Chocolate Peanut Butter Valentine’s Heart
Table of Contents
Ah, Valentine’s Day – a time when hearts are full, and kitchens are bustling with the scent of something sweet. Today, I’m inviting you into my cozy kitchen, where we’re about to embark on a delightful journey with Chocolate Peanut Butter Valentine’s Hearts. Picture this: the creamy richness of peanut butter combined with the decadent allure of chocolate, all shaped into charming little hearts. It’s a treat that’s not just a feast for the taste buds but also a sweet reminder of the homemade love we cherish at Easy Peasy Recipes.
Growing up, the kitchen was always the heart of my home. It didn’t matter what the occasion was – birthdays, holidays, or just an ordinary Tuesday – our family recipes carried a magic that pulled us together. This Chocolate Peanut Butter Valentine’s Heart recipe is no different. It’s about more than just satisfying a sweet tooth; it’s about creating little moments of joy and love that you can share with those who matter most.
Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Valentine’s Hearts are more than just a treat; they’re a delightful experience to share with your loved ones. Here’s why they deserve a spot on your table:
A Sweet Nostalgia Trip: Every bite of these hearts takes me back to childhood, where simple ingredients transformed into magical treats, filling the air with warmth and love. It’s the kind of nostalgia that makes every Valentine’s Day feel like the very first time you fell in love.
Perfect for All Skill Levels: Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is as approachable as it is delicious. No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients – just pure, easy peasy joy. Even if you’ve never set foot in a kitchen, you’ll find these hearts a breeze to make.
A Homemade Gift of Love: Handcrafted with care, these hearts make for a heartfelt gift that speaks volumes more than store-bought chocolates ever could. You can customize them with personal touches like colored sprinkles or a drizzle of white chocolate.
Family Bonding Time: Get the kids involved, make a mess, laugh, and create memories together as you cut out and decorate these sweet treats. It’s a perfect way to teach little ones the joy of giving, wrapped in chocolate and peanut butter.
Comfort and Joy in Every Bite: There’s something so comforting about the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter. It’s familiar, it’s cozy, and it’s sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. The luscious texture and the rich flavor make it a timeless comfort food.
Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
Let’s keep things simple and stress-free. Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful hearts:
- Mixing bowl: A medium-sized bowl will do the trick for combining your ingredients seamlessly.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: For stirring and smoothing out the mixture, ensuring everything is perfectly blended.
- 8 x 8 inch dish: This size is ideal for spreading out the peanut butter mixture to the right thickness.
- Parchment paper: Essential for easy lifting and transferring, keeping your hearts intact.
- Small heart-shaped cookie cutter: A key tool for creating those adorable heart shapes.
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler for melting chocolate: Choose your preferred method for melting chocolate smoothly.
- Fork for dipping: A simple fork helps you dip and coat the hearts evenly, with minimal mess.
Having these basic tools on hand will ensure that your time in the kitchen is as enjoyable and easy peasy as possible.
How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter-room temperature
- ¼ cup unsalted butter-melted
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 10-12 oz. chocolate chopped in small pieces (I used half of semi-sweet and half of milk chocolate) or use good quality candy coating
INSTRUCTIONS
- Line an 8 x 8 inch dish with parchment paper, leaving the paper overhang the sides so you can easily lift it later and set aside. This will help you remove the set mixture without breaking it.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together peanut butter, melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt, until sugar dissolves. Next, gradually mix in powdered sugar. This step ensures a smooth, sweet base for your hearts.
- Press the mixture into the prepared dish. Smooth the top with a spatula or simply press it with your palms to flatten into about ½ inch thick layer. A uniform layer ensures even cutting.
- Place it in the freezer until firm enough for cutting. This step helps the mixture retain its shape when you cut out the hearts.
- When the mixture is firm, line a tray with parchment paper and set aside. This will hold your cut-out hearts.
- Using a small cookie cutter in the shape of a heart, cut out the hearts and place them on the tray. Don’t waste any batter; pick up leftovers, knead, press with your palms, and cut out a few more hearts. This ensures no deliciousness goes to waste.
- Place them in the freezer until firm. This helps them hold up when dipped in warm chocolate.
- Melt the chocolate (or candy coating) and line another tray with parchment paper. Melt slowly to avoid burning.
- Using a fork, dip each heart into melted chocolate to cover completely. Gently tap the fork to drip off the excess chocolate. (Since the peanut butter mixture softens really fast at room temperature, take just a few hearts out of the freezer at a time.) Place chocolate-covered hearts on the parchment-lined tray. Refrigerate until the chocolate has set.
- Store in the fridge or freeze for longer storage. This keeps them fresh and ready to enjoy.
Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: American • Preparation Time: 15 minutes • Cooking Time: 15 minutes • Total Time: 30 minutes • Calories: 200 per serving • Servings: 16
Note: For an extra special touch, sprinkle sea salt on top of the chocolate before it sets for a sweet and salty twist.
Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the goodness packed into each of these ingredients. Creamy peanut butter not only delivers a rich, nutty flavor but is also a good source of protein and healthy fats. This gives these treats a satisfying texture and keeps you feeling full longer. The chocolate, whether semi-sweet or milk, provides that irresistible sweetness that we all love, with antioxidants to boot. Antioxidants in chocolate can promote heart health, making these hearts fitting for Valentine’s Day. Together, they create a balanced treat that satisfies your sweet cravings without all the guilt.
Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish
Looking to elevate your Valentine’s Day spread? Here are some delightful pairings for your Chocolate Peanut Butter Valentine’s Hearts:
- Warm Beverages: Pair these treats with a cozy cup of hot cocoa or a latte for the perfect afternoon delight. The warmth of the drink enhances the creamy texture of the hearts.
- Fresh Berries: Brighten up the plate with a handful of fresh strawberries or raspberries. Their tartness complements the sweet richness of the hearts and adds a refreshing burst of flavor.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside for a decadent dessert that’s sure to impress. The cold creaminess contrasts beautifully with the rich, chocolatey peanut butter.
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way
When it comes to storing these sweet delights, it’s as simple as can be. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. The cool environment preserves their texture and flavor. If you’re planning to make them ahead or want to keep them longer, pop them in the freezer. They’ll be just as delicious when you’re ready to indulge. Simply let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Leftovers, if there are any, make for a delightful snack. Enjoy them straight from the fridge, or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes if you prefer a softer bite. And remember, these little hearts make for a quick, thoughtful gift if you’re ever in need of one. Wrap a few in a small box or bag, and you have an instant gift that’s sure to delight.
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s the simple, homemade treats that bring us back to what truly matters. I hope these Chocolate Peanut Butter Valentine’s Hearts fill your home with as much love and joy as they have mine. Whether you’re sharing them with family, friends, or keeping them all to yourself, they’re sure to be a sweet reminder of the love and warmth that comes from a homemade kitchen.
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Valentine’s Heart
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line 8 x 8 inch dish with parchment paper, leaving the paper overhang the sides so you can easily lift it later and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl stir together peanut butter, melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla and salt, until sugar dissolves. Gradually mix in powdered sugar.
- Press the mixture into prepared dish. Smooth the top with a spatula or press with your palms to flatten into about ½ inch thick layer.
- Place it in the freezer until firm enough for cutting.
- When the mixture is firm, line a tray with parchment paper and set aside.
- Using a small heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out the hearts and place them on the tray. Knead and press leftover mixture to cut out more hearts.
- Place hearts in the freezer until firm.
- Melt the chocolate or candy coating and line another tray with parchment paper.
- Using a fork, dip each heart into melted chocolate to cover completely. Tap the fork to drip off excess chocolate. Work with a few hearts at a time to keep them firm.
- Place chocolate-covered hearts on the parchment paper-lined tray. Refrigerate until chocolate has set.
- Store in the fridge or freeze for longer storage.
