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Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars: Best Game Day Snack

no-bake peanut butter pretzel bars - featured image

These no-bake peanut butter pretzel bars are the perfect game day snack—salty, sweet, crunchy, and creamy all at once. Made with simple pantry ingredients and no oven required, they’re foolproof and addictive.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups mini pretzels or pretzel twists, crushed into coarse pieces
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter (e.g., Jif or Skippy)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or vegetable shortening)
  • Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides. Set aside.
  2. Place 3 cups of mini pretzels in a zip-top bag and crush them into coarse pieces using a rolling pin. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup creamy peanut butter and 1/2 cup unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until completely melted and smooth (about 1-2 minutes total). Stir in 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until thick and smooth.
  4. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the crushed pretzels and stir until every piece is coated. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan, using a spatula or greased hands to compact it firmly.
  5. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until melted and smooth. Pour over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly.
  6. If using, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the wet chocolate.
  7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is fully set. For cleanest slices, chill overnight.
  8. Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang, place on a cutting board, and slice into 16 squares. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

For the best texture, use fresh pretzels and well-stirred peanut butter. Press the base firmly to prevent crumbling. Chill overnight for cleanest slices. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake, peanut butter, pretzel, bars, game day, snack, easy, chocolate