Crunchy Pretzel Delight Bars
Indulge in these Crunchy Pretzel Delight Bars, a delightful twist on traditional no-bake cereal bars. With a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, these bars are made effortlessly in the microwave, requiring minimal cleanup and effort. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch from the pretzel sticks, complemented by the sweetness of peanut butter and an explosion of chocolate from the M&M's. Perfect for a quick snack or a crowd-pleasing treat, these bars are sure to become a family favorite. Best of all, they set quickly, making them an ideal recipe when you're short on time but still want a sweet homemade treat.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
sugar
1 cup
light corn syrup
1 cup
peanut butter
1/2 cup
crisp rice cereal
5 cups
pretzel sticks
2 cups
plain M&M's
1 cup (plain chocolate candy)
Instructions
1
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of light corn syrup.
2
Microwave the mixture on high for about 3 minutes, or until the sugar is fully dissolved. You may want to check and stir halfway through for even melting.
3
Once dissolved, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and stir in 1/2 cup of Peanut Butter until fully combined and smooth.
4
Next, add in 5 cups of crisp rice cereal, 2 cups of pretzel sticks, and 1 cup of plain M&M's. Gently stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well coated with the peanut butter mixture.
5
Prepare a greased 15x10 inch pan by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter.
6
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and use a spatula or your hands (dusted with cooking spray) to press it down evenly. Ensure it's packed tightly for better hold.
7
Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before cutting them into squares or rectangles. Store in an airtight container for freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crunchy Pretzel Delight Bars?
They are a delightful twist on traditional no-bake cereal bars featuring a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors with pretzels and M&Ms.
How do I make these bars without an oven?
This is a microwave recipe that requires no baking; you simply heat the sugar and syrup mixture in a microwave-safe bowl.
What are the main ingredients for these bars?
The main ingredients include sugar, light corn syrup, peanut butter, crisp rice cereal, pretzel sticks, and plain M&Ms.
How long should I microwave the sugar and syrup mixture?
Microwave the mixture on high for about 3 minutes or until the sugar is fully dissolved, stirring halfway through.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Yes, you can use either creamy or crunchy peanut butter depending on your preference for extra texture.
What size pan is needed for this recipe?
A greased 15x10 inch pan is recommended for these bars.
Are these bars sweet or salty?
These bars offer a perfect balance of both sweet and salty flavors thanks to the combination of sugar, chocolate, and pretzels.
Can I use a different type of cereal?
While crisp rice cereal is recommended for its crunch, you could experiment with other puffed cereals if desired.
How do I keep the mixture from sticking to my hands when pressing it into the pan?
You can dust your hands with cooking spray or use a greased spatula to press the mixture down evenly.
Do I need to grease the pan?
Yes, lightly grease the pan with cooking spray or butter to ensure the bars are easy to remove.
How should I store the Crunchy Pretzel Delight Bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness and crunch.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, you can add chopped nuts like peanuts or pecans for additional crunch and flavor.
Is this a kid-friendly recipe?
Absolutely, these bars are a family favorite and very easy for kids to help prepare since they are no-bake.
Can I substitute the light corn syrup?
Light corn syrup is used for texture and sweetness; while honey or maple syrup might work, they will change the flavor profile and consistency.
How many cups of pretzel sticks are required?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of pretzel sticks.
Can I use chocolate chips instead of M&Ms?
Yes, chocolate chips or other candy coatings can be used as a substitute for plain M&Ms.
How long do the bars need to cool?
Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before cutting them into squares.
Can I freeze these bars for later?
Yes, you can freeze them in an airtight container, though the texture of the pretzels may soften slightly upon thawing.
What type of pretzels work best?
Pretzel sticks are recommended as they mix easily with the cereal and provide a consistent crunch.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is only gluten-free if you ensure your crisp rice cereal and pretzel sticks are certified gluten-free.
How many M&Ms should I add?
You should add 1 cup of plain M&Ms to the mixture.
What should I do if the sugar isn't fully dissolved after 3 minutes?
Continue to microwave in short 30-second intervals and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Can I make these on the stovetop?
Yes, you can melt the sugar and syrup in a large saucepan over medium heat instead of using the microwave.
How do I get a clean cut when slicing the bars?
Wait until the bars are completely set and use a sharp, slightly greased knife for the cleanest cuts.
Are these bars suitable for parties?
Yes, they are a crowd-pleasing treat and easy to transport, making them perfect for gatherings.
Can I use dark corn syrup?
Yes, you can use dark corn syrup, which will result in a deeper, more molasses-like flavor.
How much peanut butter is in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of peanut butter.
What kind of M&Ms are best?
The recipe specifies plain chocolate M&Ms, but peanut or mini M&Ms would also work well.
How many cups of cereal are used?
You will need 5 cups of crisp rice cereal.
How do I ensure the bars hold together well?
Make sure to pack the mixture tightly into the pan using a spatula or your hands to ensure they hold their shape.