Who knew that a craving for something sweet and salty could lead to such an irresistible treat? Imagine sitting on your porch, the summer breeze carrying the scent of blooming flowers, while you indulge in these no-bake peanut butter pretzel bars—pure bliss. They’re like a hug from your taste buds, effortlessly combining crunchy pretzels with creamy peanut butter.
Steps
- Crush graham crackers into a fine crumb using a food processor to get about 1 cup of crumbs. This should take approximately 8 sheets of graham crackers.
- In a bowl, combine 1 cup of peanut butter with ½ cup of butter. Microwave the mixture for 30 seconds, stirring between intervals until the two are melted and well combined.
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs and 1 cup of powdered sugar into the peanut butter and butter mixture. Stir until it forms a smooth, even consistency.
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring some overhangs on the sides for easy removal. Evenly press the peanut butter mixture into the bottom of the lined dish.
- Melt 1.5 cups of chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of peanut butter in a bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until smooth and fully melted.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer in the baking dish. Spread it out smoothly and press mini pretzels into the chocolate in even rows.
- Refrigerate the bars for at least two hours, or until they are completely set. Once firm, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out and cut them into squares between the pretzels.
- Store the peanut butter bars in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage. They thaw quickly at room temperature, ready for whenever you need a treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (approximately 8 graham cracker sheets)
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1.5 cups chocolate chips
- 25 mini pretzels
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1879.4kcal | Carbohydrates: 173g | Protein: 38.2g | Fat: 129.4g | Sodium: 1089.1mg | Fiber: 14.1g
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of nut butter instead of peanut butter?
- Absolutely! You can substitute peanut butter with other nut butters like almond or cashew. Just ensure the nut butter is firm when cold and soft at room temperature. It should also contain a bit of salt and be well-stirred to prevent the bars from becoming oily and not setting properly.
- What type of chocolate should I use for this recipe?
- The recipe is flexible regarding the chocolate choice. While semi-sweet chocolate chips are recommended, you can experiment with dark chocolate or flavored chocolate chips to suit your taste.
- How should I store the pretzel peanut butter bars?
- These bars should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week to prevent them from melting. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer bag for up to three months. To enjoy, allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- Is it necessary to use a food processor for the graham cracker crumbs?
- Using a food processor is the most efficient way to achieve a fine, even crumb, which is important for the texture of the bars. However, you can also crush whole graham crackers manually if you don’t have a food processor.
- Why do most recipes advise against using natural-style peanut butter?
- Many recipes suggest avoiding natural-style peanut butter due to its oil separation, which can affect the setting of the bars. However, this recipe successfully uses natural-style peanut butter, provided it is well-stirred to ensure even consistency.
Tips
- Use a food processor to transform whole graham crackers into a fine crumb, which is more cost-effective than buying pre-made crumbs.
- When melting peanut butter and butter, microwave in short intervals to avoid overheating, ensuring a smooth and manageable mixture.
- Ensure the nut butter you choose is firm when refrigerated and well-stirred to prevent the bars from becoming oily and not setting properly.
- For long-term storage, freeze the bars in an air-tight container or freezer bag for up to three months, and thaw at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.
Equipment
- Food Processor – Used to blitz graham crackers into fine crumbs.
- 8×8-inch Baking Dish – Necessary for forming the bars in the correct size and shape.
- Parchment Paper – Used to line the baking dish for easy removal of the bars.
