No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Mini Tarts
Delightful bite-sized no-bake tarts combining rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter for a quick, satisfying dessert. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 25 minutes layers shells mini tart shells, softened cream cheese, creamy peanut butter into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 shells mini tart shells
- 4 oz, softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup, creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp, for garnish chopped peanuts
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 4 oz softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, 1/3 cup powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Step 2: Spoon the peanut butter filling evenly into 12 mini tart shells, smoothing the tops with the back of a spoon. Place them in the fridge to chill while preparing the chocolate ganache.
- Step 3: Heat 1/2 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and pour over 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Step 4: Spoon the chocolate ganache evenly over the chilled peanut butter filling in each tart shell, letting it gently spread to cover the surface.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped peanuts on top of the ganache as garnish. Refrigerate the tarts for at least 1 hour until the ganache is set before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Mini Tarts take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Mini Tarts?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Mini Tarts?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Mini Tarts for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Mini Tarts?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.