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the blended cottage cheese to enhance the flavor.
- Blend again until everything is well mixed. This step makes a huge difference in achieving that creamy consistency.
- Be patient and don’t rush the blending; a couple of minutes can change the texture!
How to Make Cottage Cheese and Peanut Butter Snickers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base Layer:
- 1 ½ cups cottage cheese (smooth or blended for creaminess)
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits, finely crushed)
For the Peanut Butter Layer:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk or caramel sauce (optional, for extra sweetness)
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 cup dark or milk chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp butter
For Garnishing:
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (optional, to sweeten the cottage cheese layer)
- ½ cup chopped peanuts (for topping)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert will take about 30 minutes of active preparation time, plus at least 2-3 hours for chilling in the refrigerator to set. It’s perfect for making ahead!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base Layer:
In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with a few tablespoons of peanut butter or melted butter. This helps bind the crumbs together. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of serving glasses or small square containers to create a solid base.
2. Make the Cottage Cheese Layer:
Blend or process the cottage cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. This will help eliminate any graininess. Add the optional powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then blend again until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
3. Assemble the Creamy Layer:
Spoon the smooth cottage cheese mixture on top of the graham cracker base, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top. Pop the layered dessert into the refrigerator while you prepare the next layer.
4. Add the Peanut Butter Caramel Layer:
In a small bowl, mix the creamy peanut butter with sweetened condensed milk or caramel sauce (if you prefer a sweeter layer). Spread this mixture over the chilled cottage cheese layer, ensuring an even distribution.
5. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache Topping:
In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, gently melt the chocolate chips and butter together. Stir frequently until the mixture is smooth. Allow it to cool slightly—be careful not to let it harden!
6. Top the Dessert:
Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, using a spoon to spread it evenly across the surface.
7. Garnish:
While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle chopped peanuts on top to let them stick nicely. This adds a delightful crunch!
8. Chill & Serve:
Cover the assembled desserts and refrigerate them for at least 2-3 hours, or until set. When you’re ready to enjoy, scoop or cut into pieces and serve chilled.
Indulge in your Cottage Cheese and Peanut Butter Snickers! This layered dessert combines the rich flavors of peanut butter, chocolate, and a slight tang from the cottage cheese for a sweet treat that everyone will love!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Absolutely! Low-fat cottage cheese can be used in this recipe, but keep in mind that it may be slightly less creamy than full-fat versions. Blending it well will help achieve that smooth texture!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day!
Can I Substitute the Peanut Butter?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of peanut butter, you can use almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunbutter for a nut-free alternative. Just be aware that this may alter the flavor slightly.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version! Use plant-based cottage cheese, substitute the sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream or a nut-based cream, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips. You’ll still get that creamy, delicious effect!
