Introduction

These Peanut Butter Pretzel Magic Bars combine salty, sweet, and crunchy elements into one irresistible treat. Layers of peanut butter, chocolate, and butterscotch chips come together with a crunchy pretzel base for a perfect dessert or snack. They’re easy to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

4 cups mini pretzel twists (divided into 3½ cups and ½ cup for optional garnish)
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
10 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
1 cup creamy peanut butter (I used Reese’s brand)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (I used Hershey’s brand)
1½ cups peanut butter chips (I used Reese’s brand)
1½ cups milk chocolate chips (I used Toll House brand)
1¼ cups sweetened coconut flakes
1 cup butterscotch flavored chips (I used Toll House brand)
14 ounces (396-gram) can of sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9 baking dish with heavy-duty aluminum foil, leaving an overhang to lift the bars later. Generously spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray or butter the foil.
Step 2: Crush 3½ cups of mini pretzel twists into small crumbs using a food processor or place them in a gallon-size ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin or flat side of a meat mallet.
Step 3: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels and granulated sugar. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is fully coated.
Step 4: Press the buttered pretzel mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish using a flat-bottomed measuring cup or your hands. Set aside.
Step 5: In a small microwave-safe bowl, heat the creamy peanut butter for 40-45 seconds on full power. Stir well. Add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and stir until smooth and melted. Pour this mixture evenly over the pretzel crust and spread with a spatula.
Step 6: In a large mixing bowl, combine peanut butter chips, milk chocolate chips, coconut flakes, and butterscotch chips. Pour the sweetened condensed milk over this mixture and stir to coat thoroughly. Spread the mixture evenly over the peanut butter chocolate layer.
Step 7: Bake for 30 minutes until the edges turn a deep golden brown. Remove from oven, then immediately sprinkle the reserved ½ cup mini pretzels on top and gently press them down.
Step 8: Let the bars cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour. Use the foil overhang to lift the bars from the dish. Peel off the foil, place on a cutting board, and slice into 4 by 4 squares before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, lightly toast the coconut flakes before adding to the mixture.
Swap the butterscotch chips for white chocolate chips for a different sweet note.
If you prefer a saltier crunch, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking.
Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture.

Storage

Store the magic bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing. To enjoy, serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a layered dessert bar on white parchment paper placed on a wooden board. The bar has four distinct layers: the bottom layer is dark brown and dense, likely a cookie or brownie base; above it is a thick, chunky middle layer with a mix of light brown, beige, and chocolate colors, which looks like a mixture of nuts, chocolate chips, and other ingredients; the top layer is a light, creamy layer sprinkled with white flakes and covered with whole golden-brown pretzel pieces arranged evenly. Other similar bars are partly visible around it on the white marbled surface, with a single pretzel also in the foreground. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars nut-free?

Since peanut butter and peanut butter chips are key ingredients, nut-free substitutes are difficult. However, you might try sunflower seed butter and corresponding chips to adapt the recipe.

What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?

Sweetened condensed milk adds sweetness and helps bind the bars. You can try making a substitute by simmering evaporated milk with sugar until thickened, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly.