These no-bake treats deliver the ultimate sweet and salty combo—crunchy pretzels and creamy peanut butter layered under a thick blanket of rich chocolate. With just a few ingredients and zero oven time, these bars are perfect for parties, gifting, or whenever you’re craving something indulgent and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and salty perfection
- No baking required
- Only a handful of ingredients
- Ideal for parties and potlucks
- Great for gifting during holidays
- Kid-friendly and fun to make
- Satisfyingly crunchy and creamy
- Can be made ahead of time
- Freezer-friendly
- Crowd-pleasing for all ages
Ingredients
- 5 cups mini pretzel twists (3 cups crushed), plus 24 whole pretzels for topping
- 2¼ cups creamy peanut butter, divided
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions
- Crush 5 cups of mini pretzel twists using a rolling pin or food processor to yield about 3 cups of fine crumbs.
- In a large bowl, mix the crushed pretzels with 2 cups of peanut butter, powdered sugar, and melted butter until fully combined.
- Press the mixture into a parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing into an even layer.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with the remaining ¼ cup of peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the pretzel-peanut butter base.
- Gently press 24 whole pretzels into the top of the chocolate layer in a 4×6 grid.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until the chocolate is firm.
- Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper, slice into 24 pieces, and serve.
Servings And Timing
Servings: 24 pieces
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: Approximately 280 kcal per piece
Variations
- Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor
- Add a layer of crushed toffee bits under the chocolate
- Swap almond butter or cashew butter in place of peanut butter
- Use white chocolate for a fun twist
- Sprinkle sea salt on top for extra contrast
- Add chopped peanuts for crunch
- Mix mini chocolate chips into the peanut butter layer
- Use gluten-free pretzels for a gluten-free version
- Add a caramel drizzle over the chocolate layer before chilling
- Decorate with festive sprinkles for holiday occasions
Storage/Reheating
Storage:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezing:
Freeze individual bars or the whole batch for up to 2 months. Separate layers with parchment to prevent sticking.
Reheating:
No reheating needed—these bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they store well in the fridge or freezer, making them perfect for preparing in advance.
Do I have to use creamy peanut butter?
Creamy peanut butter works best for smooth texture, but you can use crunchy for extra bite.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, just make sure it’s well-stirred and not too oily for better consistency.
Is there a way to make these less sweet?
You can reduce the powdered sugar slightly, but the bars may be softer.
Can I skip the whole pretzels on top?
Yes, the topping is decorative and optional, but it adds a nice crunch and presentation.
What kind of chocolate works best?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips are ideal, but you can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter version.
Can I use a different type of pan?
A square 9×9-inch pan will make thicker bars, while a 9×13-inch pan keeps them thinner and easier to slice.
How do I crush the pretzels evenly?
A food processor works best, but a zip-top bag and rolling pin also get the job done.
Do these bars hold up at room temperature?
Yes, for a few hours. For longer storage, keep them chilled so they don’t soften too much.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Absolutely! It’s a no-bake, mix-and-layer recipe that’s perfect for little hands to help with.
Conclusion
Decadent Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars are the ultimate no-bake treat for peanut butter lovers and chocolate fans alike. With their crunchy base, creamy filling, and rich chocolate topping, they’re guaranteed to impress at any gathering or simply satisfy your sweet tooth at home. Quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious, this is one dessert you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Decadent Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Decadent no-bake chocolate peanut butter pretzel treats with sweet, salty crunch—perfect for parties, festive holiday gifts, or snacking.
Ingredients
5 cups mini pretzel twists (3 cups crushed), plus 24 whole pretzels for topping
2¼ cups creamy peanut butter, divided
2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup butter, melted
1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Crush 5 cups of mini pretzels to make 3 cups of fine crumbs.
Mix crushed pretzels, 2 cups peanut butter, powdered sugar, and melted butter in a large bowl until well combined.
Press mixture into a parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking dish in an even layer.
Melt chocolate chips and remaining ¼ cup peanut butter in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
Spread the chocolate mixture evenly over the pretzel base.
Arrange 24 whole pretzels on top in a 4×6 grid.
Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, or until chocolate is set.
Lift from pan using parchment, slice into 24 pieces, and serve.
Notes
Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week in an airtight container. For variation, try using almond butter or white chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes + Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American