If you have a craving for something that beautifully marries salty crunch with creamy, decadent sweetness, the Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bars with Pretzel Crust Recipe is the perfect answer. This delightful twist on the classic Canadian treat introduces a crunchy pretzel crust that adds an irresistible salty edge, perfectly complementing the luscious peanut butter filling and rich chocolate ganache. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, with layers that balance textures and flavors in pure harmony.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients that each play a key role in delivering the perfect balance of taste and texture. From salty pretzels forming the crunchy base to silky peanut butter creating the rich middle layer, every ingredient contributes to making these bars uniquely satisfying.
- Pretzels (2 1/2 cups): Provide a salty crunch and essential texture for the crust—don’t worry about having a few larger bits for extra bite.
- Sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the crust and helps it hold together perfectly after baking.
- Melted Butter (3/4 cup): Brings moisture and richness to the crust, binding the crumbly pretzels into a firm base.
- Eggs (2): Act as a natural binder to give the crust structure and a slight tenderness.
- Shredded Coconut (80 g): Adds a subtle, tropical flavor and a little extra chew.
- Cinnamon (½ tbsp): Gives warmth and a hint of spice, enhancing all the flavors.
- Cocoa Powder (1/2 cup): Deepens the crust’s color and adds a touch of chocolate richness that pairs beautifully with peanut butter.
- Peanut Butter (320 g, smooth): The star of the filling layer—creamy, nutty, and utterly indulgent.
- Butter (1/3 cup + 3 tbsps): Adds richness to both the peanut butter filling and the chocolate ganache.
- Salt (½ tsp): Balances sweetness and highlights natural peanut flavors.
- Icing Sugar (2 cups + 2 tbsps): Sweetens and smooths out the peanut butter filling perfectly.
- Milk (1/3 cup): Helps achieve that silky, fluffy filling texture.
- Dark Chocolate Chips 70% (1.5 cups): For the luscious ganache topping—choose good quality chocolate for best results.
How to Make Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bars with Pretzel Crust Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the crust
Start by lining a 23×33 cm baking tin with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Then, pulse your pretzels in a food processor until they’re coarsely ground, with some larger bits left for good crunch. In a bowl, cream the sugar with the cooled melted butter and eggs for about 3 minutes until fluffy. Stir in the ground pretzels, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and cocoa powder, mixing until everything is well combined. Press this mixture firmly into your prepared pan—wetting your hands or using the bottom of a metal measuring cup works best to get an even layer. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust loses its shine and smells nutty. Once done, let the crust cool completely to prepare for the next creamy layer.
Step 2: Make the peanut butter filling
In a microwave-safe dish, gently heat the peanut butter, butter, and salt just until soft and easy to stir. Transfer the mixture to a stand mixer bowl and whip it until cool and fluffy. Gradually add the icing sugar and milk in small increments, whipping well after each addition to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. This luscious peanut butter filling is what makes these bars so uniquely rich and mouthwatering. Once ready, spread it evenly over the cooled pretzel crust layer and pop the pan into the fridge to chill and set.
Step 3: Prepare the chocolate ganache topping
For the show-stopping final touch, melt the dark chocolate chips together with butter over a hot water bath, stirring until silky smooth. Pour this glossy ganache over the chilled peanut butter layer and smooth the surface with a spatula for a polished finish. Return the baking pan to the fridge and let everything set for at least two hours until firm. These layers meld together into a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bars with Pretzel Crust Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the ganache before it sets adds a beautiful finishing touch that enhances the saltiness from the pretzel crust. You can also dust a tiny bit of cocoa powder or crushed pretzels for added texture and a lovely visual appeal. Fresh peanut halves scattered sparingly can hint at the peanut butter layer beneath and wow guests with their hint of crunch.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a simple scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to cool the richness. For a more grown-up pairing, try serving them alongside a cup of strong coffee or a bold black tea to balance the sweetness with deep, bitter notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut these bars into small bite-sized squares and arrange them on a tiered dessert stand for a fancy party spread. Alternatively, wrap individual pieces in parchment and tie them with colorful twine for charming homemade gifts. For a fun dessert twist, stack one between two small cookies to create the ultimate indulgent peanut butter sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep these bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making leftovers almost better the next day—but you’ll want to guard them closely from hungry snackers!
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bars with Pretzel Crust Recipe later, they freeze beautifully. Cut them into squares, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving for best texture.
Reheating
These bars are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer a softer texture after freezing, let them sit out for about 30 minutes before eating. Avoid microwaving, as this can cause the ganache to separate and lose its smooth finish.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Yes, but smooth peanut butter blends more evenly into the filling for that classic creamy texture. Using crunchy peanut butter will add a bit of extra texture, which some may love, but it might make the filling a little grainier.
Is there a substitute for pretzels in the crust?
If you’re not a fan of pretzels, graham cracker crumbs or crushed digestive biscuits can work as alternatives, though you’ll lose that signature salty crunch that balances the sweetness.
How long will these bars last at room temperature?
Because of the dairy content and peanut butter filling, it’s best to keep these bars refrigerated and not leave them out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
To make a vegan version, swap butter for plant-based margarine, use a flax egg substitute, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!
Is it necessary to use parchment paper when baking?
Using parchment paper makes it so much easier to lift the entire block out of the pan for cutting and serving. You can grease the pan, but parchment helps prevent sticking and ensures clean edges on your bars.
Final Thoughts
Now is the perfect time to dive into making your own batch of Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bars with Pretzel Crust Recipe, a show-stopper that brings together salty, sweet, creamy, and crunchy all in one bite. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or simply treating yourself, these bars deliver undeniable deliciousness that’s sure to become a favorite. Trust me, once you make them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this sensational dessert on your recipe radar!
Print
Mean Green Salad with Tahini Miso Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 39 minutes (plus additional 2 hours chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Canadian
Description
These Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bars with a crunchy pretzel crust combine sweet, salty, and creamy layers in a decadent no-bake treat with a baked crust base. Featuring a crispy pretzel and cocoa crust, a smooth peanut butter filling, and a silky dark chocolate ganache topping, this dessert offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, ideal for parties or indulgent snacks.
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 + 2 tbsp (270 g)
- 1/3 cup milk (80 ml)
Ganache
- 1.5 cups dark chocolate chips 70% (230 g)
- 3 tbsp butter (40 g)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Line a square baking tin measuring 23 x 33 cm with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking the crust.
- Prepare the crust ingredients: Place the pretzels into a food processor and grind them until mostly fine with some small chunks remaining to add texture.
- Make crust batter: In a mixing bowl, cream the sugar with melted cooled butter and eggs for about 3 minutes until well combined and creamy.
- Combine crust components: Add the ground pretzels, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and cocoa powder to the creamed sugar mixture. Mix well to form a uniform crust batter.
- Form and bake crust: Press the crust mixture firmly into the prepared baking tin using wet hands or a metal measuring cup to create an even layer. Bake in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust loses its shine and firms up. Let it cool completely.
- Prepare the filling: In a microwave-safe dish, heat peanut butter, butter, and salt until melted and combined. Transfer the mixture to a stand mixer and whip until cool. Gradually add the powdered sugar and milk in small increments, whipping continuously until a smooth, creamy filling forms.
- Assemble filling layer: Spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the cooled pretzel crust and chill in the refrigerator to set.
- Make the ganache: Melt the dark chocolate chips and butter together over a double boiler or hot water bath, stirring continuously until smooth and glossy.
- Top bars with ganache: Pour the warm ganache over the chilled peanut butter layer and smooth out the surface using a spatula.
- Set the bars: Return the assembled bars to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to allow the ganache to firm up completely before serving.
Notes
- Use wet hands or a metal measuring cup for easier pressing of the crust mixture into the pan.
- The crust can be baked a few minutes longer if it still looks shiny after 15 minutes.
- Be sure to whip the peanut butter mixture until cool before adding powdered sugar for best texture.
- Dark chocolate with 70% cocoa content adds a rich and slightly bitter balance to the sweet filling.
- Store the bars refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
- For easier slicing, chill the bars well and use a sharp knife warmed with hot water.
