Peanut Butter Easter Eggs Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Utilizes pantry staples like peanut butter, butter, and chocolate chips.
• No-Bake Delight: Requires no oven time, making it an easy and quick dessert option.
• Customizable Shapes: While traditionally shaped as eggs for Easter, you can mold them into any form to suit various occasions.
• Kid-Friendly Activity: A fun and engaging recipe to make with children, allowing for creativity in shapes and decorations.

Ingredients

• 2 cups creamy peanut butter
• ¾ cup butter
• 3 ½ cups confectioners' sugar
• 3 cups crispy rice cereal
• 1 (12-ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons shortening

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and softened butter until smooth. Gradually mix in the confectioners' sugar until well blended. Stir in the crispy rice cereal until the mixture forms a workable dough.
2. Shape the Eggs: Refrigerate the mixture for about 1 hour to firm up, making it easier to handle. Once chilled, shape the mixture into egg forms and place them on a wax paper-lined baking sheet. Freeze the shaped eggs for approximately 20 minutes to set.
3. Coat with Chocolate: In a double boiler over low heat, melt the semisweet chocolate chips and shortening together until smooth. Dip each peanut butter egg into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Return the coated eggs to the wax paper to cool and harden.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: Approximately 20 peanut butter eggs
• Prep Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Variations

• Flavor Twists: Incorporate different flavors into the filling, such as adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of sea salt for contrast.
• Chocolate Choices: Experiment with different types of chocolate coatings, like milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate, to suit your taste preferences.
• Decorative Touches: Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle the eggs with toppings like crushed nuts, sprinkles, or a drizzle of contrasting chocolate for an appealing finish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Once the chocolate has fully set, store the peanut butter eggs in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerated for extended freshness.
• Freezing: For longer storage, place the eggs in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

What type of peanut butter works best for this recipe?

Creamy, processed peanut butter (such as Jif or Skippy) is recommended for a smooth texture. Natural peanut butter may cause the mixture to be too oily or dry.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be substituted for butter in equal amounts; however, it may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

How can I make the chocolate coating smoother?

Adding a small amount of shortening to the chocolate while melting helps achieve a smoother and shinier coating.

Is it necessary to freeze the eggs before dipping in chocolate?

Freezing the shaped eggs helps them maintain their form during the chocolate dipping process, ensuring a cleaner finish.

Can I add flavors to the chocolate coating?

Yes, you can add a few drops of flavored extracts like mint or orange to the melted chocolate for a unique twist.

How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking?

Ensure the eggs are not too cold when dipping, as extreme temperature differences can cause the chocolate to crack.

Can I make these eggs dairy-free?

Substitute dairy-free margarine and use dairy-free chocolate chips to make the recipe suitable for dairy-free diets.

What can I use instead of crispy rice cereal?

Crushed cornflakes or graham cracker crumbs can be used as alternatives to crispy rice cereal.

How long does it take for the chocolate to set?

The chocolate typically sets at room temperature within an hour. To expedite the process, you can refrigerate the eggs for about 15 minutes.

Can I color the white chocolate for a festive look?

Yes, adding oil-based food coloring to white chocolate allows you to create colorful coatings suitable for various occasions.

Conclusion

Homemade Peanut Butter Easter Eggs are a delightful treat that combines the beloved flavors of peanut butter and chocolate. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create these confections to enjoy during holidays or whenever a sweet craving strikes. Customize them with your favorite flavors and decorations to make them uniquely yours.

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Peanut Butter Easter Eggs Recipe

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Indulge in the delightful combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate with these homemade Peanut Butter Easter Eggs. This easy no-bake recipe is perfect for Easter celebrations or as a year-round treat. With a crunchy surprise from crispy rice cereal and a smooth chocolate coating, these confections are fun to make and even more delicious to eat.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 20 peanut butter eggs
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 cups creamy peanut butter
• ¾ cup butter, softened
• 3 ½ cups confectioners' sugar
• 3 cups crispy rice cereal
• 1 (12-ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons shortening

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling

   • In a large mixing bowl, blend the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth.
   • Gradually mix in the confectioners' sugar until fully incorporated.
   • Stir in the crispy rice cereal to form a workable dough.

2. Shape the Eggs

   • Refrigerate the dough for 1 hour to firm up.
   • Shape into small egg forms and place them on a wax paper-lined baking sheet.
   • Freeze for 20 minutes to help them set.

3. Coat with Chocolate

   • In a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips and shortening until smooth.
   • Dip each egg into the melted chocolate, ensuring full coverage.
   • Place back on the wax paper to cool and harden.

Notes

• For a smoother chocolate coating, add a teaspoon of vegetable oil or coconut oil.
• Customize with different chocolate coatings like white or dark chocolate.
• Decorate with sprinkles, crushed nuts, or colored chocolate drizzles for a festive touch.