Get ready to experience a mind-blowing dessert that will make your taste buds dance with joy! These Peanut Butter Chocolate Pretzel Bars are the ultimate combination of sweet, salty, and utterly irresistible. Imagine a crunchy pretzel base, rich chocolate, and creamy peanut butter all coming together in one incredible treat that takes just 35 minutes to create. Whether you're a dessert enthusiast or just looking for a quick and delicious snack, these bars are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup pretzel crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
Instructions
- Prepare your baking pan by lining an 8x8 inch square baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- In a food processor, pulse the pretzels until they become fine crumbs. If you don't have a food processor, place pretzels in a sealed plastic bag and crush them using a rolling pin.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine pretzel crumbs, unsweetened cocoa powder, and mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, warm the peanut butter and honey together for about 30-45 seconds, stirring until smooth and fully combined.
- Pour the warm peanut butter and honey mixture into the pretzel-cocoa crumb mixture, stirring until a consistent dough forms.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing firmly and evenly with the back of a spatula or your hands to create a compact base layer.
- Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval to prevent burning.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate evenly over the pretzel base, then sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for added texture.
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate is fully set and the bars are firm.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and cut into 12 even squares using a sharp knife.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best texture, let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Tips
- Crumb Consistency is Key: When making pretzel crumbs, aim for a fine, even texture. A food processor works best, but a rolling pin and sealed bag can work just as well.
- Temperature Matters: Warm the peanut butter and honey gently to ensure smooth mixing. Avoid overheating to maintain the perfect consistency.
- Pressing Technique: When pressing the base into the pan, use firm, even pressure to create a compact layer that holds together well.
- Chocolate Melting Hack: Melt chocolate in short intervals and stir between each to prevent burning. If you have a double boiler, that works even better!
- Chilling is Crucial: Allow the bars to set completely in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This helps them firm up and makes cutting easier.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the bars sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance the flavors.
- Storage Tip: These bars keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days - if they last that long!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
