How to Create the Perfect Chocolate Swirl on No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

These days, simplicity is out the window when it comes to certain confections and desserts, and when chocolate walks into the picture, different techniques also feature along with them. If you fancy something low-key gourmet, that looks as appealing to the eyes as it does to the taste, then let’s take a tour of how to go about swirling melted chocolate over your beloved confections, like no-bake coconut balls with raisins & white chocolate drizzle.

Sure, you could just scrape melted chocolate in a haphazard fashion over cakes, mousses, or even bread, smooth it out, and call it a day. But where’s the fun in that? A chocolate swirl adds a visual pop to an ordinary dessert, elevating a simple treat into something gourmet that hints at the flavors hiding in the dessert.

The Base of Peanut Butter + Hazelnut

But before we get to the swirl, let’s talk about the base, which is the peanut butter bars. Most recipes of no-bake peanut butter bars combine creamy peanut butter, crushed graham crackers or oats (your call), and toasted hazelnuts. A little bit of honey or maple syrup binds it together. These ingredients are all mixed, then pressed into a pan, ready to be decorated and, in this case, drizzled with melted chocolate.

The 5-Star Chocolate Swirl

Take your pick of chocolate, we’d recommend a combination of two different chocolates. You can either pick dark chocolate, with 70% cocoa content, like our Cadbury Bournville 70% dark chocolate bar, plus white chocolate, or swap dark chocolate for milk chocolate – Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate. If in case you are picking a different kind of chocolate, say the chocolate-nougat Cadbury 5-Star chocolate, then you can melt it in a thick-bottomed pan on low heat. Then you also need a few toothpicks, a spoon, and a little oil if you want a glossy finish.

Swirling Like a Pro

First, you need to melt the chocolates, either using the double boiler or microwave method, making sure to stir often. Here’s how to go about that:

• Double Boiler Method: You don’t need the whole contraption for melting chocolate; you can do this using a small saucepan filled with a little water, then plug it with a heatproof bowl with the melted chocolate. Stir often until the chocolate is all melted and smooth.
• Microwave Method: Set the timer for 2-3 minutes in the microwave and every 15 seconds stir to prevent the chocolate from burning.

Pro-tip: Add a little flavorless oil, preferably coconut oil, into the chocolate bowl if the consistency is too thick.

Layer the Dark Chocolate First

Pour the dark chocolate evenly over the freshly made peanut butter-hazelnut base, then smooth it out with your spatula, but don’t let it set. Using a spoon, drizzle lines or dots of white chocolate across the dark layer; go with random patterns or go for specific patterns. Stay tuned for the 5-Star bit if you are going for a nougat center chocolate rather than the traditional cooking or plain chocolate bars.

Time to Swirl!

Take your skewer or toothpick and drag it through the white chocolate, weaving back and forth in an S-motion, or create spirals, whatever comes to mind. Pop the tray into the fridge for about 1-2 hours for the peanut butter bars with hazelnuts and chocolate swirls. Once set, slice carefully, symmetrically with a heated knife for clean edges.

Tips on Using 5-Star Chocolate

• Make sure to chop or slice the 5-Star bar into small pieces, then melt it slowly over a double boiler or in the microwave. Stir frequently so the nougat and caramel don’t separate or burn.
• The center is thick and chewy, so to make it more swirlable, add a tablespoon of warm cream or milk while melting, to help loosen it so that it’s easier to swirl.
• For no-bake desserts, swirl it into cheesecake batter, mousse, or over chilled desserts just before setting them in the fridge.
• Reheat the melted 5-Star chocolate slightly before serving to use as a drizzle while eating the peanut butter bars. It will firm up into a chewy topping when cooled.