These no-bake peanut butter pretzel clusters are the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy. Made with simple pantry ingredients and no oven required, they come together quickly and set into irresistible bite-sized treats that are ideal for snacking, gifting, or last-minute desserts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it requires no baking and very little time, making it perfect for busy days. The contrast between creamy peanut butter, crisp pretzels, and smooth chocolate creates a satisfying texture in every bite. It’s a foolproof recipe with minimal cleanup, and the clusters are easy to customize based on what you have on hand.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 1/2 cups mini pretzel twists, broken into bite-size pieces
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
2. In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the peanut butter and butter. Stir continuously until melted and smooth.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined.
4. Add the broken pretzels to the peanut butter mixture and gently fold until all pretzel pieces are evenly coated.
5. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.
6. Pour the melted chocolate into the pretzel mixture and fold gently until everything is well coated.
7. Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, drop clusters onto the prepared baking sheet.
8. Refrigerate for about 20 minutes, or until the clusters are firm and set.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 18 clusters.
Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with an additional 20 minutes for chilling.
Total time: approximately 35 minutes.

Variations

You can swap milk chocolate for dark or white chocolate for a different flavor profile. Add chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dried fruit for extra texture. For a sweeter cluster, drizzle additional melted chocolate over the top before chilling.

Storage/Reheating

Store the clusters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. They can also be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days if your kitchen is cool. These treats do not require reheating and are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter works well and adds extra texture to the clusters.

Do I have to refrigerate the clusters?

Refrigeration helps them set faster and stay firm, but they can also set at room temperature.

Can I freeze peanut butter pretzel clusters?

Yes, they freeze well for up to 2 months in an airtight container.

What type of pretzels work best?

Mini pretzel twists or sticks work best because they are easy to break into bite-size pieces.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can use dairy-free chocolate chips and a plant-based butter alternative.

How do I prevent the chocolate from burning?

Melt the chocolate slowly in short intervals and stir frequently.

Are these clusters very sweet?

They have a balanced sweet-and-salty flavor, but you can reduce the powdered sugar slightly if desired.

Can kids help make this recipe?

Yes, this is a great no-bake recipe for kids with adult supervision during melting steps.

Why are my clusters too soft?

They may need more chilling time or slightly more chocolate to help them firm up.

Can I make smaller or larger clusters?

Absolutely, adjust the size based on preference, keeping in mind that setting time may vary.

Conclusion

Peanut butter pretzel clusters are an easy, no-bake treat that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re making them for a quick snack, a party platter, or a homemade gift, these clusters are sure to be a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.

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