Frozen Reeses Dessert Squares: A Decadent No-Bake Treat

Frozen Reeses Dessert Squares have quickly become my family’s favorite weekend indulgence. These delightful treats combine the irresistible flavors of chocolate and peanut butter in perfect harmony, creating a dessert that’s both refreshing and satisfying. When I’m craving something sweet that doesn’t require baking, these squares—along with Reese’s Pieces Cookies—are always at the top of my list. The combination of creamy peanut butter filling sandwiched between layers of chocolate is simply divine, and the fact that they’re served cold makes them perfect for warm weather gatherings.

Nutritional Benefits

While Frozen Reeses Dessert Squares are undoubtedly a treat, they do offer some nutritional benefits worth noting. The peanut butter provides protein and healthy fats, while dark chocolate (if used) contains antioxidants. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional content per serving:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	320
Protein	5g
Carbohydrates	32g
Fat	19g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	26g

Ingredients & Substitutions

Creating these delicious dessert squares requires simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s a comprehensive list with possible substitutions:

Ingredient	Role	Possible Substitutions
2 cups graham cracker crumbs	Base layer structure	Oreo cookie crumbs, digestive biscuits, vanilla wafer crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted	Binds crust together	Coconut oil, margarine
1 cup creamy peanut butter	Main flavor component	Almond butter, sunflower seed butter (for allergies)
1 cup powdered sugar	Sweetness and texture	Monk fruit sweetener, confectioners erythritol
1 cup heavy cream, whipped	Adds lightness	Coconut cream, dairy-free whipped topping
8 oz cream cheese, softened	Creamy texture	Mascarpone, dairy-free cream cheese
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips	Topping	Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, dairy-free chocolate
1 cup Reese’s Pieces, chopped	Garnish and flavor boost	Chopped Reese’s cups, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips

Equipment Needed

– 9×13 inch baking dish
– Parchment paper
– Mixing bowls (large and medium)
– Electric mixer
– Rubber spatula
– Microwave-safe bowl
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Refrigerator or freezer space

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create perfect Frozen Reeses Dessert Squares that will impress your family and friends:

1. Prepare the pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

2. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even layer. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.

3. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add peanut butter and mix until completely incorporated. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

4. Add lightness: Fold the whipped heavy cream into the peanut butter mixture using a rubber spatula. Be gentle to maintain the airy texture.

5. Layer the filling: Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the chilled crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top.

6. Prepare the chocolate layer: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until completely smooth.

7. Add the chocolate topping: Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly. For a true Reese’s Pieces Cookies inspired finish, sprinkle the chopped Reese’s Pieces over the melted chocolate before it sets.

8. Chill thoroughly: Cover the dish and freeze for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until completely firm.

9. Serve: When ready to serve, lift the dessert out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Let it stand at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then cut into squares with a sharp knife.

Troubleshooting & Pro Tips

– Too crumbly crust? Add an extra tablespoon of melted butter to help it bind.
– Filling too firm? Allow your cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing.
– Chocolate cracking when cutting? Let the dessert thaw for 10-15 minutes before slicing, and run your knife under hot water between cuts.
– Pro tip: For cleaner cuts, dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry between slices.
– Flavor enhancement: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture for added depth.
– Texture variation: Mix in some crushed peanuts for a crunchy element.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

– Refrigerator storage: Keep leftover squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
– Freezer storage: These squares freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.
– Make ahead: This dessert is perfect for making 1-2 days in advance of a gathering.
– Thawing: For the best texture, thaw frozen squares in the refrigerator overnight, or at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Conclusion

These Frozen Reeses Dessert Squares have become my go-to dessert for potlucks, family gatherings, and whenever I need a special treat that doesn’t require turning on the oven. The combination of a buttery graham cracker base, creamy peanut butter filling, and rich chocolate topping creates a flavor profile that’s reminiscent of everyone’s favorite Reese’s Pieces Cookies but in a refreshing frozen form. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility – you can easily adapt it to suit dietary restrictions or preferences while still maintaining that classic chocolate-peanut butter magic that everyone loves.

FAQ

Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and dairy-free chocolate chips. The taste will be slightly different but still delicious.

How long do these need to freeze?
A minimum of 4 hours, but overnight is best for the perfect texture.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! This will add a nice textural contrast to the smooth filling.

What if I don’t have a 9×13 inch pan?
You can use an 8×8 inch pan for thicker squares (you may need to increase freezing time) or a larger pan for thinner squares.

Can I make these with less sugar?
Yes, you can reduce the powdered sugar to 3/4 or even 1/2 cup, especially if using sweetened peanut butter.

Are these suitable for kids’ parties?
These are perfect for kids’ parties! Just be aware they contain common allergens like peanuts and dairy.

How do I know when they’re ready to cut?
The dessert should feel firm to the touch and not give when pressed in the center.

Can I add other mix-ins?
Certainly! Try adding Homemade Reese’s Eggs chopped into pieces, crushed pretzels, or a swirl of caramel for variations.

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