Peanut Butter, Hazelnut, Chocolate Pretzel Bars Recipe

by Alex Johnson 55 views

Hey there, fellow dessert enthusiasts! Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that combines the creamy goodness of peanut butter, the rich nuttiness of hazelnut, and the irresistible allure of chocolate, all topped off with the satisfying crunch of pretzels? If so, you've come to the right place! This recipe for Peanut Butter Hazelnut Chocolate Pretzel Bars is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for satisfying your sweet and salty cravings.

Why You'll Love These Bars

Before we dive into the recipe, let's talk about why these bars are so incredibly delicious. These bars are an amazing treat and you should try them out for yourself:

  • The Flavor Combination: The combination of peanut butter, hazelnut, and chocolate is a classic for a reason. The creamy peanut butter complements the rich, nutty hazelnut, while the chocolate adds a touch of sweetness and decadence. The pretzels provide a salty counterpoint that balances the sweetness perfectly.
  • The Texture: These bars offer a delightful textural experience, with a smooth and creamy filling, a crisp pretzel topping, and a slightly chewy base. The combination of textures is incredibly satisfying.
  • Easy to Make: Despite their impressive flavor and appearance, these bars are surprisingly easy to make. The recipe requires no special equipment or techniques, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
  • Customizable: This recipe is highly customizable. You can easily swap out the peanut butter for another nut butter, use different types of chocolate, or add other toppings like chopped nuts or sprinkles. Feel free to get creative and make these bars your own.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: These bars are perfect for any occasion, from a casual get-together to a holiday party. They're also great for gifting to friends and family.

Ingredients You'll Need

To make these delicious bars, you'll need the following ingredients:

For the Base:

  • All-purpose flour: The foundation of our chewy base. You'll need 1 1/2 cups.
  • Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb. We'll use 1/2 cup.
  • Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. Just a pinch, about 1/4 teaspoon.
  • Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the base. You'll need 1/2 cup (1 stick), melted.

For the Filling:

  • Peanut butter: The star of the show! Use your favorite creamy peanut butter, 1 cup should do the trick.
  • Hazelnut spread: Adds a delicious nutty flavor. Nutella or any similar hazelnut spread will work perfectly, about 1/2 cup.
  • Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps create a smooth, creamy texture. You'll need 1 cup.

For the Topping:

  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips: For that decadent chocolate layer. Grab 1 cup.
  • Unsalted butter: Helps melt the chocolate smoothly and adds shine. 1 tablespoon is all you need.
  • Pretzels: The salty, crunchy component! Use pretzel twists or sticks, and you'll need about 1 1/2 cups, coarsely crushed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we've gathered our ingredients, let's get baking! Here's a step-by-step guide to making these irresistible Peanut Butter Hazelnut Chocolate Pretzel Bars:

Step 1: Prepare the Base

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. This will make it much easier to lift the bars out later.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps for a smooth base.
  3. Pour in the melted butter and stir until a dough forms. The mixture should come together easily.
  4. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to create a smooth, even layer.
  5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The base should be set but not overly browned.

Step 2: Make the Filling

  1. While the base is baking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, hazelnut spread, and powdered sugar.
  2. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. The filling should be easy to spread.
  3. Once the base is out of the oven, let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. This prevents the filling from melting too much.
  4. Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the warm base. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create a smooth, even layer.

Step 3: Add the Chocolate Topping

  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butter.
  2. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, or it can seize up.
  3. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter filling and spread evenly. Again, an offset spatula works wonders here.
  4. Sprinkle the crushed pretzels evenly over the chocolate layer. Press them lightly into the chocolate so they adhere.

Step 4: Chill and Enjoy

  1. Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is set. This step is crucial for clean cuts and prevents the bars from being too messy.
  2. Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
  3. Cut into squares and enjoy! These bars are best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Tips for the Perfect Bars

Here are a few tips to ensure your Peanut Butter Hazelnut Chocolate Pretzel Bars turn out perfectly every time:

  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, use room temperature butter for the base and room temperature peanut butter and hazelnut spread for the filling. This helps everything mix together more smoothly.
  • Don't Overbake the Base: Overbaking the base can result in a dry, crumbly texture. Bake it just until the edges are lightly golden brown.
  • Melt the Chocolate Gently: Be careful not to overheat the chocolate when melting it. Microwave in short intervals and stir frequently.
  • Chill Thoroughly: Chilling the bars for at least 2 hours is essential for clean cuts and prevents the chocolate from melting when you slice them.
  • Get Creative with Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like chopped nuts, sprinkles, or a drizzle of white chocolate.

Variations to Try

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few variations to try:

  • Different Nut Butters: Swap the peanut butter for almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter.
  • Different Chocolate: Use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
  • Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped peanuts, hazelnuts, or almonds over the chocolate layer.
  • Add Caramel: Drizzle a layer of caramel over the peanut butter filling before adding the chocolate.
  • Make it Vegan: Use vegan butter, chocolate, and hazelnut spread to make these bars vegan-friendly.

Serving and Storing

These Peanut Butter Hazelnut Chocolate Pretzel Bars are best served chilled. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container.

Conclusion

There you have it – a recipe for Peanut Butter Hazelnut Chocolate Pretzel Bars that is sure to become a new favorite. With their irresistible combination of flavors and textures, these bars are perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these delectable treats! Happy baking!

For more information on baking and dessert recipes, you can check out trusted resources like Sally's Baking Addiction.