Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars

These irresistible no-bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars are sure to satisfy the sweet and salty fans in your life. They’re delicious year-round whether you need something scrumptious for the holidays or a warm weather handheld treat for picnics, game day or backyard gatherings.

Ingredients to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars Recipe

Sweet and salty flavor combos are always a hit in our household, so I’m constantly on the lookout for inspiration to create the next cookie bar favorite. Any no-bake treat that combines the rich taste of chocolate, the creamy goodness of peanut butter, and simple pantry staples is a no-brainer dessert. The flavor is irresistible, and the recipe is so easy that cooks of all skill levels can whip it up with success.. Ingredients you’ll need to make no-bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Peanut Butter – Two cups of creamy peanut butter binds the pretzel mixture together.
• Sugar – Two cups of powdered sugar for sweetness. (confectioners’ sugar)
• Butter – Salted or unsalted butter.
• Flavoring – Vanilla extract for creamy floral notes.
• Pretzels – Chopped pretzels. You can use any shape, finely chopped but not ground.
• Chocolate – One 12 ounce package semi sweet chocolate chips. You could also use milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips.
• Peanuts – Dry roasted peanuts for extra crunch.

How to Make the BEST Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars

• Prepare the Pan – Line a 9×9-inch pan with aluminum foil leaving enough overhang to form handles. This will help to easily remove the bars from the pan. Spray lightly with cooking spray.
• Make the First Layer – Beat beat together peanut butter, powdered sugar, butter and vanilla until smooth.
• Add the Pretzels – By hand mix in crushed pretzels, more powdered sugar and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir until fully moistened.
• Transfer to the Pan – Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
• Melt the Chocolate – Melt the remaining semi-sweet chocolate chips and peanut butter in 30-second intervals. Stir until completely smooth.
• Chocolate Layer – Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter pretzel layer and spread evenly.
• Garnish – Sprinkle the top with the remaining pretzels and chopped peanuts.
• Let Set – Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set. You could place the bars into the freezer to speed up the process.
• Slice and Serve – Use foil handles to lift the bars from the pan. Use a sharp knife to cut into squares and serve.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need to Make Pretzel Peanut Butter Bars

• 9×9-inch baking pan or an 8×8-inch pan.
• Heavy duty aluminum foil to line the pan for easy removal. You could also use parchment paper.
• Medium bowl and small microwave-safe bowl.
• Rubber spatula or spoon for stirring.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Nut chopper or knife and chopping board.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Double Batch: These bars could be made in a 13×9-inch pan only if you double the recipe or they will be very thin.
• Peanut Butter: You could adapt this recipe using other nut butters such as almond butter. You could also use chunky peanut butter or natural peanut butter. 
• Chocolate: You can use milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips or a combination of chocolate chips for the chocolate topping.
• Pretzels: To crush the pretzels, place them in a plastic bag and gently pound them with a rolling pin. Alternatively, you can chop them on a cutting board with a knife or pulse them a few times in a food processor. Aim for coarse crumbs—avoid grinding them too fine.
• Chill Thoroughly: It’s very important to give these bars time to set-up before you attempt to cut them. Allow ample time to chill them thoroughly and also store any leftovers chilled. I found that the bars hold together better and they’ll cut into prettier pieces as well.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers: Store leftover Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze these pretzel peanut butter bars for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and enjoy.

More No Bake Desserts to Make

• No Bake S’mores Bars made with Golden Grahams cereal.
• No Bake Banana Pudding Pie topped with whipped cream.
• No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars can be made with cornflakes or rice krispies.
• No bake Death by Chocolate Eclair Cake.
• Peanut Butter Mallow Bars are addictive.
• No Bake Peanut Butter Bars taste like homemade peanut butter cups.
• Vintage Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies a.k.a. Preacher Cookies.
• Strawberry Icebox Cake from the Cake Whiz.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Stand Mixer
• Cooling Racks
• Measuring Set
• 9×9-inch Pan