Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars Recipe 455

NO-BAKE PEANUT BUTTER, CHOCOLATE AND PRETZEL BARS

Steps:

• Line an 8- or 9- inch square baking pan with foil.
• Melt 8 tablespoons of the butter and add to a large bowl. Add the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, vanilla and 1 cup of peanut butter and stir until well combined. Transfer the peanut butter mixture to the prepared baking pan and smooth with an offset spatula to create an even layer.
• Combine the chocolate chips, the remaining 4 tablespoons butter and the remaining tablespoon peanut butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted. Alternatively, this can be done over a double boiler. Pour the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter and smooth with an offset spatula. Arrange the pretzel sticks on the surface of the chocolate, pressing them lightly to adhere. Refrigerate until hardened, about 1 1/2 hours. Cut into squares to serve.

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER PRETZEL BARS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray. Let cookie dough stand at room temperature 10 minutes to soften.
• Finely chop 1 cup of the pretzels; place in large bowl. Add cookie dough and shortening. Beat with electric mixer on low speed until well mixed. Press dough evenly in pan. Bake 14 to 18 minutes or until crust is light golden brown. Remove from oven; cool 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in 2 quart heavy saucepan, heat sweetened condensed milk over medium heat 5 to 8 minutes, stirring constantly until hot and mixture is thin. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter and chocolate hazelnut spread until well blended. Spread over baked crust. Sprinkle with remaining 3/4 cup coarsely chopped pretzels. Bake 15 to 20 minutes longer or until edges are golden brown. Cool completely, about 1 1/2 hours. Drizzle with caramel syrup. Cut into 6 rows by 4 rows. Store covered.