There's something magical about the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, and these No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pinwheels capture that magic in every bite. They're rich, sweet, and packed with the irresistible duo of flavors, making them the perfect treat for any occasion.
I first came across this recipe when searching for a quick and fun dessert for a last-minute get-together. Not only were these pinwheels a hit, but they also required minimal effort—no oven needed! If you're looking for a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dessert, you're in the right place. Let’s dive in!
Why You'll Love This No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pinwheels
Get ready to fall head over heels for these delightful pinwheels. They're everything you want in a dessert: easy, delicious, and so much fun to make!
First, these pinwheels are incredibly quick to prepare. With no baking required, they're perfect for those moments when you need something sweet but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen.
They're also great for all ages. Whether you're making them for a kid's party or a grown-up gathering, they’re sure to be a hit. Plus, they’re an excellent recipe to make with little helpers, as the rolling and assembling process is simple and fun.
Another bonus is that they're portable and shareable. These pinwheels hold their shape well, making them an ideal choice for potlucks, picnics, or even lunchbox treats.
Finally, the flavor combination is truly unbeatable. The rich, creamy peanut butter blends perfectly with the sweet, velvety chocolate, creating a bite-sized dessert that's utterly satisfying.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of these pinwheels lies in their simplicity, relying on just a handful of pantry staples. Here’s what makes them so special:
Peanut Butter: The star of the show! Creamy peanut butter works best for a smooth, spreadable texture, but if you like a bit of crunch, feel free to use chunky.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the peanut butter mixture and helps create a pliable filling that’s easy to roll.
Chocolate Spread: A high-quality chocolate spread, like Nutella, adds richness and indulgence. You can also use melted chocolate chips mixed with a splash of cream if you prefer.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These form the base of the dough, giving the pinwheels structure while adding a subtle, toasty flavor. You can substitute with finely crushed cookies or gluten-free crackers if needed.
Milk: Just a small amount helps bind the dough together. Adjust the quantity as needed to get the right consistency.
No special equipment is required for this recipe—just a rolling pin, some parchment paper, and your hands.
How To Make No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pinwheels
Making these pinwheels is a breeze, and the process is almost as enjoyable as eating them!
Start by preparing the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, a bit of powdered sugar, and a splash of milk. Mix until the dough holds together when pressed but isn’t too sticky. If it’s too dry, add milk a teaspoon at a time.
Next, roll out the dough. Place it between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking, and roll it into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick.
Spread the fillings. First, spread a generous layer of chocolate spread evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Then, top it with peanut butter, smoothing it out for an even layer.
Time to roll! Starting from one of the longer edges, carefully roll the dough into a tight spiral. Use the parchment paper to help guide the roll, keeping it as even as possible.
Chill and slice. Wrap the roll tightly in parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up. Once chilled, use a sharp knife to slice the roll into pinwheels, about ½-inch thick.
Serve and enjoy! These pinwheels are best served slightly chilled or at room temperature.
Storage Options
These no-bake pinwheels store beautifully, making them a great make-ahead treat.
- Refrigerator: Place the pinwheels in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. They’ll stay firm and delicious.
- Freezer: If you want to make them even further in advance, freeze the uncut roll wrapped in plastic wrap. Once ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before slicing.
- Countertop: For a short-term option, you can keep the pinwheels at room temperature for up to 24 hours in a cool, dry place.
To re-firm the pinwheels before serving, just pop them back in the fridge for 20 minutes.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to get creative with flavors and textures.
- Swap the chocolate spread for a hazelnut-caramel blend or a white chocolate version for a fun twist.
- Add a layer of jam for a peanut butter and jelly-inspired pinwheel. Strawberry or raspberry jam works especially well.
- Incorporate some crunch by sprinkling chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or mini chocolate chips over the filling before rolling.
- Go gluten-free by using gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or crushed oat-based cookies.
- Try almond or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor profile.
Experimenting with variations is half the fun, so don’t be afraid to put your spin on these no-bake pinwheels!
These No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pinwheels are a delightful treat that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Whether you’re satisfying a sweet craving or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Give them a try, and watch them disappear from the plate in no time!
PrintNo Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pinwheels Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Make delicious no-bake chocolate peanut butter pinwheels with creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate. This simple, no-bake recipe is perfect for busy days or a quick dessert that satisfies sweet cravings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp butter (softened)
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, peanut butter, and softened butter until smooth.
- Gradually add milk and mix until a dough-like consistency forms.
- On a sheet of wax paper, roll the dough into a flat rectangle.
- In a separate bowl, combine cocoa powder and vanilla extract to make the chocolate filling.
- Spread the chocolate mixture evenly over the peanut butter dough.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log shape and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Slice into pinwheels and serve.
Notes
- For best results, use creamy peanut butter.
- Refrigerate the pinwheels longer if they are too soft to slice.
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
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