If you’re looking for a sweet and salty treat that’s both simple and satisfying, look no further than Lunch Lady Pretzel Bars. These no-bake bars come together quickly and pack a flavor punch that both kids and adults will love. Their delightful combination of crunchy pretzels and creamy peanut butter makes them the perfect snack for busy days or an after-school treat!
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 290
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fat: 17g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 150mg
Why Make Lunch Lady Pretzel Bars
Lunch Lady Pretzel Bars are more than just a delicious dessert; they are versatile and can fit into various dietary preferences! Packed with protein from the peanut butter and a delightful crunch from the pretzels, these bars can satisfy cravings without as much refined sugar as traditional desserts. They’re perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or even for a sweet treat while watching a movie.
How to Make Lunch Lady Pretzel Bars Step by Step
Ingredients
2 cups mini pretzels, crushed
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Whole mini pretzels, for topping
Directions
In a large bowl, mix crushed pretzels, graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until combined.
Line an 8×8 or 9×9 pan with parchment paper and press the mixture evenly into the bottom.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of butter in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Pour the chocolate over the base and spread evenly.
Press whole mini pretzels into the chocolate while still soft.
Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours until firm.
Lift from the pan and slice into bars with a sharp knife.
How to Serve Lunch Lady Pretzel Bars
Lunch Lady Pretzel Bars are delicious on their own, but they can be paired with a variety of sides. Try serving them with a cold glass of milk or alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat. You might also consider topping them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzling some caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert experience.
How to Store Lunch Lady Pretzel Bars
To keep your Lunch Lady Pretzel Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will remain delicious for up to one week. If you want to enjoy them for longer, you can also freeze them. Just wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight.
Expert Tips for Cooking Lunch Lady Pretzel Bars
- Use any type of nut butter you prefer; almond or cashew butters work great too!
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of salt to the chocolate mixture before pouring it over the bars.
- Make sure to crush the pretzels finely to ensure an even texture throughout the bars.
- Press the mini pretzels down firmly to keep them in place as the chocolate sets.
- Feel free to mix in additional toppings, like mini marshmallows or dried fruit, for a fun twist!
Delicious Variations of Lunch Lady Pretzel Bars
- Add a touch of spice by mixing in cayenne pepper or chili powder to the chocolate.
- For a citrus twist, add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the peanut butter mixture.
- Swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile.
These Lunch Lady Pretzel Bars are a must-try! With their incredible flavor and simple preparation, they’re bound to become a favorite for everyone. So grab your ingredients and get ready to whip up a batch of these delicious treats!
Lunch Lady Pretzel Bars
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 cups mini pretzels, crushed
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
Chocolate Topping
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon butter For melting with the chocolate
- Whole mini pretzels, for topping
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, mix crushed pretzels, graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Line an 8×8 or 9×9 pan with parchment paper and press the mixture evenly into the bottom.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of butter in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the chocolate over the base and spread evenly.
- Press whole mini pretzels into the chocolate while still soft.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours until firm.
- Lift from the pan and slice into bars with a sharp knife.
