Chocolate Peanut Butter Stacks Recipe

There’s something irresistible about the combination of chocolate and peanut butter—it’s the dessert equivalent of a warm hug. Add the salty crunch of Ritz crackers and a hint of gooey marshmallow creme, and you’ve got a treat that’s equal parts indulgent and nostalgic. These chocolate peanut butter stacks are the perfect no-bake dessert for holidays, parties, or just a Friday night when you want to spoil yourself (and maybe a few friends if you’re feeling generous). Bonus? They come together in no time and look deceptively fancy with a sprinkle of holiday cheer on top.

this RECIPE

A sweet memory of marshmallow-y chocolate bites

Growing up, my grandmother had this way of making everyday ingredients feel special. She’d pull out Ritz crackers, smear peanut butter on them, and hand me a little stack as a snack while we played cards at the kitchen table. It was simple, but the mix of salty, creamy, and crunchy was pure magic to my 10-year-old self. Fast forward to today, I’ve taken that memory and added a playful twist—dipping them in chocolate and throwing in a dollop of marshmallow creme for extra gooey goodness. Every time I make these, I’m reminded of those carefree afternoons, and it’s the kind of comfort I love sharing with others.

A quick peek into their origin

While this recipe feels very modern with its playful ingredients, it draws inspiration from no-bake treats like chocolate-covered peanut butter Ritz sandwiches—a popular hack that’s been floating around potluck tables for decades. The addition of marshmallow creme gives these stacks a bit of a s’mores vibe, but without the campfire. Over the years, I’ve seen variations pop up with caramel, nuts, or even white chocolate. These kinds of recipes are a testament to how a little creativity in the kitchen can turn pantry staples into something truly special.

Let’s talk ingredients: sweet, salty, and chocolatey perfection

• Ritz crackers: These buttery, salty rounds are the base of the stacks and provide a lovely crunch to balance the creamy filling. Any similar golden, flaky cracker will work if you don’t have Ritz on hand.
• Peanut butter: Smooth, creamy peanut butter creates a luscious layer in the middle. If you prefer, almond or sunflower seed butter can be used instead, though the flavor will shift slightly.
• Marshmallow creme: This gooey addition adds a sweet, fluffy texture that pairs beautifully with the peanut butter. In a pinch, you can skip it, but trust me—it’s worth it!
• Chocolate: The melted chocolate coats each stack in a glossy, rich layer. I recommend semi-sweet or milk chocolate for the best balance, but dark chocolate works too if you’re a fan of bolder flavors. Quality matters here—go for baking chocolate bars or high-quality chocolate chips for smooth melting.
• Holiday sprinkles: Optional, but highly recommended. They make these little treats party-ready and add a touch of whimsy.

Essential kitchen gear: keep it simple

You won’t need any fancy gadgets to whip these up, but a few basic tools will make the process easier:

• Baking sheet: Lined with parchment or wax paper, this keeps the stacks from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Microwave-safe bowl: Perfect for melting chocolate quickly and evenly. If you don’t have a microwave, you can use a double boiler instead.
• Forks: Two forks work like magic for dipping and flipping the stacks in melted chocolate without making a mess.
• Small offset spatula or butter knife: For spreading the peanut butter-marshmallow filling evenly.

Step-by-step: making these chocolate peanut butter stacks

1. Prep your workspace

Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. This is your staging area for both building and cooling the stacks. Trust me, you’ll want that non-stick surface when the chocolate hardens.

2. Assemble the cracker sandwiches

Lay out 24 Ritz crackers on the baking sheet. In a medium bowl, mix the peanut butter and marshmallow creme until smooth. It’s okay if it looks a little sticky—that’s the fun part. Spread a thin layer of the mixture on each cracker. Not too thick, or it’ll squish out when you press them together! Top with another cracker to create a sandwich. Give yourself a little cheer—halfway done already!

3. Melt the chocolate

Chop your chocolate into small pieces if it isn’t already. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 15- to 30-second bursts, stirring between each. Be patient; overheating can cause chocolate to seize up. If that happens, don’t panic—just add a teaspoon of coconut oil or butter and stir vigorously to bring it back.

4. Dip and decorate

Now the fun part! Using two forks, dip each cracker sandwich into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off. Place the coated stacks back on the baking sheet and, if desired, sprinkle with holiday decorations while the chocolate is still wet. Get creative—this is where kids (or adults) can have a blast!

5. Chill and serve

Pop the baking sheet into the fridge or freezer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm to the touch. Then, they’re ready to serve!

Variations to keep it interesting

• Make it vegan: Swap the marshmallow creme for a vegan marshmallow spread and use dairy-free chocolate. Double-check your crackers and peanut butter to ensure they’re vegan-friendly.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free crackers for the Ritz, and you’ve got a gluten-free treat!
• Nut-free option: Use sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter for an allergy-friendly version.
• White chocolate twist: Dip the stacks in white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier coating.
• Add crunch: Sprinkle crushed peanuts, toffee bits, or shredded coconut on top of the chocolate before it sets.
• Seasonal spins: For Valentine’s Day, use pink and red sprinkles. For Halloween, go for orange and black. The possibilities are endless!

Presentation and serving ideas

These chocolate peanut butter stacks look adorable piled onto a festive platter. For a polished touch, arrange them in neat rows with sprinkles facing up. You can also pop them into mini cupcake liners for a boutique bakery feel—perfect for gifting! Pair them with a few bowls of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a little extra flair.

What to sip alongside these treats

These stacks pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk (classic, right?). If you’re serving them at a party, a creamy hot chocolate or a peanut butter whiskey cocktail would complement the flavors nicely. For a non-alcoholic twist, try a peanut butter banana smoothie—it’s indulgent but light enough to balance the sweetness.

Storing and reheating tips

Store your stacks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If you’re making a big batch, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just let them thaw in the fridge for about 20 minutes before serving. Reheating isn’t necessary for this no-bake treat—just enjoy them straight from the fridge!

Scaling the recipe up or down

Need more (or fewer)? This recipe is easy to scale. Just adjust the number of crackers and filling accordingly. The only thing to watch for is the chocolate—you may need to melt it in batches if you’re making a ton to ensure it stays smooth.

Common questions

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Absolutely! It’ll add a bit of texture, which some people love. Just make sure it’s easy to spread.

2. What’s the best way to melt chocolate without a microwave?

A double boiler works great. Just heat water in a pot and place a heatproof bowl on top, stirring the chocolate until smooth.

3. How do I prevent chocolate from seizing?

Avoid getting any water in the chocolate—it’s the enemy! And don’t overheat; go low and slow.

4. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! These are great for prepping a day or two in advance. Just store them in the fridge.

5. What’s a good peanut butter substitute?

Almond butter or sunflower seed butter works well, though the flavor will change slightly.

Now, go ahead and try these out—your sweet tooth will thank you! Don’t forget to share your own twists and tricks in the comments. I’d love to hear how you make these your own.

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