• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Pure and Simple Nourishment
  • About
    • Meet Dr. Erin Carter
    • My Food Philosophy
    • Press and Publications
    • Contact
  • Free Resources
  • Recipes
    • Holidays
      • Fall
      • Thanksgiving
      • Christmas
    • Breakfast
    • Main Course
    • Dessert
    • Sauces and Dips
    • Side Dish
    • Drinks
    • Vegetables
    • Snack
    • Meat and Fish
    • Recipe Wrap-Ups
    • SCD
    • GAPS
    • Whole30
    • AIP
    • Vegan
    • Paleo
    • Dairy-Free
    • Gluten-Free
    • Low FODMAP
    • Refined-Sugar-Free
  • Health
    • Health Information
    • Book Club
  • Nutrition
  • Favorites
    • Books
    • Tools
    • Skincare
  • Work With Me
    • Services
    • Skin Care Quiz
    • Contact
  • Skin Care
  • Weekly Workouts
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Summer
  • Recipes
  • Health Information
  • Meet Dr. Erin Carter
  • Services
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Summer
    • Recipes
    • Health Information
    • Meet Dr. Erin Carter
    • Services
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Dessert

    No Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars (only 5 ingredients!)

    Modified: Feb 4, 2025 • Published: Oct 18, 2021 by Dr. Erin Carter • This post may contain affiliate links • Leave a Comment

    60 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    A stack of peanut butter pretzel bars

    These peanut butter pretzel bars are the perfect combination of salty and sweet and are super easy to make. You’ll love that this no bake dessert only requires 5 ingredients to make and these bars are ready in just 30 minutes!

    Peanut butter pretzel bars topped with chocolate and crushed pretzels.

    If you are a fan of peanut butter desserts and snacks like my no bake peanut butter fudge recipe, peanut butter chocolate Rice Krispie treats and peanut butter chocolate bliss balls, then you are going to love the recipe I am sharing with you today!

    Table of Contents
    • Why you will love this recipe:
    • Ingredients and substitutions:
    • Recipe variations and add ins:
    • How to make peanut butter pretzel bars:
    • Top tips:
    • How to store:
    • Peanut butter pretzel bars FAQs:
    • Other desserts you will love:
    • Recipe

    Why you will love this recipe:

    • The taste! These bars are thick and chewy and the flavour combination of salty pretzels, creamy peanut butter, and sweet dark chocolate blend perfectly to give these bars the best taste.
    • These no bake chocolate peanut butter pretzel bars are so quick and easy to make - they are ready in just 30 minutes!
    • These homemade dessert bars are made with just 5 ingredients!
    • Kid's love this no bake dessert.
    • They store really well and freeze well so are great for meal prep. Just like my chocolate almond butter bars recipe.
    • This peanut butter pretzel dessert recipe is refined sugar free and can easily be made vegan, dairy-free, paleo, and gluten-free!

    If you love easy desserts you will love my pretzel and caramel chocolate bars, chocolate mug cake with almond flour, and vanilla protein mug cake.

    Ingredients and substitutions:

    Pretzels, chocolate, maple syrup, vanilla extract and peanut butter in separate bowls.
    • Pretzels - I went with gluten-free pretzels but you can use any type of pretzels that you like for making these pretzel bars.
    • Natural, smooth peanut butter  - The peanut butter helps bind the pretzels together and give these bars the best flavour. Be sure to use unsweetened, smooth peanut butter.
    • Maple syrup - This is used to naturally sweeten this dessert while keeping it refined sugar free.
    • Vanilla extract - to help enhance all the delicious flavours of these bars.
    • Dark chocolate - you can use either dark chocolate bars or dark chocolate chips for making the chocolate layer on these bars.

    Recipe variations and add ins:

    • To make these bars gluten-free: use gluten-free pretzels.
    • Make these pretzel bars vegan: use dairy-free chocolate.
    • To add some extra crunch: sprinkle some crushed peanuts on top of the chocolate layer while it is still warm.
    • To make these bars paleo: swap the peanut butter for another nut butter such as cashew butter or sunflower seed butter, use grain free pretzels, and use dairy free, soy free chocolate.
    • To keep these bars refined sugar free use chocolate bars sweetened with coconut sugar - my favourite brands are Hu Kitchen and Zazubean.
    • To make peanut free: use another nut or seed butter such as cashew butter, almond butter or sunflower seed butter.
    • If you prefer milk chocolate to dark chocolate you can use that instead.
    • If you want a thicker chocolate topping increase the chocolate to 9 ounces or even 12 ounces.

    How to make peanut butter pretzel bars:

    Pretzels in a food processor.
    1. Step 1: Put the pretzels in a food processor and blend until you have pretzel pieces the size that you like.
    A pot on the stovetop with peanut butter and maple syrup in it.
    1. Step 2: Next put a medium pot on the stovetop on low heat and add the peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Heat for about a minute, stirring constantly until the ingredients are well combined and reach a smooth texture. 
    A pot on the stove with peanut butter and pretzel pieces in it.
    1. Step 3: Turn the heat off and stir in the pretzel pieces. 
    a baking pan with peanut butter pressed into it.
    1. Step 4: Now line an 8" x 8" pan with parchment paper and transfer the peanut butter mixture into the pan. Spread the mixture into an even layer. 
    A baking pan filled with melted chocolate.
    1. Step 5: Next melt the chocolate in the microwave by heating it on high in 30 second intervals until it's melted. Then pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter mixture and spread it into an even layer.
    A pan filled with chocolate pretzels bars with one piece taken out of the pan.
    1. Step 6: Lastly, put the dessert in the freezer for 25-30 minutes, then remove and cut it into bars. Then enjoy!

    Top tips:

    • Be sure to use unsweetened or natural peanut butter (the bars would be way too sweet if you used sweetened peanut butter).
    • Instead of putting the bars in the freezer to harden you could put them in the fridge for at least an hour.
    • Use a hot knife to cut these bars into pieces more easily (I simply run the blade under hot water and then dry it off).

    How to store:

    Store these bars in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 7 days.

    These bars also freeze really well in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

    A peanut butter and chocolate pretzel bar flipped on its side so you can see the filling.

    Peanut butter pretzel bars FAQs:

    What if I'm allergic to peanut butter?

    If you can't have peanut butter I would make these bars with cashew butter or sunflower seed butter instead.

    What if I don’t have a food processor?

    You could use a blender or break up the pretzels by hand. If I were to break the pretzels up by hand I would put them in a bag and use a rolling pin to break them up. 

    What if I don’t have maple syrup?

    Although I recommend using maple syrup, you could use a variety of other sweeteners. You could try using honey, brown sugar syrup or agave nectar. 

    Is this recipe vegan?

    Yes! As long as you use vegan chocolate this is a vegan dessert recipe.

    Other desserts you will love:

    • A stack of four turtle cookie bars and the top one has a bite out of it.
      Gluten-Free Turtle Cookie Bars
    • A batch of vegan blondies cut into pieces and topped with course sea salt.
      Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars (gluten-free & dairy-free)
    • A stack of seven almond flour peanut butter cookies on a plate.
      Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies (gluten-free & dairy-free)
    • Chocolate covered Rice Krispie Treats cut into pieces.
      The Best Chocolate Covered Rice Krispie Treats

    Since you made it this far we are basically best friends so be sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok and Facebook where I share even more recipes and healthy living tips! And don’t forget to leave this recipe a star review before you go!

    Recipe

    Peanut butter pretzel bars topped with chocolate with a pretzel on top of each piece.

    Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars

    These chocolate pretzel bars are such a delicious treat that is so easy to make. The perfect combination of both sweet and salty you are going to love this dessert!
    4.82 from 11 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free, Low Lactose, Vegan
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Freeze time: 25 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes minutes
    Servings: 16
    Calories: 86kcal
    Author: Dr. Erin Carter

    Equipment

    • food processor
    • 8 inch square baking dish
    • Parchment paper

    Ingredients

    • 156 grams pretzels (or 5.5 ounces or approximately 5 cups)
    • 1 jar natural smooth peanut butter (500 grams)
    • 3/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 6 ounces dark chocolate (either chocolate chips or bars)

    Instructions

    • Place the pretzels in your food processor and process until you have pretzel pieces the size that you like.
    • Place a pot on the stovetop on low heat. Add the peanut butter, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until the ingredients are combined and smooth.
    • Turn off the heat and stir in the pretzel pieces.
    • Line an 8" x 8" pan with parchment paper and transfer the peanut butter pretzel mixture to the pan. Spread it out evenly with a spoon or knife.
    • Melt the chocolate bars in a microwave safe dish by heating them on high in 30 second intervals, until melted.
    • Pour the melted chocolate onto the peanut butter pretzel layer and spread it evenly until smooth. Place the pan in the freezer for 25-30 minutes until the chocolate is set. Remove the pan from the freezer and cut the bars into pieces.

    Notes

    1. Use a hot knife to cut the bars into pieces more easily. 
    2. Nutritional values are an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients you use. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 86kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 125mg | Potassium: 62mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @pureandsimpleno or tag #pureandsimpleno!

    DISCLAIMERS: The statements made on this website have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration or Health Canada. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. You assume full responsibility for how you use this information. Always consult with your physician or other health professionals before making any diet or lifestyle changes. This post may contain affiliate links whereby if you purchase these products I receive a small percentage of the sale price. This allows me to keep the blog running and I thank you for allowing me to do that!

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    A photo of Dr. Erin Carter wearing a floral dress in her kitchen.

    Hi everyone!

    My name is Dr. Erin Carter and I am so thrilled you are here. I am a physician with specialties in both internal medicine and rheumatology, and I believe that food and healthy living are forms of medicine. In my spare time I share health information and delicious, healthy recipes here on Pure and Simple Nourishment.

    More about me

    Summer Recipes

    • A bottle of dill pickle salad dressing with cut up pickles beside it.
      Dill Pickle Salad Dressing with Pickle Juice (so easy!)
    • A lemon lavender cookie on a baking sheet with a bite out of it and surrounded by lemon slices.
      Lemon Lavender Cookies (gluten-free option)
    • Two ginger turmeric shots in glass bottles with white lids surrounded by ginger, turmeric, orange slices and lemon slices.
      Easy Lemon Ginger Turmeric Shots Recipe & Benefits (no juicer)
    • A jar of raspberry chia pudding topped with fresh raspberries and white chia seeds.
      5 Ingredient Raspberry Chia Pudding
    • A jar of chocolate orange overnight oats garnished with orange zest.
      The Best Chocolate Orange Overnight Oats
    • A bowl of coconut whipped cream.
      Easy Coconut Whipped Cream (vegan, dairy-free)

    Health Info

    • A collage of different air fryers with the title "Non-Toxic Air Fryers" over them.
      6 Non-Toxic Air Fryers - without Teflon or PFAS (2025 Update)
    • A collage of many different sunscreen bottles with the title The Best Safe Sunscreens Over them.
      10 Non-Toxic Sunscreens (tried and tested)
    • Two girls laying on the beach with their legs in the air and the title "how to choose a safe sunscreen" over them.
      How to Choose Non-Toxic Sunscreen & the Best Brands
    • A collage of toothpastes, flosses, and bamboo toothbrushes with the title "the best natural dental care products" above them.
      Non-Toxic Dental Care Products

    Popular Recipes

    • A paleo apple pie bar with a bite out of it and pieces of cooked apples beside it.
      Healthy Apple Pie Bars (gluten-free, vegan & paleo)
    • A gluten free burger in a bun with lettuce, tomato and ketchup.
      The Best Gluten-Free Burgers Recipe (so juicy!)
    • A loaf of gluten free chocolate chip banana bread cut into pieces.
      The Best Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Banana Bread (dairy free & paleo)
    • A paleo chocolate chip zucchini muffin with a bite out of it.
      Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins (dairy-free & paleo)
    • A bowl of Whole30 asian coleslaw with dressing being poured on it.
      The Best Healthy Asian Coleslaw Salad
    • A jar of berry cheesecake overnight oats topped with fresh berries with a spoon in it.
      The Best Berry Cheesecake Overnight Oats

    Footer

    featured on:

    Sign up for emails and updates!

    Sign me up!
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy
    • Contact
    • Services
    • ↑ back to top

    Some of the links on this website are affiliate links whereby we make a small percentage if you purchase the product through that link. It does not cost you anything extra and helps us keep this website running. As an Amazon associate we earn a small percentage from qualifying Amazon purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Pure & Simple Nourishment - Powered by Feast+

    60 shares
    60 shares

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required