No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Squares
These easy no-bake squares combine salty, crunchy pretzels with creamy peanut butter and a smooth chocolate topping. They require no oven and are perfect for making ahead.
Ingredients
For the pretzel base:
- 3 cups mini pretzels
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
For the peanut butter layer:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter
For the chocolate topping:
- 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Prepare the pan
Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the sides for easy removal. - Make the pretzel base
Crush the pretzels into small pieces. Don’t turn them completely into powder; a few larger pieces add a nice crunch.Stir together the crushed pretzels, melted butter, ½ cup peanut butter, and brown sugar until evenly combined.
- Press into the pan
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press it firmly and evenly across the bottom using the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup. - Make the peanut butter layer
Mix 1 cup peanut butter, powdered sugar, and ¼ cup melted butter until smooth and creamy.Spread this mixture evenly over the pretzel layer.
- Add the chocolate
Melt the chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons peanut butter in the microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring between each interval. Continue until smooth.Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread it evenly.
- Chill
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is firm and the layers are completely set. - Cut into squares
Lift the chilled dessert from the pan using the parchment paper. Let it sit at room temperature for about 5–10 minutes, then cut into squares with a sharp knife.
Helpful Tips
- Press the pretzel base firmly so the squares hold together when cut.
- If the chocolate topping becomes too thick, add another teaspoon of peanut butter while melting.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle a few crushed pretzels over the chocolate before refrigerating.
- Store the squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to about a week.
