No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Clusters are the perfect mix of salty and sweet! These tasty treats have crunchy pretzels and creamy peanut butter, all wrapped in a delightful chocolate coating.
Making these clusters is a breeze! Just combine the ingredients, shape them, and let them set. Plus, they’re great for sharing, but I won’t judge if you keep them all to yourself! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mini Pretzels: These give a wonderful crunch! If you prefer, you can use regular pretzels, but you might need to break them into smaller pieces.
Roasted Peanuts: Roughly chopped roasted peanuts add texture and flavor. If you need a nut-free option, try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch!
Creamy Peanut Butter: This is key for the rich flavor and binding the clusters. If you have a nut allergy, sunflower butter works equally well as a substitute.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: They provide the sweet chocolate coating everyone loves. Dark chocolate is a good option if you prefer a richer taste, or try milk chocolate for a sweeter finish.
Honey: This adds sweetness and helps bind the ingredients. Maple syrup can be used instead for a different flavor profile, while corn syrup keeps it smooth and sticky.
How Do You Melt Chocolate Without Burning It?
Melted chocolate is essential for dipping and coating your pretzel clusters, but it’s easy to burn it if you’re not careful. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat the chocolate chips in 20-second intervals. This prevents overheating.
- After each interval, stir the chocolate well. Even if it’s not melted completely, stirring helps it melt evenly.
- Avoid using high power—set the microwave to medium power if your machine has that option.
- If you prefer, melt chocolate using a double boiler. Simply place a heat-proof bowl over simmering water, stirring constantly until melted.
With these tips, you’ll get perfectly melted chocolate every time!
No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Clusters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
For the Binding Mixture:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons honey (or light corn syrup)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 30-40 minutes to chill and set in the refrigerator. So, in about an hour, you can enjoy these tasty treats with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the mini pretzels and the roughly chopped roasted peanuts. Give them a good stir so they mix together nicely. This is your crunchy base that will make up the clusters.
2. Make the Peanut Butter Mixture:
Next, in a microwave-safe bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and honey (or corn syrup). Microwave this mixture in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s smooth and easily pourable—this should take about a minute. If you want, add the vanilla extract for extra flavor.
3. Mix Everything Together:
Now, pour the peanut butter mixture over the pretzel and peanut combination in the large bowl. Stir everything together until all the pretzels and peanuts are well coated with the peanut butter mixture. You want every piece to have some of that delicious flavor!
4. Form the Clusters:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Using a spoon, scoop out portions of the mixture and place them on the parchment. Press them slightly to compact, forming clusters. Don’t worry about making them look perfect; they’ll be delicious either way!
5. Chill the Clusters:
Pop the baking sheet with the clusters into the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This helps them firm up so they hold their shape when you dip them in chocolate.
6. Melt the Chocolate:
While the clusters chill, you can melt the chocolate chips. Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-second bursts, stirring each time until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted.
7. Coat the Clusters:
Once the clusters are chilled, dip the top of each cluster into the melted chocolate, or you can drizzle the chocolate over them for a nice coating. Make sure to do this quickly, so the chocolate doesn’t harden while you’re working!
8. Add Sea Salt:
After coating, place the clusters back on the parchment paper. Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top of each cluster to add a touch of savory flavor to the sweet chocolate.
9. Final Chill:
Return the baking sheet to the refrigerator for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate sets completely. Your clusters are now almost ready!
10. Store and Enjoy:
Once set, store your no-bake peanut butter pretzel clusters in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy them. Trust me, these crunchy, sweet, and salty treats will be a hit!
Enjoy these wonderful no-bake clusters that blend salty pretzels, rich peanut butter, and luscious chocolate into every bite!
Can I Use Different Nuts in These Clusters?
Absolutely! While roasted peanuts are traditional, you can experiment with other nuts like almonds, cashews, or pecans. Just make sure they are roughly chopped for the best texture!
How Should I Store These Clusters?
Store your clusters in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 1 week. If you prefer, you can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make these clusters vegan, simply swap out the creamy peanut butter for a vegan-friendly option and use dairy-free chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet ones. You can still use maple syrup as a sweetener!
What If My Chocolate Doesn’t Melt Smoothly?
If your chocolate is clumpy or doesn’t melt completely, try adding a teaspoon of coconut oil to the chocolate before melting. This helps it achieve a smoother consistency. Just be sure to melt in small intervals and stir well in between to avoid burning!
