Description
These Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Butter Squares are a perfect blend of salty and sweet, combining creamy peanut butter, crunchy pretzels, and rich semi-sweet chocolate. Ideal for parties or as a delightful snack, they’re easy to make with no baking required, offering a smooth peanut butter base topped with a luscious chocolate layer and a crunchy pretzel garnish.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Mixture
- 2 cups (approx. 480 ml) creamy peanut butter, smooth
- ¾ cup (170 g) salted butter, softened
- 2 cups (250 g) powdered sugar, finely sifted
- 4 cups (approx. 120 g) broken mini pretzels, crunchy
- 2 cups (340 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare Your Pan: Line a 13×9 inch baking pan with non-stick heavy-duty foil, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal later. Lightly grease the foil to prevent sticking. Alternatively, parchment paper can be used.
- Beat the Mixture: In a large bowl, beat together 1¼ cups (300 ml) of the creamy peanut butter and the softened salted butter until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add 1 cup (125 g) of powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture, beating until fully incorporated. Then stir in the remaining 1 cup (125 g) of powdered sugar by hand for thorough mixing.
- Fold in Pretzels and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in 3 cups (90 g) of broken pretzel bits and ½ cup (85 g) of semi-sweet chocolate chips until everything is evenly coated.
- Spread Mixture in Pan: Press and evenly spread the peanut butter and pretzel mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing out the surface level.
- Melt Chocolate Mixture: On the lowest heat setting of a heavy pan, combine the remaining 1½ cups (255 g) of semi-sweet chocolate chips and ¾ cup (180 ml) peanut butter. Stir constantly until fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat immediately to avoid burning.
- Spread Chocolate Layer: Pour and evenly spread the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the peanut butter layer in the pan, creating a smooth, even finish.
- Press Pretzels on Top: Sprinkle the last 1 cup (30 g) of broken pretzel bits evenly over the chocolate layer and lightly press them in to adhere.
- Chill to Firm: Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the squares are very firm for clean slicing and ideal texture.
- Cut into Squares: Use the foil overhang to lift the dessert from the pan. Cut the slab in half to make handling easier, refrigerate half while slicing the other. Use a sharp bread knife and a ruler for uniform, small square pieces.
Notes
- Be sure to use smooth, creamy peanut butter for the best texture; natural peanut butters tend to separate and can affect firmness.
- Softening the butter at room temperature ensures easy mixing and a smooth peanut butter base.
- Press pretzels lightly into the chocolate layer so they stick well but retain some crunch.
- Chilling time can be extended up to overnight for even firmer bars.
- Use a sharp knife cleaned between cuts to achieve neat square pieces without crumbling.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate depending on your preference.