This post may contain affiliate links, which means we’ll receive a commission if you purchase through our link, at no extra cost to you. See our disclosure here.
These no-bake chocolate peanut butter pretzel bars are so easy and quick to make.
Calling all peanut butter and chocolate lovers, this one is for YOU! The classic and irresistible pairing of chocolate and peanut butter combine to create a melt-in-your-mouth candy that you’ll absolutely love.
These no-bake dessert bars are made with a peanut butter base that’s sprinkled with crushed pretzels for a salty crunch. The bars are topped with a creamy chocolate-peanut butter layer and a toss of holiday sprinkles on top.
Keep reading for recipe details and tips to making the perfect bars.
Click here to see the complete holiday cookie box.
No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars
Ingredient Snapshot:
- Peanut Butter, Powdered Sugar, Butter & Graham Crackers: A combination of peanut butter, powdered sugar, butter and graham crackers create a melt-in-your-mouth layer.
- Pretzels: Crushed pretzels add the perfect crunch and saltiness to the sweet treat.
- Peanut Butter & Chocolate: More peanut butter and chocolate are melted and pours over the top of the peanut butter layer.
Direction Snapshot:
- Combine peanut butter, powdered sugar, butter and graham crackers to a stand mixing bowl or medium size mixing bowl.
- Mix in crushed pretzels into the peanut butter mixture.
- Pour the peanut butter mixture into a baking pan and press into an even layer.
- Melt the chocolate and peanut butter and pour it over the peanut butter mixture.
- Refrigerate until firm and solid. Cut in whichever shape you’d like and enjoy.
Other Topping Options:
Feel free to top your peanut butter pretzel bars with any topping you like. Here are some of the toppings we recommend:
- Pretzel pieces
- Holiday Sprinkles
- Chocolate Sprinkles
- A Swirl of Peanut Butter
- Crushed Peanuts
- Flaky Sea Salt
Dessert Q&A
What type of peanut butter should I use for this recipe?
For this recipe, you’ll want to use creamy peanut butter. We prefer the taste and texture of Target creamy peanut butter best. However you can choose Jiff peanut butter, Peterpan or any other creamy peanut butter.
Pro tip: Don’t use natural peanut butter with the excess oil. The consistency and flavor will not come out correctly.
What if I don’t have a food processor on hand?
Trust us, we know every way to getting around using a food processor. Ours has been broken for months and we’ve procrastinated getting another one.
If you’re like us and don’t have a food processor on hand to crush the graham cracker, no need to worry. Put your graham crackers in a gallon size ziplock, press all the air out and seal the bag. Using a rolling pin smash the graham crackers into as fine a dust as possible. It may take a few minutes (and a good arm workout), but you’ll get there.
What size pan do I need to use for the bars?
We found that using a 9 x 13 inch rimmed baking pan made the perfect ratio of peanut butter to chocolate layering.
However, if you don’t have this specific size pan, you can use a small pan — the layers will just be thicker.
How do I store the chocolate peanut butter bars?
Once the bars are set and cut, place them in an air-tight container and store in the fridge for 5-7 days (if they last that long —LOL).
Equipment You’ll Need for This Recipe:
9 x 13 Cake Pan
Food Processor
Stand Mixer
Sauce Pan
No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars
- Total Time: 15 minutes + 1-2 hours to chill
- Yield: 30 bars 1x
Description
A chocolate-peanut butter lovers dream dessert and the easiest holiday candy anyone could make.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Layer
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 2 cups graham crackers (approx. 1 1/2 sleeves), crushed to a fine dust
- 1 cup pretzels, crushed
Chocolate Layer
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
Instructions
- Line a 9 x 13 inch pan with parchment paper and set to the side.
- Add graham crackers to a food processor and blend until the crackers make a fine dust. *If you don’t have a food processor, put the graham crackers in a gallon size plastic bag, seal and crush with a rolling pin until the graham crackers are a fine dust.
- In a stand mixing bowl or medium mixing bowl, add peanut butter, powdered sugar, melted butter, and graham cracker dust. Mix until combined and the mixture comes together. Add the crushed pretzels to the peanut butter mixture and mix in.
- Transfer the peanut butter mixture to the prepared baking pan. Spread and press the peanut butter layering into an even layer.
- In a small sauce pan, melt peanut butter and chocolate chips. Pour the chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread into an even layer over the top.
- Top with holiday sprinkles or your topping of choice (see more recommended toppings above). Place the bars in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours. Slice into rectangles, squares or triangles and serve!
- Chill Time: 1-2 hours
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
