Festive Reindeer Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Recipe

Joyful Reindeer Peanut Butter Chocolate Delight Bars Recipe

These decadent reindeer peanut butter chocolate delight bars dance with festive magic, capturing holiday flavors in every delectable bite.

Layers of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter create an irresistible dessert that sparkles with seasonal charm.

Sweet notes of cocoa and nutty undertones blend seamlessly in this indulgent treat.

The classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter becomes extraordinary with a playful holiday twist.

Holiday baking reaches new heights of deliciousness when you combine these simple ingredients.

Each bar promises a mouthwatering experience that melts smoothly on your tongue.

Get ready to become the star of any winter gathering with this crowd-pleasing dessert that’s sure to impress.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 241 kcal

Servings: 13

Reindeer Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Ingredients

For Base Layer:
  • Peanut Butter: Creamy foundation that provides rich, nutty flavor and smooth texture for the bars.
  • Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener that adds depth and balances the peanut butter's richness.
  • Almond Flour or Oat Flour: Binding agent that helps create a sturdy, cohesive base layer with excellent texture.
For Chocolate Coating:
  • Chocolate Chips: Luxurious top layer that adds decadent chocolate flavor and creates a beautiful glossy finish.
  • Coconut Oil: Helps chocolate melt smoothly and provides a silky, glossy coating for the bars.
For Festive Decorations:
  • Pretzels: Crunchy antler-shaped elements that add whimsical reindeer design and delightful salty contrast.
  • Candy Eyes: Playful decorative touch that brings the reindeer character to life.
  • Red M&M: Bright accent that serves as the adorable reindeer nose, adding a pop of color.
  • Red and Green Sprinkles: Optional festive garnish that enhances the holiday spirit and visual appeal.

Kitchen Tools for Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

  • 8×8 inch square pan: Perfect for creating evenly sized bars.
  • Parchment paper: Essential for easy removal and clean cutting.
  • Small saucepan: Ideal for melting and mixing peanut butter and chocolate layers.
  • Spatula: Crucial for pressing and smoothing layers evenly.
  • Measuring cups/spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Knife: Needed for slicing the set bars into neat pieces.

How to Make Reindeer Chocolate Bars

  • Parchment Preparation

Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, creating a smooth base for your delightful treat.

  • Peanut Butter Foundation

Warm peanut butter and maple syrup gently, stirring until silky. Blend in flour to create a thick, rich mixture. Press evenly into the pan, creating a smooth base layer.

  • Chocolate Magic

Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil over low heat, stirring until glossy and smooth. Pour carefully over the peanut butter layer, tilting the pan to ensure complete coverage.

  • Reindeer Personality

Transform your chocolate surface into a playful reindeer face. Craft antlers using pretzel pieces, add whimsical candy eyes, and place a bright red candy nose. Sprinkle festive colors for extra cheer.

  • Chilling Time

Refrigerate for several hours until completely set. Allow bars to soften slightly at room temperature before slicing into adorable reindeer-themed treats.

Tips to Boost Flavor in Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

  • Swap almond or oat flour based on dietary needs or pantry availability. Gluten-free options work perfectly for this recipe.
  • Replace maple syrup with honey, agave nectar, or sugar-free alternatives for different flavor profiles and dietary restrictions.
  • Experiment with dark, milk, or white chocolate chips to customize the flavor and create unique taste combinations.
  • Get creative with decorations by using different candies, sprinkles, or seasonal decorative elements to match holidays or personal preferences.
  • Keep bars fresh by storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze for longer preservation without losing quality.

Serving Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars with Holiday Cheer

  • Craft a Festive Dessert Platter: Arrange the reindeer bars on a holiday-themed serving board with peppermint sticks, candy canes, and winter-themed napkins for a magical presentation.
  • Create Cute Gift Packaging: Wrap individual bars in clear cellophane with a festive ribbon, perfect for holiday party favors or sweet homemade gifts for friends and family.
  • Pair with Complementary Beverages: Serve alongside warm hot chocolate, peppermint mocha, or cold milk to enhance the chocolate and peanut butter flavors and create a delightful dessert experience.
  • Host a Decorating Party: Invite kids or friends to join in creating their own reindeer designs, adding personal touches with different colored candies and creative antler arrangements.

Keeping Reindeer Bars Fresh and Tasty

  • Refrigerate and Relish: Smart Storage Tips for Reindeer Bars
  • Chill for Perfect Texture: Refrigerate bars in an airtight container for up to 7 days. The cool environment keeps chocolate firm and prevents melting.
  • Layer with Care: Place parchment paper between bar layers when stacking to prevent sticking and maintain decorative details.
  • Freeze for Future Fun: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before serving.
  • Room Temperature Serving: Remove bars from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before enjoying to soften slightly and enhance flavor complexity.
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Festive Reindeer Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Recipe

Festive Reindeer Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Recipe


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4.8 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Reindeer peanut butter chocolate delight bars combine festive Nordic charm with rich, creamy indulgence. Chocolate and peanut butter layers create a delightful holiday treat you’ll crave season after season.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) natural peanut butter
  • 1 cup (240 ml) gluten-free almond flour
  • 1 cup (240 ml) chocolate chips
  • ½ cup (120 ml) gluten-free pretzels
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) coconut oil
  • 18 gluten-free candy eyes
  • 9 gluten-free mini red M&Ms
  • Gluten-free red & green sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pan: Line an 8 x 8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete bottom and side coverage.
  2. Create Peanut Butter Base: Warm peanut butter and maple syrup over low heat, stirring until silky. Fold in almond flour or oat flour to form a dense mixture. Press evenly into the prepared pan, creating a smooth foundation.
  3. Craft Chocolate Layer: Clean the saucepan, then melt chocolate chips and coconut oil over low heat, stirring consistently to achieve a glossy consistency. Pour chocolate smoothly over the peanut butter layer, tilting to ensure complete coverage.
  4. Design Reindeer Decorations: After allowing chocolate to settle for 10 minutes, artfully position pretzel halves to mimic antler shapes. Add candy eyes and a vibrant red M&M to complete the playful reindeer face. Optional: Sprinkle festive red and green decorative elements across the surface.
  5. Chill and Set: Refrigerate the bars for 2-3 hours or overnight until firm. Before serving, let the bars rest at room temperature for 10 minutes to prevent chocolate cracking during slicing. Cut into individual bars and serve chilled.

Notes

  • Prevent Sticking Trick: Line the pan completely with parchment paper, allowing extra overhang for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
  • Temperature Control: Use low heat when melting ingredients to prevent burning and maintain smooth texture of both peanut butter and chocolate layers.
  • Chilling Strategy: Refrigerate for 2-3 hours minimum to ensure bars set properly and develop ideal firm consistency for clean slicing.
  • Serving Pro Tip: Let bars rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before cutting to prevent chocolate from cracking and ensure smooth, clean cuts.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 241
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 115 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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