Description
These chocolate-covered peanut bars combine sweet and salty flavors with a rich caramel coating that binds roasted peanuts, all enveloped in smooth milk chocolate. Perfect for snacking or sharing, they are a delightful treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted peanuts, roasted and unsalted
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, for thinning chocolate)
Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. Its always easier to have everything ready before you begin cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted peanuts and salt. Stir them together to ensure the salt is evenly distributed.
- Set the bowl aside while you prepare the caramel mixture.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and unsalted butter.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture continuously with a wooden spoon or a heat-resistant spatula to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Continue stirring until the mixture comes to a gentle boil (about 5-7 minutes).
- Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring continuously until it thickens slightly and turns a light golden color.
- After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the hot caramel over the peanuts in the mixing bowl.
- Using a spatula, gently fold the peanuts into the caramel until they are well coated.
- Prepare a 9×9 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper.
- Transfer the peanut and caramel mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Press down firmly to compact the mixture.
- Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or refrigerate to speed up the process.
- Once cool, cut into bars, aiming for about 1-inch wide pieces.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips and vegetable oil (if using).
- Microwave the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
- Dip each cooled peanut bar into the melted chocolate, coating all sides.
- Place the coated bars back onto the parchment-lined baking dish or a wire rack.
- Drizzle any leftover chocolate over the top for decoration.
- Allow the chocolate-coated bars to set at room temperature until hardened (about 30 minutes) or refrigerate for 15 minutes.
Notes
- Ensure the chocolate is melted gently to avoid seizing.
- Adjust the size of the bars according to your preference.
- Store the finished bars in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes