Peanut Butter Frozen Hot Chocolate

Introduction

Craving a cool, creamy drink that blends the rich warmth of hot chocolate with the nutty decadence of peanut butter? What if you could whip up a frosty, indulgent treat in just 5 minutes? Say hello to Peanut Butter Frozen Hot Chocolate! This delightful beverage combines chocolate milk, hot chocolate mix, mini peanut butter cups, and creamy peanut butter, blended with ice and topped with whipped cream, hot fudge, and more Reese’s. Perfect for summer days, dessert cravings, or cozy movie nights, it’s as fun to make as it is to sip. Ready to blend some chocolatey-peanut butter magic? Let’s grab a blender and get started!

Overview

Peanut Butter Frozen Hot Chocolate is a frosty, blended drink that merges the flavors of hot chocolate and peanut butter cups into a refreshing, dessert-like beverage. What makes it special? It’s lightning-fast to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and delivers a decadent chocolate-peanut butter experience in a glass. This beginner-friendly recipe takes about 5 minutes to make and serves 2, making it ideal for sharing or treating yourself.

• Time Requirement: 5 minutes (prep and blending)
• Difficulty Level: Super easy (perfect for beginners)
• Servings: 2 tall glasses

Essential Ingredients

The charm of Peanut Butter Frozen Hot Chocolate lies in its rich, indulgent ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

For the Frozen Hot Chocolate

• Chocolate Milk (2 cups): Provides a creamy, chocolatey base for the drink.
• Hot Chocolate Mix (4 packets, typically 1–1.25 oz each): Adds concentrated cocoa flavor and sweetness.
• Mini Peanut Butter Cups (½ cup, about 10 miniature Reese’s): Bring a crunchy, peanut buttery texture and flavor.
• Creamy Peanut Butter (¼ cup): Infuses the drink with smooth, nutty richness.
• Ice (3–4 cups): Creates a frosty, slushy consistency.

For Garnish

• Whipped Cream: Adds a light, creamy topping for a classic dessert vibe.
• Hot Fudge Sauce: Provides a rich, chocolatey drizzle for decadence.
• Creamy Peanut Butter (additional): Offers a nutty drizzle for extra flavor.
• Mini Peanut Butter Cups (additional, chopped): Enhances the garnish with more peanut butter cup crunch.

Substitutions and Variations

• Chocolate Milk: Use regular milk with 2 tbsp chocolate syrup or non-dairy milk (almond, oat, or soy) with chocolate syrup for a dairy-free version.
• Hot Chocolate Mix: Replace with ¼ cup cocoa powder plus ¼ cup granulated sugar, adjusting sweetness to taste.
• Mini Peanut Butter Cups: Swap with chopped full-size Reese’s, peanut butter chips, or other peanut butter candies (check for allergies).
• Peanut Butter: Use crunchy peanut butter for texture or almond butter for a different nutty flavor.
• Ice: Adjust quantity for a thicker (more ice) or thinner (less ice) consistency.
• Garnishes: Skip whipped cream for a lighter drink, use chocolate syrup instead of hot fudge, or add sprinkles or crushed cookies for extra flair.
• Vegan Option: Use non-dairy chocolate milk, vegan hot chocolate mix, vegan peanut butter cups, and coconut whipped cream.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Peanut Butter Frozen Hot Chocolate is a breeze with just a few quick steps. Follow these instructions for a perfect frosty treat:

1. Prepare the Blender:
   • Ensure you have a high-powered blender capable of crushing ice for a smooth, slushy texture.
   • Tip: If your blender is less powerful, crush the ice slightly in a zip-top bag before blending to ease the process.
2. Blend the Ingredients:
   • Add 2 cups chocolate milk, 4 packets hot chocolate mix, ½ cup mini peanut butter cups (about 10 miniature Reese’s), ¼ cup creamy peanut butter, and 3–4 cups ice to the blender.
   • Pulse to blend, starting on low and increasing to high, until the ice is broken down into small, uniform pieces and the mixture is smooth and frosty, about 30–60 seconds.
   • Tip: Scrape down the sides of the blender as needed, and add ice in batches if the blender struggles. Adjust ice for desired thickness (3 cups for thinner, 4 cups for thicker).
3. Pour and Serve:
   • Pour the blended mixture evenly between two tall drink glasses (about 12–16 oz each).
   • Tip: Chill the glasses in the fridge for 10 minutes beforehand for an extra-frosty presentation.
4. Garnish:
   • Top each glass with a generous dollop or swirl of whipped cream.
   • Drizzle with hot fudge sauce and a small amount of warmed creamy peanut butter (microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften for drizzling).
   • Sprinkle with additional chopped mini peanut butter cups for crunch.
   • Tip: Use a piping bag or spoon for precise drizzles, and garnish immediately before serving to prevent melting.
5. Enjoy:
   • Serve immediately with straws, spoons, or both, perfect for sipping or scooping the frosty, creamy texture.
   • Tip: Pair with a side of extra peanut butter cups or a chocolate cookie for a fun dessert experience.

Assembly

Assembling Peanut Butter Frozen Hot Chocolate is all about creating a frosty, indulgent drink with a decadent presentation. Here’s how to make it look and taste incredible:

• Blend Thoughtfully: Blend until smooth for a slushy texture, ensuring the peanut butter cups are finely chopped for even flavor. Pour into tall glasses for a classic soda-shop vibe.
• Presentation Tips:
  • Serve in clear, tall glasses to showcase the frosty texture and vibrant garnishes.
  • Layer garnishes for visual appeal: whipped cream first, then hot fudge and peanut butter drizzles, followed by chopped Reese’s for texture.
  • Use colorful straws or dessert spoons for a playful, dessert-like experience, perfect for parties or kids’ gatherings.
  • Pair with a small bowl of extra mini peanut butter cups or a chocolate-dipped pretzel for a complete treat.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Peanut Butter Frozen Hot Chocolate is best enjoyed fresh but can be prepped or stored with these tips:

• Make-Ahead:
  • Prep the dry ingredients (hot chocolate mix) and measure peanut butter cups and peanut butter in advance, storing in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 1 day.
  • Keep chocolate milk and ice ready in a cooler or fridge for quick blending, especially for parties or outdoor events.
  • Tip: Don’t blend too far in advance, as the ice will melt and dilute the drink.
• Storage:
  • Store any leftover blended drink in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 day. Re-blend with a splash of chocolate milk to restore texture before serving.
  • Avoid storing with garnishes, as whipped cream and drizzles will melt or separate.
  • Tip: Freeze in ice cube trays for a fun, re-blendable treat, blending cubes with a little extra milk when ready.
• Freezing:
  • Freeze the ungarnished blended mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw slightly in the fridge for 1–2 hours, then re-blend with extra ice or milk to refresh.
  • Tip: Label with the date to track freshness, and avoid freezing garnished drinks to maintain quality.

Recipe Variations

Peanut Butter Frozen Hot Chocolate is versatile and fun to customize. Here are some creative twists to try:

• Mocha Peanut Butter Frozen Hot Chocolate: Add 1 tsp instant coffee or espresso powder to the blender for a mocha flavor.
• Salted Caramel Frozen Hot Chocolate: Replace peanut butter cups with caramel candies and drizzle with caramel sauce and a pinch of flaky sea salt.
• Chocolate Hazelnut Frozen Hot Chocolate: Swap peanut butter for hazelnut spread (like Nutella) and use chopped hazelnut chocolates instead of Reese’s.
• Banana Peanut Butter Frozen Hot Chocolate: Add 1 frozen banana to the blender for a creamy, banana-peanut butter twist.
• Gluten-Free Frozen Hot Chocolate: Ensure hot chocolate mix and peanut butter cups are gluten-free (most Reese’s minis are, but check labels).
• Vegan Frozen Hot Chocolate: Use non-dairy chocolate milk, vegan hot chocolate mix, vegan peanut butter cups, and coconut whipped cream.

Conclusion

You’re now ready to blend a batch of Peanut Butter Frozen Hot Chocolate that’s as refreshing as it is indulgent! This 5-minute recipe is perfect for hot summer days, dessert cravings, or anytime you want a quick, chocolatey-peanut butter treat. With its frosty texture, rich flavors, and decadent garnishes, this drink is a guaranteed hit for kids and adults alike. Feel free to swap candies, flavors, or toppings to make it your own. Grab your blender, toss in those ingredients, and enjoy every creamy, peanut buttery sip. Happy blending, and savor the frosty sweetness!

Print

FAQs

1. Can I use regular milk instead of chocolate milk?
Yes! Use 2 cups regular milk and add 2–3 tbsp chocolate syrup or 2 tbsp cocoa powder plus 1 tbsp sugar to mimic chocolate milk.

2. Is this drink healthy?
It’s an indulgent treat, but you can lighten it by using low-fat chocolate milk, reducing peanut butter to 2 tbsp, or skipping the whipped cream. Enjoy in moderation.

3. Can I make this vegan?
Yes! Use non-dairy chocolate milk, vegan hot chocolate mix, vegan peanut butter cups, and coconut whipped cream for a fully vegan drink.

4. Why is my drink too watery?
Too little ice or overblending can cause a thin texture. Use 4 cups ice for a thicker consistency, and blend just until smooth.

5. Can I make this without a blender?
It’s tricky, but you can crush ice finely by hand, mix ingredients in a shaker with the crushed ice, and stir vigorously. The texture won’t be as smooth.

6. How do I drizzle peanut butter smoothly?
Warm the peanut butter in the microwave for 10–15 seconds until pourable, then use a spoon or piping bag for precise drizzling.

7. Can I prep this for a party?
Yes! Measure ingredients and store separately in a cooler or fridge up to 1 day ahead. Blend and garnish just before serving for the freshest texture.

8. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Freeze ungarnished leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day, then re-blend with a splash of milk. Avoid storing with garnishes, as they’ll melt.