Chocolate Peanut Butter Stacks Recipe

If you love the creamy sweetness of peanut butter combined with the rich decadence of chocolate, then these chocolate peanut butter stacks are about to become your new favorite treat. Seriously, who could resist those buttery Ritz crackers stacked with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter-marshmallow filling, all dunked in a luscious layer of chocolate? It’s the perfect combination of salty, sweet, and just a little bit indulgent—one bite and you’re hooked.

For me, these chocolate peanut butter stacks aren’t just a treat, they’re a memory. I first made them one Christmas when I was home from college, and the kitchen was filled with the smell of melting chocolate and the buzz of holiday chatter. My aunt had made a similar batch, and after one bite, I knew I had to learn how to make them myself. It was a Christmas miracle—simple ingredients, but so much flavor. Every year since, they’ve become my go-to holiday snack, but let me tell you, these are good enough to enjoy any time of year.

this RECIPE

The origin story (or, how I stumbled upon perfection)

Chocolate peanut butter stacks are a bit of a holiday tradition, but they’re not limited to just the Christmas season. They’ve been making appearances in my family for years, thanks to the magic of a few simple ingredients—Ritz crackers, peanut butter, marshmallow creme, and chocolate. While their exact origin is a bit fuzzy (some people swear they’re an old-school Girl Scout-inspired recipe), I do know one thing for sure: they’re the kind of snack that everyone loves.

What makes them stand out is their versatility. They’re the perfect balance of salty and sweet, crunchy and creamy. Plus, they’re easy to make, so they’re a great option when you’re hosting a party or looking for a quick treat to satisfy a sweet craving. Over time, I’ve experimented with different variations and tried adding seasonal touches, and they’ve never failed me. So whether it’s the holidays or just an ordinary Tuesday, these stacks are always a good idea.

Let’s talk ingredients: the good, the better, and the “oops I’m out of that”

Ritz crackers or buttery golden round crackers

These crispy crackers are the base of your stack, providing a salty crunch that pairs beautifully with the peanut butter filling. If you can’t find Ritz or their store-brand counterparts, any buttery, slightly salty cracker will work. A good substitute might be something like Keebler’s Club crackers or even graham crackers if you’re feeling adventurous.

Creamy peanut butter

The peanut butter is the star of the filling, bringing a rich, nutty flavor that balances the sweetness of the marshmallow creme and chocolate. I prefer using creamy peanut butter for a smoother texture, but if you love the added crunch, go ahead and use crunchy. Just make sure it’s a good-quality peanut butter with minimal added sugar—nothing too oily or stiff, unless you want a filling that’s hard to spread. For those with nut allergies, sunbutter or even cashew butter make great alternatives.

Marshmallow creme

This ingredient is what gives the filling its soft, smooth consistency. It’s a bit sweet, a bit gooey, and makes the peanut butter spreadable without becoming too heavy. If you’re in a pinch, you could try using marshmallow fluff or even a bit of regular marshmallows melted down, though it’s not quite the same.

Chocolate for dipping

The chocolate is what turns these stacks from “pretty good” to “wow.” Whether you go with semisweet, dark, or milk chocolate depends on your personal taste. My recommendation? Go for a high-quality chocolate (I like Ghirardelli or Lindt), which will melt down beautifully and coat the stacks perfectly. If you’re looking for a shortcut, you can use chocolate chips, though I find that real bars of chocolate melt much smoother.

Holiday sprinkles (optional but highly recommended)

I can’t help myself here. If it’s the holiday season or you’re just feeling festive, a sprinkle of colorful holiday sprinkles makes these stacks extra fun. Even without sprinkles, though, they look pretty gorgeous once the chocolate sets up, with that glossy, indulgent finish.

Kitchen gear: What you need (and what you can totally skip)

You don’t need a whole bunch of fancy tools for these chocolate peanut butter stacks, but there are a couple of things that will make your life a lot easier.

• Baking sheet: A sturdy one lined with parchment paper or wax paper is crucial. This keeps the stacks from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Medium mixing bowl: For combining that dreamy peanut butter-marshmallow filling.
• Microwave-safe bowl: You’ll need one for melting your chocolate. A glass bowl works best because it lets you keep an eye on the chocolate as it melts.
• Forks: You’ll use these to dip the stacks into the melted chocolate. I recommend two forks—one for lifting, the other for maneuvering—so you don’t end up with too much chocolate pooling at the bottom.
• Refrigerator or freezer space: Trust me, these need to chill before they’re ready to eat. Make sure you have a little space to park the baking sheet.

As for what you can skip, well… you won’t need any special mixers, candy thermometers, or anything too fancy. It’s just a straightforward, fun recipe that doesn’t demand much more than your love for peanut butter and chocolate.

Step-by-step: My foolproof method (and a few hard-learned lessons)

Now, let’s dive into how to make these stacks. It’s a pretty easy process, but here are some things I’ve learned along the way to make it go smoothly.

1. Prep your baking sheet: Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. This is your base, so get it ready for the magic.
2. Lay out the crackers: Place 24 crackers on the sheet, spacing them out evenly. You’ll use these as the bottom half of the stack.
3. Make the filling: In a medium bowl, stir together the peanut butter and marshmallow creme. It should be thick enough to spread, but not so thick that it won’t spread easily. If it feels a bit too stiff, try microwaving it for a few seconds to loosen it up. (Trust me, I’ve learned this trick the hard way.)
4. Assemble the stacks: Spread a generous but not excessive layer of the peanut butter-marshmallow filling on each of the crackers. Top with the remaining crackers to create little sandwich stacks. Set them aside while you melt the chocolate.
5. Melt the chocolate: Break up your chocolate and microwave it in 15-30 second bursts, stirring between each. When it’s smooth and glossy, you’re ready to dip.
6. Dip and decorate: Carefully dip each stack into the melted chocolate, using a fork to coat them evenly. Let the excess drip off and place them back on the baking sheet. If you’re adding sprinkles, now’s the time!
7. Chill: Put the baking sheet in the fridge or freezer for about 30 minutes, until the chocolate sets. Don’t rush this—trust me, the result is so much better when you let the chocolate harden properly.

Variations and adaptations: Make it your own!

While the classic chocolate peanut butter stack is already pretty perfect, there are so many ways to make it your own. Here are a few fun variations I’ve tried over the years:

• Vegan version: Swap out the peanut butter for almond or cashew butter, use marshmallow fluff that’s plant-based, and choose dairy-free chocolate. You’d be surprised at how similar the flavor is, especially with rich dark chocolate.
• Gluten-free: If you’re gluten-sensitive, simply substitute the crackers with gluten-free versions. There are plenty of delicious buttery gluten-free crackers that work great in this recipe.
• Seasonal twists: You can switch up the sprinkles based on the season—think red and pink for Valentine’s Day, or orange and black for Halloween. Or even mix in a little bit of crushed peppermint or toffee for a fun holiday version!
• Nutty crunch: If you’re craving even more texture, try adding some chopped nuts (like roasted peanuts or crushed almonds) to the peanut butter filling. This adds a delicious crunch that complements the creamy filling.

Plating and serving: How to wow your guests

These chocolate peanut butter stacks look as good as they taste, so it’s easy to make them look fancy without much effort. Arrange them on a platter in neat rows or stack them like a mini tower for added visual impact. You can also serve them on a fun festive plate if you’re in the mood for a little extra flair. If you’re hosting a party, add a small bowl of extra sprinkles nearby and let guests decorate their own.

These stacks are perfect as an afternoon snack, dessert for a dinner party, or a treat to bring to a potluck.

Drink pairings: What to sip with these indulgent stacks?

For me, a cold glass of milk is the classic pairing with these stacks—nothing beats the simplicity and comfort of that combination. If you’re feeling a little fancy, a nice cup of hot coffee or even a rich hot chocolate pairs wonderfully. For an adult twist, try a glass of red wine (something like a rich Merlot or a Zinfandel) to balance the sweetness of the chocolate.

Storage and reheating tips: Keep them fresh

If by some miracle you have leftovers (I rarely do), just store these chocolate peanut butter stacks in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week,

but I doubt they’ll last that long! If you want to freeze them, that’s totally doable too—just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw for a few minutes at room temperature.

Serving sizes: How to scale it up or down

This recipe makes about 24 stacks, but it’s easy to scale up or down depending on your crowd. If you’re making them for a small group, you can simply halve the recipe. Just be mindful of the ratios of crackers, filling, and chocolate, and everything should turn out just fine.

Common mistakes to avoid

One common mistake is not letting the chocolate cool properly before dipping. If the chocolate is too hot, it will pool at the bottom of the stacks and make a mess. Also, don’t rush the chilling process—give the chocolate time to set up!

Ready to make your own chocolate peanut butter stacks?

Now that you’ve got all the tips and tricks, I hope you’re feeling excited to try these out. They’re one of those treats that can be customized to fit your preferences and always come out delicious. Let me know how yours turn out—I’m sure they’ll be a hit!

FAQ

1. Can I use a different type of cracker? Absolutely! Any buttery, salty cracker works, but Ritz or similar round crackers give the best balance of flavor and crunch.
2. What’s the best chocolate to use? I recommend using high-quality chocolate bars like Ghirardelli or Lindt for the best melting and coating results. But chocolate chips will work too if that’s what you have.
3. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can make them up to a week in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
4. How do I prevent the chocolate from hardening too fast? If your chocolate sets too quickly while dipping, it might be because it’s too cool. Just warm it up slightly in the microwave and try again.
5. Can I freeze these? Yes! These stacks freeze well. Just layer them in an airtight container, separating the stacks with parchment paper.

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