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To make these delicious Peanut Butter Chocolate Pretzel Bars, you will need some simple ingredients. Here’s what you'll need: - 1 cup crushed pretzels - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup chocolate chips - 1/4 teaspoon salt - Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts Each ingredient plays a key role. The crushed pretzels add a salty crunch. Creamy peanut butter gives a rich flavor. Honey or maple syrup provides sweetness. Rolled oats add heartiness. The chocolate chips bring sweetness and creaminess. Salt balances all the flavors. If you want more crunch, add chopped nuts. Gather these items before you start. Having everything ready makes cooking fun and easy. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by lining an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave a little overhang on the sides. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later. Parchment paper keeps the bars from sticking to the pan. It also helps with easy cleanup. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of crushed pretzels, 1 cup of rolled oats, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir these together until they mix well. The pretzels add a nice crunch, while oats give a hearty feel. The salt brings out all the flavors. In another bowl, mix 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter with 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup. Stir until it becomes smooth. This step is key for a creamy texture. A smooth mix helps the dry ingredients blend nicely. Pour the peanut butter mix over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or your hands to combine everything. You want it to be well mixed. If you like, fold in 1/4 cup of chopped nuts for extra flavor. Nuts add a delightful crunch to each bite. Transfer the mixture into the lined baking dish. Press it firmly into an even layer. This helps the bars hold their shape. Next, melt 1/2 cup of chocolate chips in a small bowl. Use a microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between. Once melted, drizzle or spread the chocolate over the top. Finally, chill the dish in the refrigerator for one hour. This helps the chocolate set and makes the bars easy to cut. To achieve a compact bar, press the mixture firmly into the pan. Use your hands or a spatula to make it even. The more you press, the denser the final product will be. This helps the bars hold together well when you cut them. A well-compressed base gives the bars a nice bite. For a different flavor, consider swapping peanut butter with almond or cashew butter. You can also use sunbutter for a nut-free option. If you want a sweeter touch, maple syrup works just as well as honey. For nut-free variations, skip the nuts altogether and add more oats. This keeps the texture smooth and crunchy without the nuts. For serving, stack the bars on a rustic board. Drizzle extra melted chocolate over the top for a fun look. Garnish with pretzel pieces and a sprinkle of sea salt. This adds a nice touch and makes the bars more inviting. You can also cut them into fun shapes for kids or parties. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your peanut butter and chocolate chips are fresh for the best flavor. Older ingredients can affect the taste and texture of your bars. Customize Your Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup based on your sweetness preference. You can also opt for sugar-free alternatives if desired. Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to add dried fruits, seeds, or different types of nuts to enhance the flavor and texture of your bars. Store Properly: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them and enjoy them within two weeks. {{image_2}} You can jazz up your bars by adding spices. A pinch of cinnamon gives warmth. Vanilla extract adds a sweet touch. Both spices blend well with peanut butter. Try these spices for a twist on the classic flavor. You can switch the chocolate type for a new taste. White chocolate provides a creamy contrast. Milk chocolate gives a sweeter flavor. Both options work great with the salty pretzel base. Experiment to find your favorite chocolate match. If you want a healthier treat, reduce the sugar. You can use sugar alternatives like agave or stevia. These options cut down calories but keep the taste. You can also use less honey or maple syrup. This way, you enjoy a guilt-free snack that still satisfies. You can store these bars in two main ways: at room temperature or in the refrigerator. If you plan to eat them within a few days, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and tasty this way. However, if you want them to last longer, the refrigerator is your best choice. Just keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. To freeze these bars, first, cut them into squares. Then, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place all the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag. This method keeps them fresh for later. When you want to enjoy a bar, simply take one out and let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours. When stored properly, these bars last about one week at room temperature. In the refrigerator, they can last up to two weeks. If frozen, they can keep for three months. Just remember to check for any changes in color or smell before eating. Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter. It adds a nice texture to the bars. The crunch makes each bite fun. Just make sure it’s still creamy enough to mix well. I love the extra bite it gives! To make these bars vegan, swap honey for maple syrup. This keeps the sweetness while staying plant-based. Use dairy-free chocolate chips for the topping. It’s that simple! Absolutely! You can add more chocolate chips in the mix or on top. For a richer taste, double the chocolate amount. Just melt it and spread it evenly. Extra chocolate makes it even better! If you don’t have pretzels, try using rice cereal or crushed graham crackers. Both give a nice crunch and sweetness. You can also use nuts for a different twist. Get creative with your choices! Yes, these bars can be gluten-free! Just use gluten-free pretzels and oats. Check the labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free. You can enjoy these tasty treats without worry! This blog post shared a simple recipe for delicious snack bars made with easy ingredients. You learned how to mix, press, and chill for best results. I also gave tips for texture, alternatives, and serving ideas. Remember, you can customize these bars to fit your taste. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and storage methods. With this recipe, you’ll have tasty and healthy snacks ready to go!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Pretzel Bars

Delicious bars combining the flavors of peanut butter, chocolate, and crunchy pretzels.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup crushed pretzels
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds or pecans)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Pan: Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal later.
  • Mix Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, rolled oats, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
  • Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the creamy peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup) until smooth and well combined.
  • Add to Dry Mix: Pour the peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or your hands to mix everything together until it's well combined. If using, fold in the chopped nuts for added crunch.
  • Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Press it firmly into an even layer, ensuring it is compacted.
  • Melt Chocolate: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
  • Spread Chocolate: Drizzle or spread the melted chocolate over the pressed mixture in the baking dish, smoothing it out with a spatula to cover evenly.
  • Chill: Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate has set.
  • Slice and Serve: Once set, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares or bars as desired.

Notes

Stack bars on a rustic wooden board or plate, and drizzle some extra melted chocolate on top for an appealing finish. Garnish with a few pretzel pieces and a sprinkle of sea salt for added decoration.
Keyword bars, chocolate, dessert, peanut butter, snack