Peanut Butter Pretzel Magic Barsrn

Name: Peanut Butter Pretzel Magic Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 140 min
Ingredients: 4 cups mini pretzel twists, (divided into 3½ cups and ½ cup for optional garnish); 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; 12 tablespoons salted butter, (melted); 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1½ cups peanut butter chips; 1½ cups milk chocolate chips; 1¼ cups sweetened coconut flakes; 1 cup butterscotch flavored chips; 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk ((or 396 gram))

overhead shot of Peanut Butter Pretzel Magic Bars

Peanut butter pretzel magic bars are a sweet and salty treat that features layers of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and salty pretzels that peanut butter lovers won’t be able to resist.

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Table of Contents

Peanut Butter Pretzel Magic Bars Ingredients
Substitutions and Additions
How To Make This Peanut Butter Pretzel Magic Bars Recipe
How To Serve
Storage
Why We Love This Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
More Recipes You’ll Love
JUMP TO RECIPE
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Elevate your snacking game with our peanut butter pretzel magic bars. A fusion of creamy peanut butter, sweet chocolate, and salty pretzels creates a magical taste experience that’s perfect for sharing.

overhead shot of Peanut Butter Pretzel Magic Bars stacked on top of each other

Peanut Butter Pretzel Magic Bars Ingredients

The pretzels create the perfect crust for this treat and contribute a satisfying salty crunch to the dessert bars.

Creamy peanut butter creates a luscious layer, while the semi-sweet chocolate chips bring a rich chocolate that blends perfectly with the peanut butter.

Peanut butter chips intensify the peanut butter experience, infusing each bite with bursts of flavor. Sweetened coconut flakes introduce a chewy texture and a hint of tropical sweetness.

The butterscotch chips contribute a unique profile that enhances the overall taste, and to top it all off, the sweetened condensed milk unifies the layers into a gooey delight.

You’ll need:

4 cups of mini pretzel twists (divided into 3½ cups and ½ cup for optional garnish)
3 tablespoons of granulated sugar
12 tablespoons of salted butter, melted
1 cup of creamy peanut butter
1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
1½ cups of peanut butter chips
1½ cups of milk chocolate chips
1¼ cups of sweetened coconut flakes
1 cup of butterscotch flavored chips
1 (14-ounce or 396-gram) can of sweetened condensed milk

Substitutions and Additions

MINI PRETZEL TWISTS: You can experiment with larger twist pretzels, thin pretzel sticks, or even “snaps” pretzels for a different texture.

CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER: If you’re a fan of crunch, swap in crunchy peanut butter for added texture.

COCONUT FLAKES: If coconut isn’t your thing, simply omit it or replace it with an extra ¼ cup of chocolate, peanut butter, or butterscotch chips.

BUTTERSCOTCH CHIPS: For a twist, try swapping these with white chocolate chips for a creamy contrast.

How To Make This Peanut Butter Pretzel Magic Bars Recipe

Creating peanut butter pretzel magic bars is a fun experience that combines various textures and flavors. Let’s get started!

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Generously spray the parchment paper with nonstick cooking spray. (You can also butter the sides and bottom of the foil with butter.)

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

You can line the baking dish with parchment paper. Be sure to lightly spray the parchment paper with nonstick cooking spray and leave an overhang.

STEP TWO: In either a bowl of a food processor or a gallon-size ziplock bag with a rolling pin (you can also use the flat side of a meat mallet), crush 3½ cups of the miniature pretzels to fine crumbs. (If you are using the ziplock bag, you may need to divide the 3½ cups just to make it easier to crush.)

STEP THREE: Add the crushed pretzels and granulated sugar to a medium-sized mixing bowl (2 to 3 quarts). Stir to combine. Add the melted butter and stir to coat the pretzel mixture completely.

melted butter added to the pretzel mixture

STEP FOUR: Press the buttered pretzel mixture into the prepared baking dish. (I use a flat-bottomed measuring cup.) Set it aside in the refrigerator.

butter pretzel mixture pressed into the baking dish

STEP FIVE: Add the creamy peanut butter to a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat the peanut butter for 40-45 seconds at full power. Depending on your microwave, keep a very close eye on the peanut butter. You want to heat the peanut butter, not cause it to bubble over.

Carefully remove the peanut butter from the microwave and stir. Add 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips. Stir until the peanut butter and chocolate chips are smooth and the chocolate is completely melted.

Pour the peanut butter and chocolate mixture over the buttered pretzel layer. Use either a silicone spatula or an offset spatula to smooth the peanut butter mixture.

chocolate chip stirred and peanut butter and chocolate chip mixture poured over the buttered pretzel layer

STEP SIX: Add the peanut butter chips, milk chocolate chips, sweetened coconut flakes, and butterscotch chips to a large mixing bowl (4 to 6-quart). Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the chips and coconut. Stir to coat the mixture completely.

Evenly spoon the chips and coconut mixture over the peanut butter and chocolate layer. Bake treats for 30 minutes, until the edges are deep golden brown. Remove the baking dish from the oven.

PRO TIP:

Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your bars as the suggested baking time approaches.

chips and coconut mixture evenly spooned over the peanut butter and chocolate layer

STEP SEVEN: Immediately top the magic bars with the reserved mini pretzels. Gently press down on the pretzels when topping the magic bars. Allow the bars to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before chilling in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

STEP EIGHT: Remove the magic bars from the refrigerator. Use the aluminum foil overhand to remove the magic bars from the baking dish. Remove the foil from the bars and place on a cutting board. Use a large sharp knife to carefully cut four slices x four slices before serving.

PRO TIP:

When cutting the bars, spray a chef’s knife with cooking spray and wipe with a paper towel. This prevents the magic cookies from sticking to the knife.

How To Serve

Whether as an indulgent treat or a delightful dessert, peanut butter pretzel magic cookie bars shine in various serving options.

Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of warm and cold, crunchy and smooth.

Enjoy a square of peanut butter pretzel magic bars alongside your morning latte or afternoon tea for a touch of sweetness.

Add these bars to a dessert platter, along with our lemon pie bars and coconut cream bars, at parties or celebrations for a unique and irresistible addition.

Our original magic cookie bars are always a hit, while our s’mores bars put a different spin on a classic.

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Storage

Let’s have a quick look at how to store these magic peanut butter bars so that you can enjoy the extras.

MAKE AHEAD: You can prepare the peanut butter bars a day ahead and keep them refrigerated. The flavors will meld, enhancing the taste.

ON THE COUNTER: These cookie bars will keep fine on the counter in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

IN THE FREEZER: For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to 3 months in a freezer bag or airtight container. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

REHEATING: To enjoy the bars warm, gently reheat in the microwave or oven until just heated through.

Why We Love This Recipe

TEXTURE: The interplay of crunchy pretzels, chewy coconut, and smooth peanut butter is a texture symphony in each bite.

SWEET AND SAVORY: The marriage of sweet chocolate and peanut butter with salty pretzels creates a yummy balance of flavors.

EASY INDULGENCE: Creating these bars is a breeze, making them an effortless yet impressive dessert option.

Peanut butter pretzel magic bars are the ultimate indulgence with their perfect blend of textures and flavors, from the buttery pretzel crust to the gooey consistency. Their sweet-savory harmony and ease of preparation make them a cherished recipe you’ll return to time and again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Feel free to swap in crunchy peanut butter for added texture in this dessert bar recipe.

Can I omit coconut flakes?

You can omit coconut or replace it with more chocolate, peanut butter, or butterscotch chips.

Can I use different brands of chips?

You can use your favorite brands for peanut butter, chocolate, and butterscotch chips.

Can I use different types of pretzels?

Experiment with larger twist pretzels or thin pretzel sticks for varied textures.

Can I halve the recipe?

You can halve the ingredients and use a smaller baking dish for a smaller batch.

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