Galactic Peanut Butter Tart

Oh my gosh. This tart is so yummy. It makes me so happy.

It has peanut butter. It has chocolate. I made it, and everyone said wow.

I want you to taste it too. It will make your tummy smile. And you will want more and more.

So let’s make it now. It is so easy. We can do it together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: People have called this peanut butter tart “addicting” and “the best dessert ever!”
• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The blend of rich peanut butter and sweet chocolate creates a flawless flavor contrast.
• Quick to Make: With just a few ingredients and minimal time spent in the kitchen, this tart comes together effortlessly.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dessert ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld and the tart to set perfectly in the fridge.
• No-Bake: This is a no-bake dessert, so you won’t need to heat up your oven on warm days.

Required Kitchen Tools

• 9-inch Tart Pan: A removable-bottom tart pan works best for easy removal and a beautiful presentation.
• Mixing Bowls: A few medium-sized bowls for mixing the crust, filling, and topping.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For creating a creamy and smooth peanut butter filling.
• Spatula: To ensure you scrape every bit of filling into the crust.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy in getting the right proportions of .

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this indulgent dessert (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

For the Crust:

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: These provide a crunchy and slightly sweet base for the tart. You can use store-bought graham cracker crumbs or crush your own.
• Unsalted Butter (melted): The butter binds the crumbs together, making the crust solid and easy to slice.
• Sugar (optional): A little sugar helps to enhance the sweetness of the crust.

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

• Smooth Peanut Butter: Choose a high-quality, smooth peanut butter for the best creamy texture. Avoid chunky peanut butter, as it won’t give the desired silky filling consistency.
• Cream Cheese: Adds a slight tang and helps the filling set up perfectly. Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling without adding any graininess, giving it a smooth, luscious texture.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds depth and enhances the flavor of the peanut butter.
• Whipped Cream (optional): For a light, fluffy texture, some people like to fold in whipped cream into the filling, though it’s optional.

For the Chocolate Topping:

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These melt perfectly to form a rich, glossy chocolate layer on top of the tart.
• Heavy Cream: To create a creamy chocolate ganache, you’ll need a small amount of heavy cream to melt the chocolate chips into a smooth sauce.
• Butter (optional): A touch of butter will make the ganache shiny and velvety.

Variations for Galactic Peanut Butter Tart

• Crunchy Peanut Butter: If you prefer a bit of texture in your peanut butter filling, you can swap the smooth peanut butter for crunchy peanut butter.
• Dark Chocolate: For a more intense chocolate flavor, you can use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
• Add a Salted Caramel Drizzle: After adding the chocolate ganache, drizzle some homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce over the top for a sweet and salty contrast.
• Decorate with Peanuts: For extra texture and decoration, sprinkle chopped salted peanuts or peanut brittle on top of the finished tart.
• Use a Different Crust: Try substituting graham cracker crumbs with crushed Oreos or Nilla wafers for a different flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Crust

The crust is incredibly easy to prepare and forms the base of this tart. Start by crushing graham crackers into fine crumbs. You can use a food processor, or simply place the crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.

Once the crumbs are finely ground, mix them with melted butter and sugar (if you’re using it). Stir until the mixture is evenly combined and has a sand-like consistency.

2. Press the Crust into the Tart Pan

Next, pour the graham cracker mixture into a 9-inch tart pan. Use the back of a spoon to press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Make sure it’s compact, so the crust holds together well when sliced.

Place the crust in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to help it firm up before adding the filling. This step is important to make sure the crust doesn’t crumble once the tart is sliced.

3. Make the Peanut Butter Filling

While the crust chills, prepare the peanut butter filling. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat together the smooth peanut butter, softened cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.

Add in the vanilla extract and mix until everything is well combined. If you prefer a lighter texture, fold in some whipped cream at this point. This step is optional but gives the filling a more airy, mousse-like consistency.

Once the filling is creamy and fluffy, scoop it into the chilled crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula, making sure it’s smooth on top.

4. Make the Chocolate Ganache Topping

Now it’s time to prepare the glossy, smooth chocolate topping. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Pour the cream over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.

Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to soften the chocolate, then stir gently until the ganache is smooth and glossy. If you want an extra shine, add a tablespoon of butter to the ganache and stir until fully incorporated.

5. Assemble the Tart

Once the ganache is smooth, pour it over the peanut butter filling, using a spatula to spread it evenly. The ganache will naturally settle into a smooth layer, covering the entire top of the tart.

After the tart is assembled, place it back into the fridge and allow it to set for at least 3 hours, or until the ganache is firm and the filling has fully set. If you want to speed up the process, you can also freeze it for 30 minutes to an hour.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Galactic Peanut Butter Tart

This tart is absolutely decadent on its own, but you can serve it in a variety of fun and delicious ways:

• With Whipped Cream: Top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for added texture and flavor.
• With Crushed Peanuts: Add a sprinkle of crushed salted peanuts or roasted peanuts to each slice for a delightful crunch.
• With a Drizzle of Caramel Sauce: As mentioned earlier, a drizzle of salted caramel sauce adds a sweet, rich note that complements the peanut butter and chocolate perfectly.
• With Fruit: For a refreshing contrast, serve the tart with sliced strawberries, raspberries, or bananas.
• As Part of a Dessert Platter: This tart works great as part of a larger dessert spread, alongside brownies, cookies, and mini cheesecakes.

Storing Galactic Peanut Butter Tart

• In the Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
• In the Freezer: If you want to keep this tart for a longer period, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

Nutrition Facts	Per Serving
Calories	483 kcal
Total Fat	38 g
• Saturated Fat	21 g
• Unsaturated Fat	14 g
Trans Fat	0 g
Cholesterol	66 mg
Sodium	228 mg
Total Carbohydrates	28 g
• Fiber	4 g
• Sugars	11 g
Protein	8 g

Variations for Galactic Peanut Butter Tart

If you want to take this recipe even further, there are several creative twists you can add to make this tart your own. Here are some variations that can change up the flavor profile and texture:

1. Add a Salted Caramel Drizzle

Adding a drizzle of salted caramel sauce over the top of the tart not only enhances the sweet and salty flavor combination but also adds a glossy finish. The rich, buttery caramel contrasts beautifully with the creamy peanut butter and chocolate ganache, taking this dessert to the next level.

• How to Make Salted Caramel Sauce: To make a quick salted caramel sauce at home, melt 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns amber. Carefully stir in 6 tbsp of butter and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Once combined, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt and stir to incorporate. Let it cool before drizzling it over your tart.

2. Switch Up the Crust

While the graham cracker crust is classic and delicious, you can easily swap it out with other bases to match your preferences:

• Oreo Crust: Crushed Oreos make a fantastic crust that adds a deeper chocolate flavor and a bit more texture.
• Nilla Wafer Crust: If you prefer a slightly lighter crust with a more vanilla-forward taste, crushed Nilla wafers make a great substitute.
• Peanut Butter Cookie Crust: For the ultimate peanut butter experience, you could also try using crushed peanut butter cookies to make the crust.

3. Try Different Nut Butters

If you want to experiment with different nutty flavors, peanut butter isn’t your only option. You can substitute the peanut butter with other nut butters to create a new variation:

• Almond Butter: A milder flavor with a slightly more earthy undertone, almond butter works well in this recipe if you want a lighter nut butter flavor.
• Cashew Butter: If you’re a fan of cashews, this butter has a buttery, smooth texture that complements the chocolate ganache perfectly.

4. Make It a No-Sugar-Added Tart

For a healthier version of the Galactic Peanut Butter Tart, swap the sugar for a natural sweetener such as stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol. This will help lower the sugar content while still delivering the same delicious flavor.

5. Add a Layer of Bananas

For an added touch of freshness and texture, try layering sliced bananas on top of the peanut butter filling before adding the chocolate ganache. The creamy peanut butter pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the bananas, and it adds a new element to the tart.

Tips for Making the Best Galactic Peanut Butter Tart

Even though this tart is easy to make, there are a few tips that can help ensure your tart turns out perfect every time:

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Make sure your cream cheese and peanut butter are at room temperature before you start making the filling. This will help them mix together smoothly, resulting in a creamy and lump-free filling.

2. Chill the Crust Well

The crust needs to be chilled before adding the filling to ensure it’s firm and sturdy. This will help prevent it from crumbling when you slice into the tart. Don’t skip this step—it’s essential for the tart’s structure.

3. Let the Ganache Cool Slightly

After making the ganache, let it cool slightly before pouring it over the peanut butter filling. If the ganache is too hot when poured, it could melt the peanut butter layer and ruin the tart’s structure. Allow it to cool for about 5-10 minutes before spreading it over the top.

4. Use a Removable Bottom Tart Pan

For the best presentation, use a tart pan with a removable bottom. This makes it much easier to lift the tart out of the pan without damaging the crust or filling.

5. Allow the Tart to Set Fully

Patience is key when it comes to setting the tart. Make sure to let it chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours (preferably overnight) to give the filling and ganache time to firm up. If you’re in a rush, you can place the tart in the freezer for 30 minutes to 1 hour, but the flavors benefit from a longer chill.

Common FAQs About Galactic Peanut Butter Tart

Can I make this tart ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! In fact, this tart is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it the day before and store it in the fridge overnight. The flavors will have time to meld together, and the tart will be perfectly set when you’re ready to serve it.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth peanut butter?

While smooth peanut butter gives the filling a creamy and velvety texture, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit of texture in your filling. Keep in mind that this will alter the consistency of the filling slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Can I freeze this tart?

Yes! You can freeze this tart for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. To serve, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before slicing.

How do I know when the ganache is the right consistency?

The ganache should be glossy and smooth. If it’s too thin, let it cool a little longer, and if it’s too thick, you can gently reheat it to loosen up the consistency. It should be thick enough to spread over the filling without running off but thin enough to form a smooth layer.

Can I make this tart gluten-free?

Yes! The graham cracker crust can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free graham crackers or a gluten-free cookie crust. There are plenty of pre-made gluten-free graham cracker options available at most grocery stores, or you can find gluten-free cookies to crush up for the base.

Can I add fruit to the tart?

Absolutely! If you want to add a fruity touch, try topping the tart with fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. The tartness of the fruit balances the sweetness of the peanut butter and chocolate, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.

Final Thoughts

The Galactic Peanut Butter Tart is a show-stopping dessert that combines the best of peanut butter and chocolate with a buttery, crunchy crust. It’s the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves these classic flavors and will surely be a hit at your next gathering. Whether you make it as is or add your own twist, this tart is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and sure to leave everyone asking for seconds. So go ahead, treat yourself and your guests to this irresistible dessert—you won’t regret it!