**Ingredients**
– **300g (10.5 oz)** cottage cheese or cream cheese (about 1 1/4 cups)
– **40g (3 tbsp)** coconut, cocoa, or classic butter
– **40g (2 tbsp)** honey (or another sweetener such as maple syrup)
– **1 tsp** vanilla extract
– **20g (2 tbsp)** cocoa powder
– **40g (1/4 cup)** peanuts (roasted, unsalted)
– **160g (5.6 oz)** dark chocolate (about 1 cup, melted)
**Instructions**
1. **Prepare the Filling:**
– In a food processor or blender, combine the cottage or cream cheese with the butter, honey, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder. Blend until smooth and creamy.
– Add the roasted peanuts to the mixture, and pulse a few times to incorporate them without completely crushing the peanuts.
2. **Shape the Bars:**
– Line a small baking dish or a tray with parchment paper.
– Pour the cheese mixture into the prepared tray, spreading it out evenly to create a flat surface.
– Place the tray in the freezer for about 30 minutes, allowing the mixture to firm up.
3. **Melt the Chocolate:**
– In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate in 30-second increments, stirring between each increment until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate over a double boiler.
4. **Coat the Bars:**
– Remove the frozen cheese mixture from the freezer and cut it into bar-shaped pieces.
– Using a fork or a spatula, dip each bar into the melted dark chocolate, ensuring the bars are fully coated.
– Place the coated bars on a parchment-lined tray, and return them to the freezer for an additional 2 hours to set.
5. **Serve:**
– After freezing, the bars are ready to be enjoyed. Remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to slightly soften.
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**Methods**
1. **Blending:** Using a blender or food processor ensures the filling is smooth and creamy. The peanuts are gently pulsed to maintain some texture.
2. **Freezing:** Freezing the cheese mixture before dipping in chocolate helps the bars hold their shape.
3. **Chocolate Coating:** Dipping the frozen bars into melted dark chocolate creates a rich, glossy coating that hardens quickly in the freezer.
**History**
Frozen desserts have been enjoyed for centuries, with early versions of ice cream and frozen treats dating back to ancient Persia and Rome. However, the modern frozen bar, particularly those that involve a rich chocolate coating, has roots in early 20th-century Europe and North America. Cottage cheese has been used in desserts for its creamy texture and mild flavor, which pairs well with both sweet and savory dishes.
The use of dark chocolate in desserts has increased over the past few decades due to its intense flavor and health benefits. The combination of peanuts and chocolate became popular thanks to the introduction of peanut-based candies, but in this recipe, the peanuts add a wholesome crunch to the creamy filling and chocolate coating.
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### **Benefits**
– **Protein-Rich:** Cottage or cream cheese provides a good source of protein, making these bars a filling dessert option.
– **Healthy Fats:** The coconut or cocoa butter used in the recipe contributes healthy fats, while dark chocolate and peanuts are rich in antioxidants and nutrients.
– **Lower Sugar:** This recipe uses honey or natural sweeteners, which are less processed than white sugar, offering a slightly healthier alternative for those with a sweet tooth.
### **Formation**
The formation of the Decadent Frozen Chocolate Bars revolves around the perfect balance of creamy filling, chocolate coating, and peanut crunch. The smoothness of the cottage or cream cheese base is key to the texture of the dessert, while the chocolate hardens to create a crispy exterior, providing a satisfying contrast in textures. Peanuts, known for their rich nutty flavor and crunchy texture, add another layer of interest to each bite.
### **Nutrition** (Per Serving)
– **Calories:** 200-250 (depending on the type of ingredients used)
– **Protein:** 6-8g
– **Carbohydrates:** 12-15g
– **Fats:** 15g (primarily from healthy fats in the cheese, chocolate, and peanuts)
– **Sugar:** 8-10g
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### **Conclusion**
These **Decadent Frozen Chocolate Bars with Peanuts** are the perfect indulgent treat for any chocolate lover. They’re rich, creamy, and crunchy with a blend of sweet and salty flavors. The simplicity of the recipe and the lack of cooking or baking required make it ideal for both beginners and experienced home cooks. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as an afternoon snack, these bars are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them.
### **For Chocolate Lovers**
This recipe is a dream for chocolate lovers who also appreciate a bit of crunch and creaminess. The rich, dark chocolate coating, combined with the creamy filling and crunchy peanuts, creates a dessert that satisfies on all levels. Lovers of both sweet and salty flavors will enjoy this decadent combination. Whether you’re indulging after a meal or treating yourself during a break, these bars are perfect for anyone who enjoys a frozen dessert with an elegant twist.
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### **Final Conclusion for Dessert Lovers**
In summary, **Frozen Chocolate Bars with Peanuts** offer a fantastic way to enjoy a luxurious dessert without much effort. They cater to both those who appreciate simple recipes and those who enjoy indulging in rich, complex flavors. Easy to make, with no cooking involved, these bars are a great addition to any dessert repertoire. Enjoy them alone or share them with friends and family, and watch them disappear in no time!