Peanut Butter Pretzel Clusters Recipe

Introduction

Peanut Butter Pretzel Clusters are a deliciously crunchy and sweet treat that combines salty pretzels, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate. These no-bake snacks are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or sharing at gatherings.

A black tray lined with parchment paper holds several clusters of rough-textured milk chocolate with visible small lumps and swirls, each topping a layer of flaky white sea salt. Around and under the clusters there are bright orange pretzels with a smooth, glossy texture, some whole and some partly hidden. A single dark brown date with a wrinkled surface peeks out near the bottom right. The surface under the tray is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 cups chopped pretzels
  • 1 cup chopped medjool dates
  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
  • Cadbury mini eggs, optional for nests

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Place the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a large microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth.
  3. Step 3: Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
  4. Step 4: Add the chopped pretzels and dates to the chocolate mixture. Stir well to coat all pieces evenly.
  5. Step 5: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet to form clusters. Ensure they do not touch. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top. For bird nests, gently press 3 Cadbury mini eggs onto each cluster.
  6. Step 6: Refrigerate clusters for 1 hour or until firm. Alternatively, freeze for 20 to 30 minutes to set faster. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

Tips & Variations

  • Use crunchy peanut butter for an extra bit of texture inside the clusters.
  • Swap semisweet chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate depending on your preference.
  • Try adding chopped nuts or dried cranberries for additional flavor and crunch.
  • If you prefer a sweeter date option, substitute medjool dates with dried cherries or apricots.
  • For a vegan version, ensure the chocolate chips and peanut butter used are plant-based.

Storage

Store the clusters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to eat after freezing, thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours. To refresh the crunch, allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows nine clusters of rich, glossy chocolate coating pieces of pretzel or similar snack, arranged on a brown parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each cluster is topped with three brightly colored candy-coated chocolate eggs in pastel yellow, blue, and pink, placed in the center of the chocolate mix. The chocolate appears thick and slightly melted, with an uneven, rugged texture from the covered pieces beneath. Small flakes of sea salt are lightly sprinkled around and on top of the clusters, adding a slight sparkle. The overall arrangement is neat with some space between each cluster, and the image is bright and clear to highlight the shiny chocolate and candy details. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a stove instead of a microwave to melt the chocolate?

Yes, you can melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil using a double boiler on the stove. Heat gently and stir frequently until smooth to avoid burning.

Can I substitute other nuts or nut butters in this recipe?

Absolutely. Almond butter or cashew butter work well as substitutes, but keep in mind the flavor and texture will slightly change. Make sure to use a creamy variety for easier mixing.

Print
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Peanut Butter Pretzel Clusters Recipe


  • Author: Mariam
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 20 clusters 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delicious and easy-to-make Peanut Butter Pretzel Clusters combine crunchy pretzels, sweet medjool dates, and smooth peanut butter coated in rich semisweet chocolate. Perfect as a snack or a sweet treat, these no-bake clusters can optionally be decorated with Cadbury mini eggs to create festive nests.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups chopped pretzels
  • 1 cup chopped medjool dates
  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For Garnish (Optional)

  • Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
  • Cadbury mini eggs, if you want to make nests

Instructions

  1. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside to keep clusters from sticking and for easy cleanup.
  2. Melt Chocolate Mixture: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
  3. Add Peanut Butter and Vanilla: Stir the creamy natural peanut butter and pure vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture until it is smooth and fully combined.
  4. Mix in Pretzels and Dates: Fold the chopped pretzels and medjool dates into the chocolate and peanut butter mixture until all pieces are evenly coated.
  5. Form Clusters: Drop spoonfuls (about 2 tablespoons each) of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring clusters do not touch. Sprinkle each cluster with flaky sea salt. For festive nests, gently press 3 Cadbury mini eggs on top of each cluster.
  6. Set the Clusters: Refrigerate the baking sheet for 1 hour until the chocolate is firm. Alternatively, freeze for 20 to 30 minutes to speed up setting.
  7. Store Properly: Once set, transfer clusters to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

  • Using creamy natural peanut butter helps achieve a smooth coating and pleasant texture.
  • Microwaving in short intervals prevents burning the chocolate.
  • Flaky sea salt enhances the flavor by balancing the sweetness.
  • For quicker preparation, freeze the clusters instead of refrigerating.
  • Clusters can be stored frozen; just allow them to thaw slightly before serving.
  • Optional Cadbury mini eggs add a festive touch but can be omitted for a simpler cluster.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: peanut butter pretzel clusters, no-bake snack, chocolate peanut butter treats, easy chocolate clusters, sweet and salty snack

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