Quick No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pinwheels Recipe

Dreamy No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pinwheels Recipe

Chocolate peanut butter pinwheels dance with decadent simplicity in this no-bake treat that promises pure indulgence.

Sweet memories of childhood snacks inspired these delightful swirls.

Creamy peanut butter blends seamlessly with rich chocolate for a mouthwatering combination.

Minimal ingredients and zero oven time make this recipe a breeze for busy kitchens.

Crisp textures and smooth layers create a stunning dessert that looks impressive yet requires minimal effort.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of nutty and sweet flavors.

You’ll want to savor every delectable spiral of this irresistible confection.

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pinwheels That Wow

  • Simplify Dessert Making: Skip the oven and create a delightful treat with minimal kitchen equipment, perfect for those wanting a quick sweet solution.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combo: Combine rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter in a single no-fuss dessert that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
  • Kid-Friendly Cooking Adventure: Engage children in the kitchen with an easy recipe that involves rolling, spreading, and creating a fun pinwheel design, turning dessert preparation into a playful family activity.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Craft a sophisticated-looking dessert using just a few pantry staples, proving you don't need complex ingredients to create something deliciously impressive.

Ingredients for Chocolate Peanut Butter Pinwheels

Base Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar: A fine, sweet ingredient that helps bind the mixture together.
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Peanut Butter: Adds a nutty flavor and helps create a cohesive mixture.
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Gives structure and a subtle graham cracker taste to the pinwheels.
Coating Ingredient:
  • Chocolate: Melted chocolate creates a delicious outer layer for the pinwheels.
Optional Binding Ingredients:
  • Parchment Paper: Used to help roll and shape the mixture without sticking.

How to Assemble No-Bake Pinwheels

Step 1: Craft the Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend powdered sugar, softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and crushed graham crackers. Stir and knead the ingredients until they form a smooth, moldable dough that holds together perfectly.

Step 2: Roll Out the Delicious Canvas

Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, gently flatten the mixture into a thin, even rectangular shape.

Ensure the thickness is consistent for perfect pinwheels.

Step 3: Drizzle Chocolate Magic

Melt chocolate in a microwave or double boiler until silky and glossy.

Carefully spread the molten chocolate across the entire surface of the rolled-out dough, creating a rich and decadent layer.

Step 4: Create the Pinwheel Roll

Carefully lift the bottom parchment paper to help guide the dough into a tight, elegant log.

Use the paper to assist in rolling, ensuring a smooth and compact cylindrical shape.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Transfer the chocolate-covered log to the refrigerator.

Let it rest and firm up for 1-2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chocolate to solidify completely.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Remove the chilled log from the refrigerator.

Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into beautiful pinwheel rounds. Arrange on a serving plate and enjoy these delightful no-bake treats that blend chocolate and peanut butter perfectly.

Tips to Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Pinwheels

  • Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
  • Use high-quality chocolate for richer, more decadent flavor in your pinwheels.
  • Chill the log thoroughly before slicing to prevent crumbling and maintain clean cuts.
  • Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Store pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week to maintain freshness.

Flavorful Twists for No-Bake Pinwheels

  • Gluten-Free Pinwheels: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Chocolate Swirl: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use dairy-free chocolate, and swap peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use powdered erythritol instead of powdered sugar and dark chocolate with stevia for a diabetic-friendly treat.
  • Nutty Alternative: Mix in chopped roasted almonds or pecans into the base mixture for added crunch and flavor complexity.

What Pairs Well with Peanut Butter Pinwheels

  • Party Platter Perfection: Arrange pinwheels on a decorative platter with fresh berries and mint leaves for an elegant dessert presentation that will wow guests.
  • Sweet Snack Attack: Cut pinwheels into smaller bite-sized pieces for easy grab-and-go treats during movie nights or afternoon snacking sessions.
  • Dessert Companion Magic: Serve alongside a cold glass of milk or pair with coffee for a delightful complementary flavor experience that enhances the chocolate and peanut butter combination.
  • Gifting Goodness: Wrap pinwheels in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a homemade edible gift that shows personal touch and culinary creativity.

Storing No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pinwheels

  • Store pinwheels in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Refrigerate for up to 5 days, keeping them away from strong-smelling foods.
  • Wrap individually in plastic wrap before placing in the container for extra protection.
  • Freeze pinwheels for up to 3 months by placing them in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers.

FAQs

  • How do I ensure the mixture is smooth and easy to roll?

Knead the ingredients thoroughly and use room temperature butter for a more pliable consistency.

  • Can I use a different type of nut butter?

Yes, almond or cashew butter work well as substitutes for peanut butter.

  • What's the best way to get clean, even slices?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for precise pinwheel shapes.

  • How thin should I roll out the mixture?

Aim for about 1/4 inch thickness to create a perfect balance of layers when rolled.

Print
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Quick No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pinwheels Recipe

Quick No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pinwheels Recipe


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4.5 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Chocolate peanut butter pinwheels blend creamy richness with playful swirl patterns from classic American dessert traditions. Crisp graham cracker layers and smooth chocolate-peanut butter filling make this no-bake treat a delightful surprise you’ll want to share with friends.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs

Binding/Sweetening Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Coating Ingredients:

  • 1 cup chocolate chips, melted

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly blend powdered sugar, softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and crushed graham crackers in a large mixing bowl until the mixture develops a uniform, malleable consistency.
  2. Position two sheets of parchment paper and carefully roll the mixture into a thin, even rectangular shape using consistent pressure.
  3. Drizzle melted chocolate across the entire surface of the flattened mixture, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
  4. Utilize the parchment paper as a guiding tool to smoothly and tightly roll the sheet into a compact cylindrical log, maintaining even pressure throughout the rolling process.
  5. Transfer the chocolate-coated log to the refrigerator and chill for approximately 90 minutes, allowing the pinwheel to solidify and develop a firm texture.
  6. Remove from refrigerator and slice the log into precise, uniform rounds using a sharp knife, creating elegant pinwheel segments ready for serving.

Notes

  • Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and easier blending.
  • Use a rolling pin with even pressure to create a uniform rectangular sheet without tears.
  • Melt chocolate carefully using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts to prevent burning.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour.
  • Chill the log thoroughly for cleaner, more precise slicing and defined pinwheel patterns.
  • Store pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, separating layers with parchment paper.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Rolling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 245 kcal
  • Sugar: 19 g
  • Sodium: 45 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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