Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars (No-Bake Recipe)
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These easy no-bake peanut butter pretzel bars are rich and gooey with the perfect sweet and salty combo. Sink your teeth into a creamy peanut butter filling loaded with crunchy pretzels all under a thick layer of dreamy chocolate. Our chocolate peanut butter pretzel bars take just 15 minutes to prep and use ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Who doesn’t love peanut butter pretzel bars? This easy no-bake recipe is the perfect make-and-take for any gathering and can feed a crowd. These chocolate peanut butter squares are rich, gooey, and have a delightful crunch that everyone loves.
We just had a family tailgating gathering, and for me, I want to watch the game. I don’t want people to have to wait for me to serve food. Finger food or food that can sit out is a must.
That also makes them perfect for holiday get-togethers when everyone is full from a big dinner but just wants a little sweet treat. Cut these peanut butter pretzel bars small and put them on a fancy plate and they’re definitely a holiday-worthy dessert.
Note: These no-bake peanut butter bars need to chill for about an hour. That makes them a great make-ahead dessert. We make them the day before and just slip them into the refrigerator. Looking for more easy no-bake treats? Try our Peanut Butter Balls (updated December 2024) – they’re another family favorite!
What You Need: 5 Easy Ingredients
- Crushed pretzels – I use the twists. I find they’re salted perfectly so I don’t need to add additional salt.
- Powdered Sugar – Using powdered sugar acts as a binding ingredient that holds these peanut butter bars together.
- Peanut Butter – I use creamy peanut butter. It makes these bars look smooth but if you like the crunchy variety that works great too.
- Chocolate chips – This recipe originally called for milk chocolate chips. I use what I have and will often combine dark or semi-sweet with milk chocolate.
- Unsalted butter – There is plenty of salt in the pretzels so I don’t add additional salt by using salted butter.
With just 5 ingredients, these chocolate peanut butter bars come together in minutes!
How to Make Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars (Step-by-Step)
- Crush the pretzels. You can use a food processor, blender, or put them in a plastic bag and smash them with a rolling pin or meat mallet. I like leaving chunks of uncrushed pretzels for a delightful crunch.
- Combine the crushed pretzels with powdered sugar and 1 cup of the peanut butter.
- Spray the bottom of a serving dish. You can use a 9×13 for thinner bars or an 8×11 for thicker peanut butter pretzel bars.
- Press the pretzel layer in your serving dish.
- Combine the chocolate chips and remaining 1/4 cup of peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt in 30-second intervals, stirring after each session until smooth. You can also melt this combination in a saucepan or double boiler.
- Pour the chocolate layer over the pretzel peanut butter layer.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour before cutting into bars.
Common Questions About Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars
Can I use salted butter instead?
We recommend unsalted butter because the pretzels already have plenty of salt. If you only have salted butter, it will still work – just expect a slightly saltier taste.
Why won’t my peanut butter bars stick together?
Make sure you’re using creamy peanut butter (not natural/separated kind) and press the pretzel layer firmly into the pan. The powdered sugar helps bind everything together.
Can I make these nut-free?
Yes! Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or another nut-free spread. Make sure to check that your chocolate chips are also nut-free.
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Do these no-bake bars need to stay cold?
They hold together best when kept cool, but they won’t melt at room temperature like ice cream. You can leave them out for serving, but store leftovers in the fridge.
How long do peanut butter pretzel bars last?
These chocolate peanut butter bars will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container.
Storage Tips: Keep These Bars Fresh for Days
- Make these peanut butter pretzel bars ahead of time. They will store perfectly in the refrigerator covered for up to 5 days.
- After these no-bake peanut butter bars have chilled, cut them in serving-sized pieces and put them on a serving plate. Cover them and store them in the refrigerator until guests arrive.
- Cut into serving-sized pieces and freeze them in an air-tight container for up to 3 months. You can take out just what you need or make them in advance for when you need them. Defrost them in the refrigerator or just set them out for a little while. You’ll be prepared for unplanned parties or guests.
Fun Ways to Customize Your Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars
- Before chilling the chocolate peanut butter bars, sprinkle the top with crushed pretzels, peanuts, or sprinkles!
- Add mini chocolate chips or crushed nuts to the pretzel filling. Don’t add so much that these bars won’t stick together. If you do, add more peanut butter and powdered sugar.
- Love the sweet and salty combo? Our Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies have that same satisfying crunch!
More Easy No-Bake Dessert Bars You’ll Love
- Frozen Peanut Butter Cheesecake
- Peanut Butter Coffee Cake
- Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
- Cheesecake Cookie Bars
- No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake
- Rocky Road Brownies
- Million Calorie Bars
- Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
- Chocolate Trifle
I hope you enjoyed this delicious recipe as much as we do. Drop me a comment below, and don’t forget to give it a star rating. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Your comments and ratings help others decide if this recipe is for them too.
No-Bake Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Butter Bars
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cups pretzels crushed
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1¼ cups creamy peanut butter divided
- 1½ cups milk chocolate chips can also use dark or semi-sweet
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, powdered sugar, 1 cup of the peanut butter, and the melted butter. Stir until well combined. Press pretzel mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 or an 11×8 pan.
- Combine chocolate chips and remaining 1/4 cup of peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt in the microwave for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. Spread over pretzel peanut butter layer.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour before cutting.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
This recipe was calculated using the exact brands and measurements I used to make this recipe. If you are following a strict diet please note changing anything will cause the nutritional info to change. My calculations are intended as a guide only.
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Originally published December 2014. Updated October 2025 with improved instructions and helpful tips.
These look absolutely fantastic!! I am going to bring them to tailgate this weekend!
Thank you, Michaela!
Oh my!! Just made these squares and wow, delicious!!! Thanks!
Thank you Angela! I bet those kiddos of yours gobbled it up!
Had to pop back over as these are perennial favorite peanut butter bars! I think its the powdered sugar that makes them the best Ive ever had! Thanks so much! We love them!
NO BAKE and only 5 ingredients? This is EXACTLY the kind of dessert recipe I was needing!!
I volunteered to bring a dessert to a potluck and totally forgot. Although I was tempted to buy something I decided to make your no-bake pretzel peanut butter squares. They’re delicious! So easy to make and not a crumb left. Will be making again…and again!
Thank you, Sandra! They’re a great make and take!
I’ll be trying these!
I’ve made them 3 times. They are so easy to make and take and I’ve yet to have anyone turn up there nose. 🙂 Thanks Patti!
Reblogged this on elziejackson and commented:
This got shared on penarest elziejackson I’m going do this for diabetes and see how it comes out!!!!!
Thank you Elzie! I hope you will thry them and enjoy them.
What a delicious combination of flavors! How easy is this? Thanks so much for sharing!
I could die for one of these bars… Love the use of pretzel! I’m sure the give a very particular taste. Thanks for being at FF!
This is my kind of recipe! I love that there is no flour (it always gets everywhere when I try to bake) and the squares looks so good!
Thank you Petra! I like easy too, and there isn’t much to clean up either. 🙂
Wow crushed pretzels and chocolate- super luscious combo and sounds crazy good Julie. …
Thank you Chitra! It is super easy too!
These look great! I have to admit, I’d love to see the Mona Lisa on a cake.
Ha! I think I will just sit on that project. 🙂
I love the fact that it is so easy to make! It looks delicious!
It is Suchitra! Easy and yummy.
Did you say no bake?? Wow! This recipe sounds really amazing, Julie. 😀
Thanks Jhuls! No bake, easy, and yummy. Everything I like! Have a great weekend!
Any recipe with peanut butter and chocolate has my immediate attention. Great “no bake” dessert to bring to Angie’s party. Bring some extras as they will go fast! Happy FF Julie 🙂
Thank you so much for hosting. I can’t think of a better co-host! I love peanut butter and chocolate together too. It doesn’t have to be difficult to be yummy!
Thanks Julie for your nice comment. Get ready – Angie might be knocking on your door as you would be a perfect choice 🙂
Thanks Judi! I would gladly love to help out but I can’t imagine doing it during these holidays! I have a horrible habit of taking on too much.
These look so yummy! The pictures are great! 🙂
Thanks Ana! Easy and yummy!
These look so good, Julie! I love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter so know I would love these. It is nice to have a simpler recipe this time of year. Your comment about the Mona Lisa was so funny. I see these beautiful cakes on other blogs, and I just wonder how they find the time to do it. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Thank you for such a sweet comment. I know what you mean with time. The more I have the more I seem to squirrel away.
Scrumptious :).
Julie, you have won my curry sample give away. When you get time, please visit my latest post and send me your information so that I can ship it out to you :).
Sonal
These are awesome!!! Fantastic job showing off these yummy treats! I like your choice of the side stacking, it highlights the two layers. Thanks for sharing the recipe too. 😉
Thank you for such a nice comment pixie! I took a look at your photos, and your flowers are amazing as is your header. I assume you took that too? Take care of yourself! Hope you are having a good day.
I need these now! What a great treat.
Thanks Jamie
wow, looks yummy and simple to make too!
Love this and no bake sounds like a really good thing, I love everything in these bars. Around the holidays a recipe like this is just what I needed, thanks Julie.
Thanks Suzanne! I go for easy this time of year!
Yummy! I make a similar recipe in little balls, I never thought to go the bar route! This is much less labor intensive with no sacrifice of flavor…thanks for providing me with a huge time saver, Julie. 🙂
Thanks for stopping Nancy! They are indeed easy to put together. Enjoy your day!
mmmh…seems delicious! and…may I use also white chocolate?what do you think?
Absolutely with sprinkles on top!
Love watching Trisha Yearwood on TV. I don’t remember seeing these. Sound and look great!
I saw this episode a couple years back. She does have some yummy recipes. Thanks Debbie and enjoy your day!
She is funny. Reminds me of a mixture between Paula Deen and Ina Garten… Have a good one, also!