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Decadent No-Bake Oreo Snickers Ganache Tarts: Your Easy Path to Chocolate Peanut Perfection

Prepare to have your chocolate-lovin’ socks knocked off! These decadent little chocolate ganache tarts are an absolute dream come true for anyone who adores the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter. What’s even better? They are incredibly easy to make, making them a fantastic and fun cooking project for kids and adults alike. Imagine the iconic chocolate richness of Oreo cookies, blended with the irresistible salty-sweet crunch of peanuts, and then layered with a luscious, creamy, fudgy ganache that tastes like pure indulgence. This recipe perfectly marries the beloved elements of an Oreo cookie and a Snickers bar into a bite-sized masterpiece. You’re welcome! (Skip to recipe.)

Get ready to satisfy your deepest chocolate cravings with a dessert that’s truly out of this world!

Cooking with Meredith: A Sweet Collaboration

As Valentine’s Day approaches, my mind immediately goes to crafting the perfect treat, and this year, these Oreo Snickers Ganache Tarts are unequivocally it. They’re more than just a dessert; they’re a declaration of love for chocolate and peanut butter, an edible expression of pure joy. These delightful tarts are so incredibly tempting that I’ve already made a solemn vow: the container they’re in will be securely taped shut. This isn’t just for willpower; it’s a matter of self-preservation!

After all the delightful “research” – the creating, testing, and deliciously re-testing of this recipe – my waistline needs a break. It’s a testament to their allure that I’d consider such drastic measures. You simply can’t look at them without wanting to “test” if they’re firm enough, if the peanuts are perfectly distributed, or if the crust has just the right thickness. Before you can even utter ‘Oreo-Snicker-Doodle,’ they’d vanish without a trace, leaving none to share with friends. So, in the interest of sharing and sanity, the tape goes on. There… you have it in writing. But, fear not, this self-imposed ban only lasts until midnight on February 14th. Then, the tape comes off, and the indulgence truly begins!

The journey to these perfect tarts was an adventure in itself, a delightful culinary experiment shared with my wonderful cooking companion, Meredith. Our first valiant effort involved using whole chocolate sandwich cookies (a gluten-free version) as the base for each tart. While a good idea in theory, the cookies proved a bit too stubborn, remaining unyielding and making the tarts surprisingly hard to eat. Back to the drawing board we went! The ‘aha!’ moment came when we decided to grind the cookies with soft, succulent Medjool dates. This created a wonderfully pliable, yet firm, crust that was simply divine – a definite ‘Score!’ moment, and a huge improvement in texture.

First, grind the chocolate sandwich cookies and dates to make the perfect sticky crust, then press the crumbs into paper liners, and add a sprinkling of roasted salted peanuts.

But we weren’t done. To truly capture that iconic Snickers flavor and add another layer of irresistible crunch, a generous layer of roasted, salted peanuts was absolutely essential. This not only added an incredible textural contrast but also the perfect salty counterpoint to the sweet chocolate and dates. Double Score indeed! The iterative process of testing and refining made these tarts truly exceptional, ensuring every bite delivers a symphony of flavors and textures.

Next, melt together the chocolate chips, rich peanut butter, creamy heavy cream, and a touch of honey until it transforms into a smooth, shiny, and thick ganache filling.

Finally, top each tart with that incredibly fudgy ganache layer and add another delightful sprinkling of crunchy peanuts for a perfect finish.

The genius of these tarts lies in their meticulously balanced flavor profile. The Oreos provide their deliciously dark chocolate and creamy sweetness, forming a rich and satisfying foundation for the tart base. The natural sweetness and subtle caramel notes from the Medjool dates perfectly complement the peanuts, echoing the irresistible combination found in a classic Snickers bar. As you bite into one of these heavenly ganache tarts, you’re greeted with a delightful textural symphony – that satisfyingly crunchy crust, the sweet and salty pop of roasted peanuts, and finally, the thick, rich, nutty, fudgy ganache layer that melts in your mouth. It’s an experience that leaves you wondering which sensation to savor first, but ultimately, you just keep eating and enjoy it all. Each element plays a crucial role in creating a dessert that is both familiar and exciting, a true celebration of chocolate and peanut butter.

Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Wonders:

These extraordinary little tarts are not just a treat; they’re an experience waiting to happen. Prepare to be amazed by how they are:

Rich and Fudgy: Boasting a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate ganache layer that’s pure bliss and deeply satisfying.
Creamy and Crunchy: A delightful textural contrast between the smooth ganache and the crisp cookie crust, enhanced by the satisfying bite of crunchy peanuts.
Lusciously Peanutty and Chocolaty: A harmonious blend of rich chocolate and satisfying peanut butter flavors, reminiscent of your favorite candy bar.
Quick to Make: A no-bake wonder that comes together with minimal effort and time, perfect for last-minute cravings or entertaining without the fuss.
Kid-Friendly: Simple enough for little hands to help prepare, making it a fun family cooking project and a great way to introduce kids to the kitchen.
Adult-Friendly: A sophisticated yet comforting dessert that appeals to all ages (and yes, they are ever adult-friendly – perfect with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk!).
A Decadent Dessert: Ideal for special occasions, holidays like Valentine’s Day, or simply elevating an ordinary evening into something extraordinary.
A Satisfying Snack: Perfectly portioned for a delightful treat anytime hunger strikes, offering a burst of energy and flavor.
The Answer to All Your Chocolate-Craving Dreams: Seriously, if you love chocolate and peanuts, this is your ultimate indulgence – a truly satisfying sweet escape.

And for those planning a truly special Valentine’s dinner – perhaps with the beautiful Pink Pasta from my last post – these easy-to-make ganache tarts would provide the perfect sweet finale. Imagine concluding a vibrant meal with these rich, bite-sized treasures; it’s a match made in culinary heaven, offering a delightful contrast to savory dishes.

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Kitchen Frau Notes: Dietary Adaptations for Your Tarts

For those navigating dietary restrictions, particularly dairy, these tarts offer excellent adaptability. To create truly dairy-free chocolate ganache tarts, simply substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream. Ensure you use only the thick, solid part from the top of a chilled can of coconut milk for the best consistency. Additionally, be meticulous in selecting dairy-free chocolate chips; many excellent brands are available. Regarding the cookie base, both Oreo cookies and Glutino gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies are formulated without milk or eggs in their primary ingredients. However, it’s crucial to note that both brands include a disclaimer stating they are manufactured in facilities that also process milk. This means there’s a potential for trace amounts of dairy. Your decision to use these cookies will ultimately depend on the severity of your dairy allergy or sensitivity and your personal tolerance for such trace elements. Always double-check ingredient labels and manufacturing statements if severe allergies are a concern.

No-Bake Oreo-Snickers Ganache Tarts

egg-free, gluten-free option, dairy-free option (see Notes, above)

6 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos®) or a gluten-free version
2 large Medjool dates
¾ cup (120gms) chocolate chips
¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream (or full-fat coconut cream for dairy-free)
¼ cup (55gms) peanut butter
1 tablespoon honey
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
⅓ cup (45gms) roasted, salted peanuts, plus a few more for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dates: Begin by preparing your Medjool dates. If they don’t feel plump and naturally moist, a quick soak will transform them. Place them in a bowl and cover with boiling water for about 20 minutes to soften them, then drain thoroughly before proceeding. This ensures they blend seamlessly into the crust mixture, creating a wonderfully cohesive base.

2. Make the Crust: Next, create the irresistible base for your tarts. In a food processor or a mini chopper, combine the chocolate sandwich cookies and the prepared dates. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped and begins to clump together, forming a sticky, cohesive dough. This blend is what gives our tarts their unique, chewy, and flavorful texture.

3. Form the Tart Shells: Prepare a standard muffin pan by lining eight cups with paper muffin liners. Evenly distribute the cookie crumb mixture among these eight cups. Using your fingers or the back of a spoon, firmly press the mixture into the bottom of each cup. The goal is to create a compact, even crust that will hold its shape beautifully. Once the crusts are formed, generously sprinkle the roasted, salted peanuts over each one – aim for approximately 6 whole peanuts per tart for that satisfying crunch and classic Snickers appeal.

4. Prepare the Ganache Filling: Now, for the star of the show: the rich, fudgy ganache filling. In a small saucepan, over the absolute lowest heat setting possible, combine the chocolate chips, heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free), peanut butter, honey, and pure vanilla extract. Stir constantly and gently until the chocolate is fully melted and all ingredients are smoothly incorporated. The mixture should become thick, glossy, and beautifully shiny. Once perfectly smooth, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature. Be mindful not to let it sit for too long, as it will begin to firm up and become more difficult to work with.

5. Assemble the Tarts: Carefully spoon the cooled, decadent ganache filling on top of the prepared crusts in the muffin tin. Ensure you divide the filling equally among all eight tarts, aiming for a consistent, generous layer. For an extra touch of visual appeal and even more flavor, sprinkle the tops with additional peanut halves or finely chopped peanuts.

6. Chill and Serve: Finally, the hardest part – waiting! Transfer the muffin pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least one hour, or until the tarts are completely firm. This allows the ganache to set perfectly, resulting in a stable and delicious dessert. Store these delightful ganache tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best eating experience, take them out of the fridge about 5 to 10 minutes before serving; this slight softening enhances their creamy texture and allows the flavors to truly shine.

Makes 8 luscious little tarts.

Guten Appetit!

Looking for more delightful culinary adventures to embark on with your little chefs? Our ‘Cooking With Kids’ series is packed with fun, engaging, and tasty projects that foster creativity and build valuable kitchen skills. Explore the entire collection here and make mealtime (or snack time!) a memorable family affair.

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