Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars (No-Bake Recipe)

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)

1. 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.
2. Combine the crushed pretzels with powdered sugar and 1 cup of the peanut butter.
3. 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.
4. Press the pretzel layer in your serving dish.
5. 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.
6. Pour the chocolate layer over the pretzel peanut butter layer.
7. 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.

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

Author: Hostess At Heart

No-Bake Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Butter Squares are quick and easy to make. Who doesn’t love peanut butter and Chocolate?

4.47 from 13 votes

Print Recipe Save thisSaved! Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Chill time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword: No-Bake Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Butter Squares, peanut butter squares

Servings: 24

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Equipment

• 9×13 Baking Dish
• Mixing Bowls

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

• 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

Recipe adapted from Trisha Yearwood and Food Network

Nutrition

Serving: 12gCalories: 121kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 28mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 186IUCalcium: 8mgIron: 1mg

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.