No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Clusters are a fun treat that’s super easy to make! You’ll love the mix of salty pretzels and creamy peanut butter wrapped up in chocolate.
These little bites are perfect for a snack or dessert. I can’t help but sneak a few whenever I make them. They disappear fast, so be ready to share (or not)! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pretzels: Mini twists work great, but feel free to use pretzel sticks or even crushed pretzels for different textures. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free pretzels.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips give the perfect balance. You can swap them for milk chocolate for a sweeter taste or dark chocolate for a richer flavor. Look for dairy-free options if needed!
Peanut Butter: I prefer creamy for a smooth mix, but crunchy peanut butter adds a fun crunch. If allergies are a concern, almond or sunflower seed butter are tasty substitutes.
Flaky Sea Salt: This is optional but really enhances the overall flavor. If you don’t have it, regular salt is fine, but go easy on it!
How Do I Melt Chocolate and Peanut Butter Perfectly?
Melt chocolate and peanut butter together to create a creamy coating for your pretzels. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use a microwave-safe bowl to prevent burns. Combine chocolate chips and peanut butter in equal parts.
- Microwave for 30 seconds at a time. Stir after each interval until the mixture is smooth. This helps prevent scorching.
- If it seems thick, add a little more peanut butter to maintain a good consistency for coating.
Follow these tips, and your clusters will turn out perfectly every time!
No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Clusters Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Clusters:
- 2 cups pretzels (mini twists or sticks)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- Flaky sea salt for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 30 minutes to set in the fridge, making it a quick and easy sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Sheet:
Start by lining a baking sheet or plate with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will help prevent the clusters from sticking, so they are easy to remove later.
2. Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter. Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each time, until it’s smooth and fully melted. Be patient and keep stirring—this will help it melt evenly and prevent burning!
3. Coat the Pretzels:
Add the pretzels to the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture. Gently fold the pretzels into the mixture, ensuring that they are all well coated. Take your time, so every pretzel gets that delicious, creamy goodness!
4. Make the Clusters:
Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart so they don’t stick together. Each cluster should be about the size of a golf ball or smaller, depending on your preference.
5. Add Some Salt:
If you like a little extra flavor, sprinkle a small pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cluster while the mixture is still wet. This salty-sweet combo is to die for!
6. Chill to Set:
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and let the clusters chill for about 30 minutes or until they are firm and set. This step is important to help them hold their shape.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Once the clusters are set, remove them from the refrigerator, and you can enjoy these tasty treats right away! If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh and delicious.
Enjoy your delightful, salty-sweet no-bake treat!
Can I Use Different Types of Nut Butters?
Absolutely! You can substitute creamy peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. Just make sure the alternative has a similar creamy consistency for the best coating.
How Should I Store the Clusters?
Store the no-bake peanut butter pretzel clusters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to keep them for longer, they can also be frozen for 1-2 months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Make These Clusters Without Chocolate?
Yes! You can leave out the chocolate if you prefer a healthier option. Instead, try drizzling the pretzels with a little honey or pure maple syrup and then chilling them to set. They’ll still be deliciously crunchy and sweet!
What If the Mixture is Too Thick?
If the chocolate-peanut butter mixture seems too thick to coat the pretzels well, you can add a splash of coconut oil or a little more peanut butter and microwave it for a few more seconds. This will help achieve a smoother consistency for easier dipping!
