Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe delightful aroma of chocolate fills the air as Halloween approaches, and I can’t help but get excited about my go-to treat: Hats and Bats Chocolate-Peanut Butter Tarts! These little wonders are not only a showstopper with their spooktacular designs, but they’re also a breeze to whip up, making them the perfect treat for parties or cozy gatherings. The creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate come together in a flaky crust that’s sure to impress your guests, all while delivering that nostalgic comfort we crave this time of year. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or someone simply looking to trade fast food for something homemade, these tarts are the sweet solution that will have everyone coming back for more. Are you ready to elevate your Halloween dessert game? Let’s dive in! Why Are These Tarts a Must-Try? Festive Fun: These Hats and Bats Chocolate-Peanut Butter Tarts bring a creative twist to Halloween gatherings, not just in taste but in design too! Quick to Make: With a straightforward recipe, you’ll have these delightful treats ready in no time, making them a perfect choice for busy home chefs. Decadent Layers: Enjoy the scrumptious combination of a flaky, chocolate-infused crust complemented by a creamy peanut butter filling—it’s a flavor explosion! Perfect for Sharing: Impress your family and friends with these eye-catching treats, ideal for parties or simple get-togethers. Customizable Touch: Feel free to swap ingredients or get playful with decorations, just like with my Bacon Cabbage Potato for an alternative yet delicious touch! These tarts are not just dessert; they create an experience! Hats and Bats Chocolate-Peanut Butter Tarts Ingredients • Get ready to create these deliciously spooky treats! For the Tart Crust All-Purpose Flour – Creates structure in the tart crust; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Enhances the chocolate flavor; can be replaced with carob powder for a unique twist. Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the crust; coconut sugar is a lower glycemic alternative. Kosher Salt – Balances sweetness and improves flavor; sea salt can be used instead. Cold Unsalted Butter – Provides flakiness and richness; swap with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. For the Filling Smooth Peanut Butter – Adds creaminess and a rich peanut flavor; almond butter offers a different nutty taste. Cold Cream Cheese – Enhances the creaminess and helps the filling set; try vegan cream cheese as a substitute. Confectioners’ Sugar – Sweetens and gives a smooth texture; granulated sugar can work, but may change consistency. Mini Chocolate Chips – Adds delightful chocolate flavor; dark chocolate chips provide a richer option. For Decoration Store-bought White Frosting – For easy decorating; homemade frosting can add a personal touch. White Sanding Sugar – Acts as a decorative element; any edible sparkling sugar can serve as a substitute. These Hats and Bats Chocolate-Peanut Butter Tarts are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes—get ready to impress! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Hats and Bats Chocolate-Peanut Butter Tarts Step 1: Prepare the Tart Crust In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt until well combined. Cut in ½ cup of cold unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This flaky mixture is the perfect base for your Hats and Bats Chocolate-Peanut Butter Tarts. Step 2: Chill and Roll Dough Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling allows the butter to firm up, ensuring a tender crust. Once chilled, lightly flour a surface, roll the dough out to about ¼-inch thickness, and use a cookie cutter or knife to cut out shapes that will fit your tart pans. Step 3: Bake Tart Shells Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the rolled-out dough into tart pans, pressing it gently into the sides and bottoms. Prick the bottoms with a fork to prevent air bubbles from forming. Bake the tart shells in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they look set. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely while you prepare the filling. Step 4: Prepare the Filling In a large mixing bowl, beat together 8 ounces of cold cream cheese and 1 cup of smooth peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add in 1 ½ cups of confectioners’ sugar and continue mixing until fully combined. Finally, fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips gently, making sure not to overmix to keep the filling light and fluffy. Step 5: Fill Tarts Once the tart shells are completely cooled, spoon the creamy peanut butter filling into each shell, leveling the surface with a spatula. Cover the tarts and refrigerate them for about 2 hours or until the filling is set. This step ensures that your Hats and Bats Chocolate-Peanut Butter Tarts hold their delightful shape when served. Step 6: Decorate After the filling has set, remove the tarts from the refrigerator. Top each one with store-bought white frosting, using a spatula or piping bag for a decorative touch. Sprinkle with white sanding sugar to add a spooky sparkle, enhancing the festive look of your Hats and Bats Chocolate-Peanut Butter Tarts before you present them to your eager guests. Make Ahead Options These Hats and Bats Chocolate-Peanut Butter Tarts are a fantastic option for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the tart crust and filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply make the tart shells and let them cool completely, then refrigerate them wrapped tightly. For the filling, mix together the cream cheese and peanut butter, folding in the mini chocolate chips, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply fill the chilled tart shells, top with frosting, and decorate with sanding sugar. This way, you can enjoy delightful, homemade tarts with minimal effort right before your Halloween gathering! Expert Tips for Hats and Bats Chocolate-Peanut Butter Tarts Cold Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are very cold for a flaky texture and a creamy filling. Don’t Overmix: When combining the filling, mix just until combined to keep it light. Overmixing may result in a denser filling. Chill Well: Allow your tarts to chill in the fridge until the filling is set. This helps them maintain their shape when being served. Customize Toppings: Get creative with decorations—try different colors of frosting or themed sprinkles to enhance the Halloween theme. Storage Tips: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and enjoy them within a week for optimal freshness. These expert tips will help you serve up the best Hats and Bats Chocolate-Peanut Butter Tarts ever! What to Serve with Hats and Bats Chocolate-Peanut Butter Tarts? The sweet indulgence of Halloween should be accompanied by delightful companions, creating a feast that tantalizes both the eyes and taste buds. Spicy Pumpkin Soup: This creamy soup warms the soul and pairs beautifully with the rich tarts, providing a cozy autumnal starter. Crisp Apple Salad: Freshness from apples, paired with nuts and greens, adds a crunchy contrast that complements the tarts’ creamy texture. Halloween-Themed Mocktails: Serve fruity drinks decorated with spooky garnishes to lift spirits and keep the celebration festive and fun. When hosting, consider serving the tarts alongside a charcuterie board loaded with savory bites and cheeses. The variety adds depth to the meal, inviting guests to mix and match flavors. Chocolate Stout Brownies: Enhance the chocolatey theme with rich, fudgy brownies that echo the flavors of your tarts, making for a heavenly dessert table. Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: A dollop or scoop enhances the tarts, adding a creamy texture that melds subtly with the peanut butter filling. Spiced Hot Chocolate: This warm drink offers comforting chocolate in every sip, perfect for crisp Halloween nights, and echoes the warmth of your tarts. Hats and Bats Chocolate-Peanut Butter Tarts Variations Get ready to put your creative spin on these delightful tarts with easy substitutions and fun variations! Nutty Delight: Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter to explore new flavors while keeping that rich creaminess intact. The choice of nut butter can transform the profile into something uniquely delicious! Decadent Dark: Use dark chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate experience. It’s perfect for chocolate lovers wanting an extra kick! Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to make these treats accessible for everyone. They’ll still taste amazing, ensuring all your guests can enjoy them! Coconut Twist: For a tropical flair, substitute cold butter with coconut oil. Not only does it make the recipe dairy-free, but it also adds a subtle coconut flavor that’s simply enchanting. Frosting Fun: Experiment with the frosting by choosing chocolate or caramel-flavored options. These will not only enhance the taste but also introduce distinctively delightful visuals! Creative Sprinkles: Add edible eyes, Halloween-themed sprinkles, or colorful edible glitter to amp up the festive spirit! This is a fun way to let your imagination run wild while creating a hauntingly beautiful presentation. Homemade Frosting: Create your own frosting using butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla for a personal touch. Alternatively, try flavored frosting to add an unexpected layer of taste. Caramel Drizzle: Broaden the flavor profile by drizzling some caramel sauce on top before serving. This adds a luxurious sweetness that complements the rich chocolate and creamy filling. Feel inspired? These little tweaks will elevate your Hats and Bats Chocolate-Peanut Butter Tarts from delicious to downright extraordinary! Storage Tips for Hats and Bats Chocolate-Peanut Butter Tarts Fridge: Store your Hats and Bats Chocolate-Peanut Butter Tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness and flavor. Make-Ahead: Feel free to prepare the tarts a day in advance, assembling everything and keeping them in the fridge until ready to serve—perfect for busy party planning! Freezer: If you want to keep them longer, these tarts can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap each tart individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. Reheating: For the best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. It’s not recommended to heat these tarts, as they are best enjoyed chilled! Hats and Bats Chocolate-Peanut Butter Tarts Recipe FAQs How do I select the best ingredients for my tarts? When choosing ingredients, opt for fresh, organic items for the best flavor. For the smooth peanut butter, check the label for minimal added sugars and oils. The cocoa powder should be rich and dark, which will enhance the chocolate flavor of the crust. If using cream cheese, ensure it’s cold for a perfectly creamy filling; always check expiration dates on dairy products for freshness. How should I store the Hats and Bats Chocolate-Peanut Butter Tarts? You can store your tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. This method keeps them fresh and prevents them from absorbing other odors. If you have unfilled tart shells left over, they too should be stored in a container and can last for about 3-4 days. Can I freeze Hats and Bats Chocolate-Peanut Butter Tarts? Absolutely! To freeze, wrap each tart individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out any excess air. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight—this helps maintain their texture. Avoid reheating, as these are best served chilled. What should I do if my tart crust is too crumbly? If your tart crust is crumbly, it might not have enough moisture. You can add a tiny bit of cold water, one teaspoon at a time, while gently mixing until the dough holds together. Remember not to overwork the dough as it can lead to a tougher crust. After adjusting, ensure it chills properly before rolling it out, which will help maintain flakiness. Are there any dietary considerations I need to be aware of? Yes! The Hats and Bats Chocolate-Peanut Butter Tarts contain nuts (peanut butter) and dairy (cream cheese), so check for allergies before serving. You can easily make substitutions for dietary restrictions—try almond butter instead of peanut butter and vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free option. Always communicate these changes to guests, especially if they have known allergies. How can I make these tarts more festive for Halloween? To amp up the Halloween spirit, consider adding edible decorations like spooky sprinkles or candy eyes atop the frosting. You can also dye the white frosting with food coloring to achieve vibrant, festive hues. Using Halloween-themed cookie cutters for the tart shapes can give them an extra fun flair, making them even more appealing for your spooky celebrations. Hats and Bats Chocolate-Peanut Butter Tarts: A Spooky Delight Hats and Bats Chocolate-Peanut Butter Tarts are a delightful Halloween treat with creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate in a flaky crust. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 12 minutes minsChilling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 12 minutes mins Servings: 12 tartsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Tart Crust1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder can be replaced with carob powder for a unique twist¼ cup granulated sugar coconut sugar is a lower glycemic alternative½ teaspoon kosher salt sea salt can be used instead½ cup cold unsalted butter swap with coconut oil for a dairy-free optionFor the Filling1 cup smooth peanut butter almond butter offers a different nutty taste8 ounces cold cream cheese try vegan cream cheese as a substitute1 ½ cups confectioners' sugar granulated sugar can work, but may change consistency½ cup mini chocolate chips dark chocolate chips provide a richer optionFor Decoration1 cup store-bought white frosting homemade frosting can add a personal touch¼ cup white sanding sugar any edible sparkling sugar can serve as a substitute Equipment Mixing BowlPastry Cuttercookie cuttertart pansSpatularefrigeratorOven Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt until well combined. Cut in ½ cup of cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolled-out dough into tart pans, pressing it gently into the sides and bottoms. Prick the bottoms with a fork to prevent air bubbles. Bake for 10-12 minutes.In a large bowl, beat together 8 ounces of cold cream cheese and 1 cup of smooth peanut butter until smooth. Gradually add 1 ½ cups of confectioners' sugar and mix until fully combined. Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips.Spoon the peanut butter filling into each cooled tart shell, leveling the surface with a spatula. Cover and refrigerate for about 2 hours.Once set, top each tart with white frosting and sprinkle with white sanding sugar. Nutrition Serving: 1tartCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure your butter and cream cheese are very cold for optimal texture. Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
