These homemade peanut chocolate bars are a delightful treat that combines the richness of dark chocolate with the crunch of roasted peanuts. Perfect for snacking or as a dessert, this recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require a lot of ingredients. The combination of the simple biscuit base and the decadent chocolate glaze creates a delicious balance between sweet and savory. With just a few basic steps, you’ll have a batch of irresistible bars that can be enjoyed at any time.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Peanut Bars:

• 1 chicken egg
• 50g sugar (about ¼ cup)
• 35g flour (about ¼ cup)
• 200g peanuts (about 1½ cups)

For the Chocolate Glaze:

• 80g dark chocolate (about 3 oz)
• 20 ml vegetable oil (about 1½ tbsp)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Mixture

1. Roast the peanuts (if using raw peanuts):
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread the peanuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast them for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow them to cool, then roughly chop the peanuts to add texture to the bars.
2. Beat the egg and sugar:
   In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 50g of sugar until the mixture becomes slightly pale and fluffy. This step ensures that the sugar dissolves properly, creating a smooth base for the bars.
3. Incorporate the flour:
   Gradually add the 35g of flour to the egg and sugar mixture, whisking until well combined. The result should be a thick batter.
4. Mix in the peanuts:
   Add the chopped roasted peanuts to the batter. Stir until the peanuts are evenly distributed. The mixture should be sticky and thick.

Step 2: Bake the Peanut Bars

1. Prepare a baking pan:
   Line a small baking pan (approximately 20cm x 20cm or 8 inches x 8 inches) with parchment paper, ensuring that the sides of the paper extend beyond the edges of the pan for easy removal later.
2. Spread the peanut mixture:
   Pour the peanut mixture into the prepared baking pan and press it down evenly using a spatula or your hands. Make sure the mixture is compact to form a firm base once baked.
3. Bake:
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) if it’s not already. Bake the peanut base for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges. The center should be firm but not hard. Allow it to cool completely before adding the chocolate glaze.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Glaze

1. Melt the dark chocolate:
   In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate in 20-30 second intervals, stirring between each interval to avoid burning. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate in a double boiler on the stovetop.
2. Add the vegetable oil:
   Once the chocolate is completely melted, stir in 20 ml of vegetable oil. The oil will give the chocolate a smooth, shiny finish, perfect for glazing the bars.

Step 4: Glaze and Cool

1. Glaze the peanut bars:
   Pour the melted chocolate glaze over the cooled peanut base, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Make sure the glaze covers the entire surface of the bars.
2. Chill:
   Place the baking pan in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has completely set. Once chilled, remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper and cut them into squares or rectangles.

Cooking Tips:

• For a crunchier texture: If you prefer a crunchier peanut base, consider using whole peanuts or even mixing in some peanut butter for extra flavor.
• Chocolate variation: You can use milk chocolate or white chocolate instead of dark chocolate if you prefer a sweeter glaze.
• Peanut butter twist: Swirl in some peanut butter on top of the chocolate glaze before it sets for an added layer of flavor.

Storage:

• Refrigerator: Store the peanut chocolate bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The chocolate glaze will remain firm, and the bars will retain their freshness.
• Freezer: If you’d like to make a large batch, you can freeze the bars in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Allow them to thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 20mg

FAQs:

1. Can I substitute peanuts with other nuts?
   Absolutely! You can substitute peanuts with almonds, cashews, or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to roast the nuts to enhance their flavor.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, you can easily swap out the regular flour for almond flour or gluten-free flour to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
3. How do I prevent the chocolate from melting once served?
   Since the glaze contains oil, it should stay firm at room temperature for a while. However, if you’re in a warm climate, it’s best to keep the bars refrigerated until ready to serve.
4. What can I use as a substitute for vegetable oil in the glaze?
   You can use coconut oil or even butter if you prefer a different flavor. Both will help to keep the chocolate smooth and glossy.
5. Can I use honey instead of sugar?
   Yes, you can substitute sugar with honey, but keep in mind that honey will make the base a little stickier. Adjust the quantity to your preference.

Conclusion:

These peanut chocolate bars are the perfect homemade treat for when you’re craving something indulgent yet simple to prepare. With a crunchy peanut base and a smooth chocolate glaze, they offer a delightful contrast in texture and taste. Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or just to have on hand for snacking, this recipe is sure to satisfy. The best part? You can easily tweak the recipe by adding different nuts, chocolates, or flavorings, making it versatile and customizable. Give these bars a try and enjoy their rich, nutty goodness!