If you’ve got a sweet tooth and a love for peanut butter, you are absolutely going to adore this Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter White Chocolate Bark Recipe. It’s incredibly easy to make, yet delivers a stunning layered treat that’s creamy, crunchy, and bursting with fun candy colors. I remember the first time I made this bark — it felt like pure magic watching the layers come together and knowing it would be the perfect balance of rich white chocolate, smooth peanut butter, and those nostalgic Reese’s Pieces popping on top.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity at Its Best: Only a handful of ingredients and super simple steps make this one foolproof and fast.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: Creamy peanut butter meets sweet white chocolate with a nostalgic crunch from Reese’s Pieces.
- Great for Gifting and Parties: This bark slices beautifully and looks festive — it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Customizable and Fun: You can tweak the candy or even add a chocolate base layer to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter White Chocolate Bark Recipe plays a role in getting that deliciously creamy yet slightly crunchy finish. I like to start with quality white chocolate because it really makes the flavor pop, and creamy peanut butter is a must—skip the natural kind here for the best smooth texture.
- White Chocolate: Choose a real chocolate bar over melts; it melts smoother and tastes richer.
- Vegetable Oil: Helps keep the white chocolate silky and prevents it from clumping when melting.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Use a processed creamy peanut butter for the best spreadable consistency in the middle layer.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature for easy blending with peanut butter.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps thicken the peanut butter layer for easy spreading.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor depth of the peanut butter filling.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the peanut butter’s richness.
- Chopped Reese’s Pieces Candies: The star topping—adds that signature crunch and colorful pop everyone loves.
Variations
I love mixing things up with this bark according to the season or what I have on hand. Feel free to swap or add candies, or even try a chocolate twist to suit your taste buds.
- Chocolate Base Layer: I often do a semi-sweet chocolate bottom layer instead of white chocolate — it adds a wonderful bittersweet contrast.
- Different Candy Toppings: Try crushed peanuts, mini peanut butter cups, or even colorful M&Ms for a fun spin.
- Natural Peanut Butter Alternative: If you want to keep it natural, you can try natural peanut butter but expect a less smooth peanut butter filling.
- Nut-Free Version: Sub in sunflower seed butter to make it allergen-friendly while keeping creaminess intact.
How to Make Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter White Chocolate Bark Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Melt the First White Chocolate Layer
Begin by lining a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave enough overhang on the sides—that’ll make lifting the bark out a breeze later on. Next, melt half of your white chocolate with half the vegetable oil in short increments, stirring gently each time so you don’t overheat it. This is key—white chocolate burns faster than you think, so patience pays off here. Once it’s silky smooth, spread it evenly in your pan. Chill in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes until it’s set but still soft enough to spread the peanut butter layer on top.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Peanut Butter Filling
In a medium bowl, mix your peanut butter and softened butter together until it’s silky and smooth—around 2 minutes with a handheld or stand mixer. Don’t skip scraping down the sides so everything is fully incorporated. Add in the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and salt, then beat again until combined. Spoon dollops onto the white chocolate layer and spread evenly using an offset spatula. It won’t be perfectly smooth, but that rustic look adds to the charm! Pop it back in the fridge while you melt the last batch of white chocolate.
Step 3: Top with Final White Chocolate and Reese’s Pieces
Repeat the melting process with the remaining white chocolate and oil, stirring slowly in 20-second bursts. Once melted, pour this over the peanut butter layer and spread gently with an offset spatula to keep the layers intact. Immediately sprinkle the chopped Reese’s Pieces candies over the top, pressing them down slightly so they stick. Refrigerate uncovered for at least 30 to 60 minutes to let everything set nicely. If you refrigerate longer, just loosely cover after an hour to avoid fridge smells getting in.
Step 4: Slice and Serve!
Once chilled, lift the bark out using the parchment overhang and place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice into generous pieces — expect some fun cracks on the top white chocolate layer if it’s been in the fridge a while, which is totally normal. Serve straight from the fridge for the best firm texture and flavors.
Pro Tips for Making Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter White Chocolate Bark Recipe
- Patience with Melting: Keep the white chocolate melting in short bursts and stir carefully to avoid burning it — that’ll make or break the texture and gloss.
- Room Temperature Butter Is Key: Softened butter creams better with peanut butter and helps create a smooth filling that spreads nicely.
- Use an Offset Spatula: This tool allows you to spread layers evenly without breaking through to the layer below.
- Expect Top Cracks: When cutting after a long chill, small cracks on white chocolate are normal and won’t affect the deliciousness.
How to Serve Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter White Chocolate Bark Recipe
Garnishes
I like to add an extra sprinkle of chopped peanut butter cups or a light dusting of sea salt flakes over the top just before serving—it adds a lovely salty touch and a hint of texture contrast. Plus, the colorful Reese’s Pieces candy themselves are a perfect garnish that makes this bark look festive and irresistible.
Side Dishes
This bark is pretty rich and flavorful on its own, but I’ve enjoyed it paired with a cup of strong black coffee or a creamy latte. If serving at a party, fresh fruit like sliced apples or strawberries is a nice fresh foil to all that sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays and gift-giving, I like to break the bark into different-sized chunks and place them in clear cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons. Another fun idea is layering the bark pieces in decorative tins or jars with parchment paper between layers — it makes for a beautiful and thoughtful homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bark stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I usually layer pieces with parchment paper to prevent sticking. It keeps well for about a week and stays deliciously firm and fresh.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this bark wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a sealed freezer bag. When I’m ready to eat, I just thaw it in the fridge overnight. Freezing doesn’t affect the texture much, so it’s a great way to keep this treat longer and have it on hand for cravings or unexpected guests.
Reheating
Since it’s a no-bake bark, reheating isn’t really necessary. But if you want a slightly softer bite, you can leave pieces at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to take the chill off without melting the layers.
FAQs
-
Can I use white chocolate chips instead of white chocolate bars?
While you technically can, I don’t recommend it because white chocolate chips contain stabilizers that prevent them from melting smoothly for bark. Using quality white chocolate bars results in a creamier texture and a more elegant finish.
-
What’s the best way to chop Reese’s Pieces for the topping?
Use a sharp knife to roughly chop the candies without crushing them into dust. You want little bites that still have their crunchy candy shell to add texture and color.
-
Can I make this bark dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, try using dairy-free white chocolate alternatives and a dairy-free peanut butter spread. Be aware that the texture and flavor may shift slightly, but it’s worth experimenting if you have restrictions.
-
How long does this Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter White Chocolate Bark last?
If stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, the bark will stay fresh for up to one week. For longer storage, freezing is your best friend, keeping it good for up to three months.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter White Chocolate Bark Recipe has become one of my go-to crowd-pleasers because it’s just so simple yet spectacular. Whether you’re making it for a casual treat or gifting it to someone special, the layers of flavor and that playful candy topping always get rave reviews. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s like wrapping up your favorite peanut butter and white chocolate combo into one sweet, crunchy hug. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be reaching for seconds!
Print
Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter White Chocolate Bark Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter White Chocolate Bark is a delightful layered treat combining creamy white chocolate, smooth peanut butter, and crunchy Reese’s Pieces candies. The bark features a base layer of melted white chocolate, a rich peanut butter filling sweetened with confectioners’ sugar and vanilla, topped with another layer of white chocolate and sprinkled with colorful candy pieces. Perfect for sweet cravings, celebrations, or gifting, this no-bake bark sets quickly in the refrigerator and can be stored for up to a week or frozen for extended enjoyment.
Ingredients
White Chocolate Layers
- 16 ounces (454g) white chocolate, coarsely chopped and divided
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil, divided
Peanut Butter Layer
- 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1/2 cup (100g) chopped Reese’s Pieces candies
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides to lift the bark out later. Set aside.
- Melt First Layer of White Chocolate: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine half of the chopped white chocolate (8 ounces/227g) with 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring well after each until completely melted and smooth. Pour this melted chocolate into the prepared pan and spread evenly with an offset spatula. Chill in the refrigerator uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until the chocolate soft-sets.
- Make Peanut Butter Layer: Using a hand or stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat peanut butter and softened butter together until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the bowl as needed. Add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, then beat the mixture until fully combined, about 1 minute. Spoon dollops of this peanut butter mixture on top of the chilled white chocolate layer and spread evenly using an offset spatula. Return the pan to the refrigerator while melting the remaining white chocolate.
- Melt Second Layer of White Chocolate and Assemble: Melt the remaining white chocolate (8 ounces/227g) with the last 1/2 teaspoon of vegetable oil using the same microwave method. Pour and spread it evenly over the peanut butter layer. Immediately sprinkle chopped Reese’s Pieces candies on top.
- Set the Bark: Place the pan uncovered in the refrigerator for at least 30 to 60 minutes to allow the bark to fully set. You may refrigerate longer (up to 1 day), loosely covered after an hour. Note that the top layer of white chocolate may crack when cutting if chilled too long — this is normal.
- Cut and Store: Lift the bark out of the pan by the parchment paper edges and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into pieces using a sharp knife. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Use quality white chocolate bars like Ghirardelli, Baker’s, or Lindt for best flavor and texture. Avoid white chocolate morsels or candy melts as they do not melt as smoothly or taste as rich.
- Regular creamy, processed peanut butter works best for smooth texture; avoid natural-style peanut butter.
- Microwave white chocolate in short increments to prevent overheating and seizing.
- Try experimenting by layering semi-sweet or dark chocolate on the bottom layer for a flavor contrast while keeping the top white chocolate layer.
- This bark sets quickly and is perfect for gifting or parties.
- Store the bark refrigerated and cover loosely if storing for more than one hour to maintain texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 2 tablespoons)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
