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Best Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars Recipe

no-bake peanut butter pretzel bars - featured image

These no-bake peanut butter pretzel bars feature a crunchy pretzel crust, a creamy peanut butter filling, and a glossy chocolate topping. They’re the perfect sweet-and-salty treat that comes together in minutes without turning on the oven.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups crushed pretzels (about 6 ounces)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter (e.g., Skippy or Jif)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegetable shortening
  • Flaky sea salt (optional, for garnish)
  • Extra crushed pretzels (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two opposite sides.
  2. Crush pretzels into a mix of fine crumbs and small pea-sized pieces. Measure 2 cups.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and brown sugar. Stir until coated. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan using a measuring cup. Refrigerate while making the filling.
  4. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and peanut butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute.
  5. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix on low until combined, then beat on medium for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  6. Remove crust from fridge. Spoon peanut butter mixture over crust and spread evenly to the edges. Return to fridge for 30 minutes.
  7. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth (about 1.5-2 minutes total). Let cool for 2-3 minutes.
  8. Pour melted chocolate over chilled peanut butter layer. Tilt pan to spread evenly. If desired, sprinkle with flaky sea salt or extra crushed pretzels.
  9. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, until chocolate is completely set.
  10. Lift the block out using parchment handles. Cut into 16 squares with a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts.

Notes

Don’t skip the chilling steps. Use room temperature butter for the filling. Press the crust firmly. Let chocolate cool slightly before pouring. For clean cuts, use a warm knife and wipe between slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake, peanut butter, pretzel, chocolate, bars, easy dessert, sweet and salty