Description
A perfect balance of sweet and salty, these no-bake peanut butter pretzel bars feature a creamy peanut butter base studded with crunchy pretzels and topped with a smooth chocolate layer. Quick to make with pantry staples, they’re an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240g) creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup (115g) graham cracker crumbs
- 2 cups (250g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup (115g) melted unsalted butter
- 2 cups (100g) crushed pretzels
- 2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons (30g) peanut butter (for chocolate layer)
- Extra crushed pretzels for garnish
Instructions
- Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Place pretzels in a zip-top bag and crush using a rolling pin until you have small, bite-sized pieces. Avoid turning them into powder—you want some texture!
- In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
- Gently fold in the crushed pretzels, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press it down firmly using a spatula or the back of a spoon. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of peanut butter in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled base, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle a handful of crushed pretzels on top for garnish.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the chocolate is set.
- Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang, slice into squares, and enjoy!
Notes
Don’t skip chilling between steps—it ensures clean layers and a firm texture. For a more intense peanut butter flavor, use roasted peanut butter. If your chocolate topping cracks when slicing, let the bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting. Run your knife under hot water before slicing to get cleaner cuts. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: peanut butter, pretzel, bars, no-bake, dessert, chocolate, sweet and salty