Decadent Peanut Butter Chocolate Pretzel Bars
Indulge in the irresistible combination of sweet and salty with these Decadent Peanut Butter Chocolate Pretzel Bars. The creamy peanut butter base, combined with rich chocolate and crunchy pretzels, creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing. This recipe is incredibly simple, yet it delivers a luxurious treat that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, satisfying a sweet craving, or looking for a unique homemade gift, these bars are guaranteed to impress. Don't be surprised if you find yourself reaching for seconds—it's ideal to double the batch!
30
Servings
150
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Creamy Peanut Butter
1 cup (divided)
Butter
1/2 cup (softened)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (none)
Confectioners' Sugar
3/4 cup (none)
Brown Sugar
1/4 cup (none)
Small Pretzels
2 cups (crushed, divided)
Chocolate Chips
1 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by lining an 8x8 or 9x9 inch baking dish with aluminum foil, leaving a bit of an overhang for easy removal later. Spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray to ensure your bars come out easily.
2
In a stand mixer bowl or using a hand mixer, combine 3/4 cup of creamy peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
3
Gradually add in the confectioners' sugar and brown sugar. Beat the mixture until all the sugars are well incorporated and the batter is fluffy.
4
Fold in 1 1/2 cups of the crushed pretzels, mixing gently until evenly distributed throughout the peanut butter mixture.
5
Press the peanut butter mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
6
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup of peanut butter with the chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
7
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer in the baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
8
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of crushed pretzels over the chocolate, pressing them down gently to adhere.
9
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until firm before slicing into bars.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
15g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Peanut Butter Chocolate Pretzel Bars?
They are a sweet and salty no-bake treat featuring a creamy peanut butter base, rich chocolate topping, and crunchy pretzels.
Is this a no-bake recipe?
Yes, these bars are entirely no-bake and only require refrigeration to set.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 30 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each bar contains approximately 150 calories.
How much fat is in one bar?
There are 9 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per bar?
Each serving contains 15 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in each bar?
Each bar provides 2 grams of protein.
How much peanut butter is required in total?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, which is divided between the base and the topping.
How is the peanut butter divided in the recipe?
3/4 cup of peanut butter is used for the base layer, and the remaining 1/4 cup is mixed into the chocolate topping.
What type of butter should I use?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of softened butter.
How much vanilla extract is needed?
You will need 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
What types of sugar are used in the base?
The recipe uses both confectioners' sugar and brown sugar.
How much confectioners' sugar is required?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of confectioners' sugar.
How much brown sugar is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of brown sugar.
What kind of pretzels are used?
The recipe uses 2 cups of small pretzels, which should be crushed and divided.
How are the crushed pretzels divided?
1.5 cups of crushed pretzels are folded into the peanut butter base, and 0.5 cups are sprinkled on top.
What type of chocolate is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 1 cup of chocolate chips for the top layer.
What size baking dish is recommended?
You can use either an 8x8 or 9x9 inch baking dish.
How should the baking dish be prepared?
Line the dish with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang, and spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
How do I mix the peanut butter base?
Combine peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla in a mixer and beat for 2-3 minutes until smooth, then add sugars and pretzels.
How should the chocolate topping be melted?
Microwave the chocolate chips and peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
How do I assemble the bars?
Press the peanut butter mixture into the pan, pour the melted chocolate over it, and sprinkle with remaining pretzels.
How long do the bars need to refrigerate?
The bars must be refrigerated for at least 3 hours or until firm before slicing.
What is the easiest way to remove the bars from the pan?
Use the aluminum foil overhang to lift the entire block of bars out of the dish before slicing.
Is this recipe suitable for gifts?
Yes, these decadent bars make a unique and impressive homemade gift.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, doubling the batch is recommended if you are serving a larger group or want extra treats.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: peanut butter, butter, vanilla, two types of sugar, pretzels, and chocolate chips.
What is the texture of these bars?
The bars have a creamy peanut butter layer combined with crunchy pretzel bits and a smooth chocolate finish.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
The recipe specifies creamy peanut butter; natural varieties may change the texture unless thoroughly stirred and processed.
Are these bars good for parties?
Yes, they are an ideal party snack due to their high yield and popular sweet and salty flavor profile.