If you love sweet meets salty treats, you’re going to absolutely adore my Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter White Chocolate Bark Recipe. It’s one of those fan-freaking-tastic desserts that feels fancy but comes together in a snap. Whether you’re looking for a gift to wow friends or just a snack to satisfy your peanut butter and chocolate cravings, this bark checks all the boxes — creamy, crunchy, buttery, and packed with Reese’s Pieces candy goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and your favorite Reese’s Pieces for an easy, crowd-pleasing treat.
- No Baking Required: Perfect when you want something sweet but don’t want to heat up the kitchen or wait.
- Customizable Layers: I love that you can swap in dark chocolate or adjust the peanut butter layer to suit your taste.
- Kid-Friendly and Fun: My family goes crazy for this bark — it’s a guaranteed winner at parties and snack time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient brings something special to this Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter White Chocolate Bark Recipe, and shopping for quality components really shines through in the final result.
- White Chocolate: I recommend using good-quality white chocolate bars (not candy melts) for smooth melting and real chocolate flavor.
- Vegetable Oil: Helps keep your white chocolate glossy and smooth when melted, preventing it from seizing.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Stick to regular creamy peanut butter rather than natural varieties for best texture and consistency.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temp, it blends seamlessly into the peanut butter filling, adding richness.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: Sweeter and smoother than granulated, this sweetens the peanut butter layer perfectly.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and enhances the flavors in the peanut butter layer.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness.
- Chopped Reese’s Pieces Candies: The star crunch and color on top — don’t skip this for that classic peanut butter-candy combo!
Variations
I love making this Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter White Chocolate Bark Recipe my own with a few twists depending on what I’m craving or what’s in season. You can easily customize it to fit your vibe!
- Chocolate Swap: When I’m feeling a bit more intense chocolate flavor, I melt bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate for the bottom layer instead of white chocolate — it brings a rich contrast.
- Nut-Free Version: I once used sun butter in place of peanut butter for a nut-free buddy, and it worked surprisingly well with a similar creamy texture.
- Add-In Extras: A sprinkle of crushed pretzels or mini chocolate chips on top adds another fun texture layer that my family loves.
- Seasonal Touch: Around the holidays, I’ve swapped the Reese’s Pieces for festive colored candies or even peppermint bits for a cool twist.
How to Make Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter White Chocolate Bark Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Melt the First White Chocolate Layer
Start by lining a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper — make sure there’s a good overhang on the sides so you can lift the bark out easily later. Then, melt half of your white chocolate along with half the vegetable oil in short 20-second bursts in the microwave, stirring in between. This patience is key to keep that white chocolate silky and smooth — trust me, I learned the hard way by overheating once!
Step 2: Chill the Bottom Layer
Pour the melted white chocolate into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly with an offset spatula. Pop it in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes to set just enough to hold the peanut butter layer on top without mixing together.
Step 3: Make the Peanut Butter Filling
While the base cools, beat the creamy peanut butter with softened butter until smooth and luscious. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, then mix well until everything is fully combined. This is the part where the magic happens — the filling is fluffy but firm enough to spread. If your peanut butter is a bit stiffer, just soften the butter more for easier mixing.
Step 4: Spread the Peanut Butter Layer and Chill Again
Spoon dollops of the peanut butter mixture onto your chilled white chocolate base and smooth it out with your offset spatula. I usually chill this again to firm it up while melting the remaining white chocolate for the top layer.
Step 5: Finish with the Final White Chocolate Layer and Reese’s Pieces
Repeat your melting process with the remaining white chocolate and vegetable oil. Pour it evenly over the peanut butter layer and then immediately sprinkle the chopped Reese’s Pieces candies all over for that irresistible crunch and colorful pop. Refrigerate uncovered for at least 30 to 60 minutes so everything sets nicely.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bark out of the pan onto a cutting board. A sharp knife works best to cut the bark into pieces. Pro tip: warm your knife slightly under hot water and wipe it dry before slicing to get clean cuts every time.
Pro Tips for Making Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter White Chocolate Bark Recipe
- Melting White Chocolate: Patience is key — melting in short bursts and stirring prevents burning and gives you that silky texture.
- Softening Butter: Make sure your butter is truly at room temperature; cold butter won’t blend smoothly with peanut butter.
- Spreading Layers: Use an offset spatula for even layers without breaking the brittle chocolate base.
- Cutting the Bark: Cold bark cracks easily, so warming your knife slightly between cuts helps prevent crumbly edges.
How to Serve Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter White Chocolate Bark Recipe
Garnishes
I like to add a couple extra Reese’s Pieces on top right before serving to keep it fresh and show off those bright colors. Sometimes I sprinkle a little flaky sea salt for a subtle salty crunch that really amps up the flavor.
Side Dishes
This bark is a great sweet finish after salty snacks or a casual dessert alongside homemade iced coffee or even a creamy peanut butter milkshake for the ultimate peanut butter-lover’s pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
For gift-giving or parties, I love stacking chunks of the bark in a clear jar layered with festive ribbons or simply wrapped in parchment and tied with twine. It instantly looks artisan and feels super special, even though it’s so easy to make.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover bark tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to a week, although mine rarely lasts that long!
Freezing
I’ve had great success freezing this bark by wrapping it tightly in plastic and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When you want some, just thaw it in the fridge overnight, and it’s ready to enjoy without losing any texture or flavor.
Reheating
This is a no-bake treat, so no reheating needed! Just bring it to room temperature for a few minutes before serving if it’s been refrigerated or frozen, especially if you want that creamy peanut butter melt-in-your-mouth moment.
FAQs
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Can I substitute other candies for Reese’s Pieces in this bark?
Absolutely! While Reese’s Pieces give the classic peanut butter and chocolate combo, you can swap in M&Ms, chopped peanut butter cups, or even crushed pretzels to add your favorite flavors and textures. Just make sure to chop candies into smaller pieces for easy snacking.
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Why does white chocolate sometimes seize when melting?
White chocolate seizes easily because it contains less cocoa solids and more sugar and milk solids. Heating it too quickly or exposing it to moisture causes it to clump. That’s why melting in short bursts and stirring constantly is essential when making this bark.
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Can I make this bark dairy-free or vegan?
It’s trickier because white chocolate and butter both contain dairy. However, you could try using vegan white chocolate and plant-based butter substitutes, though texture and flavor may differ. Experimentation is fun here — let me know if you try it!
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How long does this bark keep at room temperature?
I recommend storing it in the refrigerator because the white chocolate and peanut butter layers get soft at room temp, especially in warm climates. Refrigerated, it stays solid and fresh for up to a week.
Final Thoughts
This Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter White Chocolate Bark Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it’s quick to make, universally loved, and totally addictive. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering — it disappeared in minutes, and everyone begged for the recipe. I can’t recommend giving this a try enough; it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a special treat but is so simple you’ll want to make it again and again. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
PrintReese’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 delicious and easy no-bake treat featuring layers of creamy peanut butter sandwiched between smooth white chocolate and topped with crunchy Reese’s Pieces candies. Perfect for parties, gifting, or satisfying a sweet craving, this bark combines the rich flavors of peanut butter and white chocolate with a fun candy crunch.
Ingredients
White Chocolate Layer
- 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 to lift the bark out easily. Set aside.
- Melt First Half of White Chocolate: Place half (8 ounces/227g) of the white chocolate and 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt in 20-second increments, stirring between each, until smooth. Be careful not to overheat. Pour and spread evenly in the prepared pan. Refrigerate uncovered for 10–15 minutes until set but still soft.
- Make Peanut Butter Layer: In a medium bowl, beat the peanut butter and butter with a hand mixer until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and salt; beat until combined, about 1 minute. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled white chocolate layer. Return the pan to the refrigerator.
- Melt Remaining White Chocolate: Repeat the melting process with the remaining white chocolate and 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil. Pour and spread this melted white chocolate over the peanut butter layer smoothly. Sprinkle chopped Reese’s Pieces evenly on top.
- Set the Bark: Refrigerate the bark uncovered for at least 30 to 60 minutes to fully set the white chocolate. For longer storage, cover loosely after 1 hour if kept in the refrigerator.
- Cut and Store: Lift the set bark from the pan using the parchment paper edges. Cut into pieces with 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 rather than chips or candy melts for best melting and flavor results; recommended brands include Ghirardelli, Baker’s, or Lindt.
- Creamy, processed peanut butter is preferred over natural-style for smooth texture and consistency.
- You can experiment by using semi-sweet or dark chocolate as the bottom layer instead of white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
- Recommended tools include a 9×13-inch baking pan, parchment paper, heat-proof bowl or liquid measuring cup, silicone and offset spatulas, and an electric mixer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (assuming 16 pieces per batch)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg