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Learn how to make peanut butter bark, the easiest no bake dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth!
It’s flexible based on what you have in the pantry, and it’s so easy to make. In fact, it’s a little dangerous, once you know the basic technique.
I should have labeled this dessert week, but I’m in denial. We’ve been eating a lot of desserts, okay?
In fact, one night the sweet tooth got so serious that I quickly whipped up a dessert that I learned in my elementary school cooking class – peanut butter bark. This recipe is one you can have a lot of fun with, customizing it based on what you have in your home.
It’s a great way to use the excess Halloween candy that enters your home! In fact, it’s a fun recipe to get kids involved.
The basics of peanut butter bark are melted peanut butter chips, chocolate and candy. I add pretzels for a touch of that sweet and salty flavor I always crave, plus I love a great crunch!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love this Peanut Butter Bark
- No Bake
- So Easy to Make
- Flexible Ingredients
- Sweet and Salty
I’m a big fan of no bake desserts. In fact, you can get this FREE incredible recipe guide to 20 Incredible No Bake Desserts here!
Peanut Butter Bark Ingredients
- Peanut butter chips – These make it so easy!
- Chocolate Chips – Or any type of chocolate you can melt.
- Pretzels – For an added crunchy, salty bite.
- Candy – Feel free to throw in whatever you have on hand! We used mini peanut butter cups.
- Marshmallows – For an extra layer of texture and sweetness.
Variations
- Add different candies – M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, different types of chocolate chips, nuts etc.
- Instead of pretzels, try graham crackers, nilla wafers, or your favorite salty snack addition.
Love all the peanut butter recipes? Don’t miss this free guide, and learn how to make peanut butter here!
How to Make Peanut Butter Bark
- Melt peanut butter chips as directed. Spread them onto a parchment lined cookie sheet.
- Now, melt the chocolate chips. Swirl in melted chocolate.
- Add pretzels for a little crunch. Add candy and/or marshmallows.
- Allow to set until firm. Resist the temptation to eat it with a spoon.
- Once it’s solid, use a knife to cut the bark.
Tips
- Use a heat-proof spatula to spread the peanut butter and chocolate layers.
- For the chocolate, we use a good quality semisweet chocolate chip because that’s what we tend to have on hand. You can use milk or dark chocolate if you prefer.
- Not a fan of pretzels or marshmallows? How about topping the chocolate with chopped nuts, crushed candy canes, M&M’s, sprinkles… the options are endless!
- For faster set-up, you can throw the entire pan into your refrigerator!
Halving, doubling or tripling a recipe? Use this Measurement Conversion Chart. Need a Baking Substitution? We’ve got those too!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is chocolate bark called bark?
Chocolate bark is originally shards of chocolate, which can curl and tend to look like actual bark from a tree.
Can you melt peanut butter for this bark, instead of chips?
While melted peanut butter is super delicious, it won’t set back up and form the bark that makes this no bake dessert more of a candy!
Dietary Considerations
- Vegetarian
- Gluten Free
- Dairy Free – Choose a dairy free chocolate option!
How to Store
- Room Temperature – You can store this peanut butter bark for up to 4-5 days at room temperature. Be sure to wrap it air tight, especially if using marshmallows!
- Refrigerator – You can store this peanut butter bark for up to two weeks in the fridge in an airtight container.
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Peanut Butter Bark
A quick and easy sweet and salty candy you can't resist!
Yield
Ingredients
- 10 ounces peanut butter chips
- 8 ounces chocolate chips
- 1 cup pretzels
- 1 cup candy Reese's Peanut Butter cups or other
- 1 cup marshmallows
Instructions
- Melt peanut butter chips in the microwave at medium power in 30 second increments and stir until smooth.
- Spread peanut butter mixture onto parchment lined cookie sheet.
- Melt chocolate chips in the microwave at medium power in 30 second increments and stir until smooth.
- Swirl in melted chocolate.
- Add pretzels and candy, lightly pressing down to adhere.
- Allow to set until solid.
Tips
- Use a heat-proof spatula to spread the peanut butter and chocolate layers.
- For the chocolate, we use a good quality semisweet chocolate chip because that’s what we tend to have on hand. You can use milk or dark chocolate if you prefer.
- Add different candies – M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, different types of chocolate chips, nuts etc.
- Instead of pretzels, try graham crackers, nilla wafers, or your favorite salty snack addition.
- For faster set-up, you can throw the entire pan into your refrigerator!
Nutrition Information
Calories: 144kcal (7%), Carbohydrates: 20g (7%), Protein: 3g (6%), Fat: 6g (9%), Saturated Fat: 4g (20%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 3mg (1%), Sodium: 81mg (3%), Potassium: 32mg (1%), Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugar: 15g (17%), Vitamin A: 19IU, Vitamin C: 0.1mg, Calcium: 14mg (1%), Iron: 0.5mg (3%)
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
It’s a good thing all desserts aren’t this easy! Enjoy!
Hannah says
Peanut butter and pretzels is the best combo!
Sue says
I am planning on trying the peanut butter bark…how long does it keep?
Julie says
It never lasts for more than a few days in our home, but should keep for a while, just as peanut butter and chocolate do. Enjoy!
Sandy @ RE says
Beautiful and it looks and sounds so tasty! FUN for the holidays ahead!