Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars
These Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars are the perfect combination of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy. A rich peanut butter base packed with crushed pretzels is topped with a smooth layer of semi-sweet chocolate, then finished with crushed peanuts and whole pretzels for an extra satisfying crunch.
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups
- Spoon or spatula for spreading
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Refrigerator
- Airtight storage container
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Base
- 1½ cups creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1½ cups finely crushed pretzels reserving some intact pretzels for topping
Chocolate Topping
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup crushed peanuts salted or unsalted
- Reserved whole pretzels for topping
Instructions
- Line a baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the creamy peanut butter, melted butter, and brown sugar. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and pourable.
- Add the finely crushed pretzels and stir until evenly incorporated into the peanut butter mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Press and spread it evenly across the bottom to create a smooth, compact layer.
- Clean the saucepan, then add the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Melt over low heat, stirring continuously until completely melted and smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter pretzel base, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Sprinkle the crushed peanuts over the melted chocolate, then arrange the reserved whole pretzels on top for extra crunch.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate and peanut butter layers are completely firm.
- Once fully set, remove the bars from the baking dish and cut into 12 bars before serving.
Notes
Peanut butter: Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest base and best consistency.
Pretzels: Crush the pretzels into small pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the base while maintaining their crunchy texture.
Heating: Keep the saucepan over low heat and stir continuously to prevent the peanut butter mixture or chocolate from scorching.
Toppings: Add the crushed peanuts and whole pretzels while the chocolate is still melted so they adhere properly.
Chilling: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until both layers are completely firm before slicing.
Storage: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.