Description
Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars are a delightful no-bake treat combining salty crunchy pretzels with creamy peanut butter and a luscious chocolate topping. Perfect for dessert or snack time, these bars offer a delicious balance of sweet and salty flavors with a rich, smooth texture that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Base and Topping
- 16 ounces mini pretzel twists
- 1 1/2 cups butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Chocolate Topping
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Prepare Pretzels: Set aside 2 cups of mini pretzel twists for the topping. Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure the foil extends over the edges for easy removal of the bars later.
- Crush Pretzels: Place the remaining pretzels into a food processor and pulse until they are finely ground into crumbs.
- Mix Base: In a large bowl, combine the pretzel crumbs with melted butter, creamy peanut butter, and powdered sugar. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and sticky. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking dish using your hands or the back of a spoon.
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until the chocolate and butter have melted together into a smooth, glossy mixture.
- Assemble Bars: Spread the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the pretzel crust. Break up the 2 cups of reserved pretzels into smaller pieces and sprinkle them generously over the chocolate layer. Gently press the pretzel pieces into the chocolate to help them stick.
- Chill and Set: Cover the dish and refrigerate for about 1 hour or until the chocolate topping is completely set. Once firm, lift the bars out by the foil edges and cut into 12 even bars to serve.
Notes
- Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture, but natural peanut butter can be used if you prefer.
- Press the base mixture firmly into the pan to ensure the bars hold together well.
- For easier cutting, warm the knife slightly or dip it in hot water and dry before slicing.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
