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Sweet & Crunchy Peanut Butter Squares
These no-bake Peanut Butter Squares blend amazing textures and flavors in every bite. The bottom layer combines fudgy chocolate and smooth peanut butter, topped with puffy marshmallows, salty pretzels, and candy-coated chocolates. Hidden inside you'll find a surprise layer of peanut butter cups. They're super adaptable with whatever extras you fancy, making them ideal for gatherings, special occasions, or just treating yourself!
What Makes These Squares Special
Everyone can't get enough of these tasty treats because:
- Super Simple: Mix everything together and chill—no oven needed.
- Make Them Yours: Throw in whatever goodies you prefer.
- Taste Balance: Chocolatey richness paired with crunchy, salty bits.
- Great for Groups: Bring them to family dinners, parties, or pack as gifts.
What You'll Need for Peanut Butter Squares
- Chocolate Chips: They create the rich, fudgy foundation.
- Coconut Oil: Makes the chocolate silky smooth with a nice finish.
- Peanut Butter: Gives that velvety texture and nutty taste.
- Marshmallows: Essential for that classic puffy, soft contrast.
- Salted Pretzels: Adds the perfect salty crunch against the sweetness.
- M&M's: Brings bright pops of color and extra crunch.
- Peanut Butter Cups: Creates an amazing surprise middle layer.
How to Make Them
- Create Your Chocolate Base
- Put chocolate chips, coconut oil, and peanut butter in a bowl you can microwave. Heat for 30 seconds at a time, giving it a good stir until everything's melted together.
- Mix Your Toppings
- Gently stir in the marshmallows, pretzels, and M&M's until they're all coated in chocolate.
- Build Your Middle
- Pour half your mixture into a pan lined with parchment. Lay out peanut butter cups across it, then cover with the rest of your mixture.
- Let It Set
- Pop it in the fridge for about 2 hours until it's firm. Then cut into squares and enjoy.
Tricks for Amazing Squares
- Go for New Marshmallows: Older ones don't have that soft, fluffy bite.
- Don't Skip the Paper: Parchment makes lifting and cutting so much easier.
- Too Sweet? Toss in more pretzels or some plain nuts to balance it out.
- Be Patient: Let them get totally firm before cutting for clean edges.
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Ways to Switch Things Up
Try these tasty variations to make the squares your own:
- Any Nuts You Like: Throw in some toasted almonds, peanuts, or pecans for extra crunch.
- Broken Cookies: Smash up some cookies to mix in for more texture.
- Something Tangy: Mix in dried cranberries or cherries for a zingy contrast.
- Caramel Twist: Sprinkle in some toffee chunks for a buttery flavor.
Keeping & Sharing
In the Fridge: Pop them in a sealed container and they'll stay good for a week.
In the Freezer: Wrap each square in plastic, put them in a container, and they'll keep for 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before eating.
These Peanut Butter Squares are fantastic for giving as gifts, munching on, or bringing to get-togethers—they'll disappear fast!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why melt chocolate with a double boiler?
It keeps the chocolate from overheating, which can make it clump up or burn.
- → Can these bars be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Look for gluten-free pretzels and double-check that your other ingredients are GF-certified.
- → What’s the deal with tapping the pan on the counter?
It gets rid of air pockets and helps all the ingredients stick together better.
- → How long will these treats stay good?
Keep them in a sealed container in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for about a week.
- → Can I swap the mix-ins?
Of course! Add whatever you love—your favorite candy or some crunchy nuts would work great.