If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that packs a perfect crunch, a creamy peanut butter punch, and a rich chocolate finish all in one bite, let me introduce you to the Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bars with Pretzel Crust Recipe. This luscious twist on the classic Nanaimo bar swaps the usual graham cracker base for a salty, crunchy pretzel crust that beautifully balances the sweet peanut butter layer and the silky chocolate ganache topping. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to pull together, sure to become your new go-to treat for celebrations or anytime you want to impress with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe leans on simple, everyday ingredients that work harmoniously to create layers of texture and flavor you’ll adore. Each element plays a special role: the pretzels bring crunch and saltiness; the peanut butter and butter combine for ultra-smooth richness; and the chocolate chips add that velvety finishing touch.
- 2 1/2 cups pretzels: These give the crust a fantastic salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy middle.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Sweetens the crust just enough to balance the saltiness and enhance the biscuit-like texture.
- 3/4 cups melted butter: Binds the crust together while adding richness.
- 2 eggs: Help set the crust and add a subtle softness inside the crunch.
- 80 g shredded coconut: Adds a lovely chewy texture and tropical hint that subtly lifts the bars.
- ½ tbsp cinnamon: Infuses warmth and depth to the crust’s flavor.
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder: Introduces a mild chocolate note to the base that connects beautifully with the ganache layer.
- 320 g smooth peanut butter: The star of the show that makes the filling creamy and decadent.
- 1/3 cups butter: Combines with peanut butter to give the filling luscious richness.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances the peanut butter’s flavor and balances sweetness.
- 2 cups icing sugar + 2 tbsps: Sweetens the peanut butter filling for silky smoothness.
- 1/3 cup milk: Softens the filling for a perfect spreadable texture.
- 1.5 cups dark chocolate chips (70%): Melt into a glossy ganache that crowns the bars with a rich bittersweet finish.
- 3 tbsps butter: Mixed with chocolate for a shiny, smooth ganache topping.
How to Make Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bars with Pretzel Crust Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by lining a 23 by 33 cm square baking tin with parchment paper and preheating your oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Use a food processor to roughly grind the pretzels, leaving a few larger chunks for extra crunch. Then, cream the sugar with the melted, cooled butter and eggs for about three minutes until silky smooth. Stir in the ground pretzels, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and cocoa powder until combined. Press this mixture firmly into your prepared tin using wet hands or the bottom of a metal measuring cup to ensure an even layer. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust loses its shine and sets up nicely. Let this cool completely before moving on.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Filling
In a microwave-safe bowl, gently heat the peanut butter, butter, and salt until melted and smooth, then stir well. Transfer this mixture to your stand mixer and whip it while gradually adding the powdered sugar and milk. The goal is a soft, creamy filling that’s smooth and easily spreadable. Once it reaches this silky texture, spread it evenly over the cooled pretzel crust and place it in the fridge to chill and firm up.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
Set up a gentle water bath and melt the dark chocolate chips with the butter, stirring frequently to achieve a glossy, smooth finish. Pour this ganache over the chilled peanut butter layer, spreading it carefully to create an even top. Return the bars to the fridge and allow them to set fully for at least two hours. This chilling time is where all the layers solidify into that classic Nanaimo bar texture you’ll love.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bars with Pretzel Crust Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are showstoppers on their own, but a sprinkle of crushed pretzels or a drizzle of melted peanut butter over the top before slicing adds a delightful visual and flavor boost. You could also toss on some chopped roasted peanuts to emphasize the peanut butter layer’s nutty goodness.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a tall glass of cold milk to complement the sweetness and balance the richness. They also pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream if you want to turn this treat into an indulgent dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bars with Pretzel Crust Recipe into bite-sized portions for a party platter or lay them out on a decorative cake stand for a casual coffee break. Wrapping individual squares in parchment and tying with twine makes adorable grab-and-go gifts as well!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days, maintaining that perfect balance of crisp crust and creamy layers.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Since these bars are best enjoyed chilled, warming is not recommended. Instead, allow frozen bars to thaw naturally in the fridge to preserve the textures and flavors that make the Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bars with Pretzel Crust Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth for the filling?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add an extra bit of texture to the creamy layer, which some people really enjoy. Just be sure it’s well mixed and smooth before spreading.
Is it possible to make the crust gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free pretzels for the regular ones to make the crust gluten-free. Just check the packaging to ensure no gluten-containing ingredients sneak in.
Can these bars be made vegan?
This recipe relies heavily on butter and eggs, but you could experiment by using vegan butter substitutes and a flax or chia egg replacement. Keep in mind the texture and flavor might shift slightly, but the concept is certainly adaptable!
What’s the best way to cut Nanaimo bars cleanly?
Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water before slicing the bars. Wipe the knife clean between cuts to keep the edges crisp and tidy.
How long does the preparation and baking take?
From start to finish, you’re looking at about 39 minutes of active prep and baking time, plus at least two hours chilling to let everything set perfectly.
Final Thoughts
If you want to wow your friends and family with a dessert that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new, the Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bars with Pretzel Crust Recipe is your answer. Every bite offers a wonderful texture journey and familiar flavors with an exciting twist. Give this one a try—you might find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Oven-Roasted Kabocha Squash Cubes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 39 minutes plus 2 hours chilling
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Canadian
Description
Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bars with a crunchy pretzel crust combine the classic Canadian layered dessert with a salty twist. Featuring a baked pretzel crust infused with coconut, cinnamon, and cocoa, a smooth peanut butter filling, and a rich dark chocolate ganache, these bars offer a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors in each bite.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 1/2 cups pretzels (230 g)
- 1/2 cup sugar (100 g)
- 3/4 cup melted butter (180 ml)
- 2 eggs
- 80 g shredded coconut
- 1/2 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder (40 g)
Filling
- 320 g smooth peanut butter
- 1/3 cup butter (75 g)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups icing sugar (270 g) plus 2 tbsp
- 1/3 cup milk (80 ml)
Ganache
- 1.5 cups dark chocolate chips 70% (230 g)
- 3 tbsp butter (40 g)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Line a square baking tin (23 x 33 cm) with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grind the pretzels in a food processor, allowing for some larger chunks. Cream together sugar, melted cooled butter, and eggs for about 3 minutes until smooth. Add ground pretzels, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and cocoa powder, mixing until combined. Press this mixture firmly into the baking tin using wet hands or a metal measuring cup to create an even layer.
- Bake the crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until it loses its shine and is set. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before adding the filling.
- Make the filling: In a microwave-safe dish, heat the peanut butter, butter, and salt until melted and smooth. Transfer the mixture to a stand mixer and whip until cool. Gradually add the icing sugar and milk in small increments, continuing to whip until a smooth, creamy filling forms.
- Assemble filling layer: Spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the cooled pretzel crust base. Place the pan in the fridge to chill and set the filling layer.
- Prepare the ganache: Melt the dark chocolate chips and butter together over a hot water bath, stirring until fully combined and smooth.
- Finish the bars: Pour the ganache over the chilled peanut butter layer and smooth out with a spatula. Return the assembled bars to the fridge and chill for at least 2 hours until the ganache is firm and set.
Notes
- Ensure the crust is completely cooled before adding the filling to prevent melting.
- Use wet hands or a measuring cup to press the crust mixture firmly to avoid crumbling.
- Adjust the sweetness of the filling by adding more or less icing sugar according to taste.
- The ganache layer can be made with any dark chocolate of your choice, but 70% cocoa provides a nice balance of bittersweet flavor.
- Store the bars refrigerated and consume within 4-5 days for best freshness.
