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No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars - featured image

No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars

  • Author: Karina
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings 1x

Description

These easy, no-bake bars feature a crunchy salty pretzel base, a rich creamy peanut butter layer, and a smooth semi-sweet chocolate topping. They are sturdy enough to travel and perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340g) pretzel butterflies or thin pretzel rods
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) butter
  • 12 ounces (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • Sea salt flakes (optional)
  • Extra pretzel pieces (optional)

Instructions

  1. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, creating an ‘X’ shape for handles.
  2. Crush pretzels into coarse crumbs (about the size of rice grains mixed with small pebbles). Measure out 2 cups.
  3. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine crushed pretzels, 1/2 cup melted butter, and 1/2 cup sugar. Mix until coated like wet sand.
  4. Press the pretzel mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes.
  5. In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup creamy peanut butter with 2 tablespoons melted butter until smooth and spreadable.
  6. Remove the pan from the fridge and spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the chilled pretzel base.
  7. Melt the 12 ounces of chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
  8. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly to the edges.
  9. Optional: Sprinkle with sea salt flakes or press extra pretzel pieces into the chocolate.
  10. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until the chocolate is completely set.
  11. Lift the slab out of the pan using parchment handles and cut into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife.

Notes

Press the pretzel base down tightly to ensure the bars hold together. Use creamy peanut butter, not natural, to avoid a greasy texture. For clean cuts, dip the knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 18
  • Sodium: 220
  • Fat: 18
  • Saturated Fat: 8
  • Carbohydrates: 28
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 6

Keywords: no-bake, peanut butter, pretzel bars, holiday dessert, easy dessert, salty sweet, make ahead

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Find it online: https://plateori.com/no-bake-peanut-butter-pretzel-bars-best-easy-holiday-recipe/