My grandma, bless her heart, always had a stash of treats hidden away. Not fancy, gourmet stuff, but simple joys that made you feel loved. And every Christmas, without fail, she’d make a batch of this incredible peanut butter pretzel bark.
The salty pretzels against the sweet chocolate and peanut butter was just magical. It wasn’t just a dessert; it was a feeling of warmth and home. Now, every time I make it, I think of her and all the love she poured into everything she did.
This recipe is so incredibly easy, it’s almost dangerous! You can whip it up in minutes, making it perfect for a last-minute treat or a fun activity with the kids. I learned how to make an easy Mississippi sin sliders recipe from my family and these snacks are equally simple to throw together.
Why you’ll love this Peanut Butter Pretzel Bark
- It’s the ultimate sweet and salty combination! The rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and crunchy pretzels create an irresistible flavor profile.
- This peanut butter pretzel bark recipe requires minimal effort and ingredients, making it a perfect treat for busy days.
- It’s incredibly versatile; you can customize it with your favorite toppings like chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even dried fruit.
- The perfect no-bake dessert for summer, holidays, or any time you crave a quick and delicious treat.
- It’s a great homemade gift idea. Package it in a cute tin or cellophane bag for a thoughtful present.
- The creamy, crunchy, and sweet all rolled into one perfect bite of peanut butter pretzel bark.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped peanuts (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Peanut butter pretzel bark makes every moment feel indulgent. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the bark from sticking and make it easy to remove later.
Step 2
Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as this can cause it to seize.
Step 3
Stir in the peanut butter until fully combined and smooth. The peanut butter should be evenly distributed throughout the melted chocolate.
Step 4
Spread the chocolate-peanut butter mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to create a thin, even layer. This will ensure that the bark sets evenly.
Step 5
Sprinkle the mini pretzels, powdered sugar, and chopped peanuts (if using) over the chocolate mixture. Gently press the pretzels and peanuts into the chocolate so they adhere well.
Step 6
Sprinkle sea salt flakes (if using) evenly over the bark. This adds a nice salty contrast to the sweetness. Don’t skip this if you love that salty-sweet balance!
Step 7
Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or until the bark is firm and set. This will ensure the chocolate is solid and easy to break. You can also pop it in the freezer for a quicker set.
Step 8
Break the bark into pieces and serve. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for best results.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
Get creative with your peanut butter pretzel bark! Try using different types of chocolate, such as white chocolate or dark chocolate, for a unique flavor. You could also swirl in other nut butters like almond or cashew butter.
Consider adding other toppings to customize your bark. M&Ms, sprinkles, dried cranberries, or different types of chopped nuts are all fantastic options. A drizzle of caramel sauce can also take it to the next level.
For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the melted chocolate mixture. This adds a subtle heat that complements the sweetness and saltiness beautifully. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your perfect combination!
Pairings
Peanut butter pretzel bark is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with other treats. Serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. It’s also great with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
For a more substantial pairing, consider serving it after a light lunch. The sweetness of the bark provides a satisfying contrast to savory meals. It is also a great snack after enjoying a chicken caesar sandwich recipe; you can find a guide online at Cook Reel here.
If you’re hosting a party, include peanut butter pretzel bark on a dessert platter with other cookies, brownies, and candies. The variety will appeal to everyone’s tastes.
Serving ideas
Presentation matters! Arrange the broken pieces of peanut butter pretzel bark artfully on a serving platter. A sprinkle of extra sea salt flakes or powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance.
Package the bark in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a charming homemade gift. It’s perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just because. Add a personalized tag to make it extra special.
For a fun twist, crush the bark and use it as a topping for ice cream sundaes or milkshakes. The salty-sweet crunch is addictive!
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Store leftover peanut butter pretzel bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This will keep the chocolate from melting and the pretzels from becoming soft.
If you live in a warm climate, it’s best to keep the bark refrigerated at all times. This will prevent the chocolate from blooming, which can affect its appearance and texture. You can also freeze the bark for longer storage.
To freeze, wrap the bark tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Make-ahead
Peanut butter pretzel bark is a great make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it several days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it. This makes it perfect for parties and holidays.
If you’re making a large batch, consider using multiple baking sheets to speed up the setting process. This will also help ensure that the bark is evenly thick.
You can also prepare the individual ingredients ahead of time. Chop the nuts, measure out the pretzels, and have the chocolate and peanut butter ready to go. This will make the assembly process even quicker.
Common mistakes when making Peanut Butter Pretzel Bark
- Overheating the chocolate: Be careful not to overheat the chocolate when melting it, as this can cause it to seize and become grainy. Melt it in short intervals, stirring in between.
- Not using parchment paper: Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper is essential for easy removal of the bark. Don’t skip this step!
- Adding too many toppings: While it’s fun to customize your bark, adding too many toppings can make it difficult to break into pieces. Stick to a few key ingredients that complement each other.
- Not refrigerating long enough: Make sure to refrigerate the bark until it is completely firm and set. This will prevent it from melting and make it easier to break into pieces.
- Using old pretzels: Make sure your pretzels are fresh, or the bark will not be as crunchy.
Final notes
This peanut butter pretzel bark is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to create sweet memories. It’s the perfect treat to share with loved ones, bring to parties, or simply enjoy on a cozy night in.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different variations and toppings. The possibilities are endless! Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the process.
So, go ahead and whip up a batch of this delicious peanut butter pretzel bark. I promise it will be a hit!
Loved this Peanut Butter Pretzel Bark? Try these next
- Easy Mississippi Sin Sliders
- Garlic Steak Tortellini Recipe
- Creamy Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup
- Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe
- Chicken Caesar Sandwich Recipe
Peanut Butter Pretzel Bark
A sweet and salty treat that’s incredibly easy to make! This Peanut Butter Pretzel Bark combines creamy peanut butter, crunchy pretzels, and rich chocolate for the perfect snack or dessert.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped peanuts (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the bark from sticking and make it easy to remove later.
- Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.
- Stir in the peanut butter until fully combined and smooth. The peanut butter should be evenly distributed throughout the melted chocolate.
- Spread the chocolate-peanut butter mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to create a thin, even layer.
- Sprinkle the mini pretzels, powdered sugar, and chopped peanuts (if using) over the chocolate mixture. Gently press the pretzels and peanuts into the chocolate.
- Sprinkle sea salt flakes (if using) evenly over the bark. This adds a nice salty contrast to the sweetness.
- Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or until the bark is firm and set. This will ensure the chocolate is solid and easy to break.
- Break the bark into pieces and serve. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for best results.
Notes
For a smoother bark, use high-quality chocolate chips. You can substitute white chocolate or dark chocolate for the semi-sweet chocolate. Feel free to add other toppings like M&Ms, sprinkles, or chopped nuts. Store the peanut butter pretzel bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg