No-Bake Chocolate-Pretzel-Peanut Butter Squares
This no-bake dessert features a crunchy pretzel-peanut butter base topped with a rich chocolate and peanut butter ganache. It's quick to assemble using just a few simple ingredients and requires only refrigeration to set before slicing into squares.
Equipment
- 1 Medium Mixing Bowl
- 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- 1 Microwave-Safe Bowl For melting chocolate
- 1 Spatula or Spoon For mixing and spreading
- 1 Microwave For melting the topping
Ingredients
Main
- 1 1/2 sticks 12 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cups pretzel rods crushed into crumbs
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1 cup plus 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, add the melted butter, pretzel crumbs, confectioners' sugar and 1 cup of the peanut butter and stir together until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9-by-13-by-2-inch baking dish. Combine the chocolate chips and the remaining 1/4 cup peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate and peanut butter are melted and smooth; two intervals should be enough. Mix to blend, then spread over the peanut butter-pretzel layer. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares.
Notes
Ensure your pretzel crumbs are fine and consistent for a stable base; a food processor works best, or use a rolling pin in a bag. When melting the chocolate and peanut butter, use short intervals and stir diligently between each to prevent scorching the chocolate. A smooth, pourable consistency is key. Press the base mixture firmly and evenly into the dish edges to prevent crumbling when cut. Allow ample refrigeration time (at least the recommended hour, ideally longer) for the layers to set completely, which makes for cleaner cuts.