Description
A no-bake dessert featuring a salty pretzel crust, a thick creamy peanut butter layer, and a smooth chocolate ganache topping. These bars are easy to make, require minimal cleanup, and taste better the next day.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups pretzel sticks or twists, crushed (approx. 150g)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (commercial, not natural)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Flaky sea salt, optional for topping
Instructions
- Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the long sides.
- Crush pretzels into small, sand-like pieces using a food processor or rolling pin.
- In a bowl, mix crushed pretzels, melted butter, powdered sugar, and salt until it resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Chill in the fridge.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and creamy peanut butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined and smooth.
- Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the chilled crust. Return to the fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
- Place chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Pour the warm chocolate ganache over the chilled peanut butter layer and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight until solid.
- Lift bars out using parchment overhang and slice into squares with a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
Notes
Use creamy commercial peanut butter, not natural, as it separates and won’t set properly. Ensure each layer is chilled before adding the next to prevent mixing. For clean cuts, dip the knife in hot water and wipe dry between slices. These bars taste better after sitting in the fridge for a day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 6
Keywords: no-bake dessert, chocolate peanut butter bars, pretzel crust, icebox bars, easy dessert, make-ahead dessert, salty sweet dessert