Start by mixing or blending the yogurt, protein powder, vanilla extract, and peanut butter until everything becomes completely smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no clumps of protein powder or streaks of peanut butter. If you're using cottage cheese instead of yogurt, blending helps remove any graininess and creates a silky base. The texture should look thick, soft, and spreadable.

Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan lined with parchment paper. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the top and press it evenly into the corners. Take a moment to make the surface as even as possible — this helps the final bars look neat when sliced.

In a small bowl, stir together peanut butter and your chosen sweetener until the mixture becomes glossy and slightly runnier. Spread this peanut layer evenly over the base mixture. Once it’s smooth, sprinkle crushed peanuts on top and lightly press them in with your fingertips so they stick and don’t fall off later.

Melt the chocolate in short intervals in the microwave, stirring between each round to avoid scorching. If you prefer a softer chocolate top, mix in a small amount of coconut oil before pouring. Once melted, carefully pour the chocolate over the peanut layer. Gently tilt or tap the pan to help the chocolate spread evenly and settle into a smooth layer.

Place the pan in the fridge and let everything chill until fully firm. This usually takes at least one hour, but leaving it longer makes slicing easier. Once set, lift the entire slab out using the parchment paper and place it on a cutting board. Slice into bars or squares, depending on the size you prefer. Store in the refrigerator to keep the bars firm, fresh, and ready to enjoy anytime.