If you’re looking for a fast, no-bake treat that hits the perfect balance between sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy, these No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Clusters are exactly what you need. They come together in minutes, require only simple pantry ingredients, and set beautifully in the fridge without any baking.
Perfect for parties, holiday trays, lunchbox snacks, or anytime you want a quick homemade dessert without turning on the oven.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pretzel sticks, broken into small pieces
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, helps chocolate melt smoother and glossier)
- Sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Peanut Butter Base
In a medium bowl, mix the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes smooth, thick, and slightly stiff.
This forms the sticky base that will hold the pretzel pieces together.
2. Add the Pretzels
Fold the broken pretzel sticks into the peanut butter mixture.
Stir until all pieces are evenly coated—the salty crunch of the pretzels balances the sweetness perfectly.
3. Shape the Clusters
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Using a spoon, drop generous mounds of the mixture onto the sheet, leaving a bit of space between each cluster.
You can gently shape them with your fingers or the back of a spoon to form tidy rounds.
4. Melt the Chocolate
Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.
Add the coconut oil if you’re using it.
Microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
5. Add the Chocolate Topping
Drizzle or spoon the melted chocolate over each cluster.
For a gourmet touch, lightly sprinkle sea salt on top while the chocolate is still soft.
6. Chill to Set
Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator.
Chill for about 30 minutes, or until the clusters are completely firm.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Let thaw for 5–10 minutes before eating.
Tips & Variations
- Use chunky peanut butter for extra texture.
- Add mini marshmallows for a sweet, chewy twist.
- Mix in a handful of crushed peanuts or crushed pretzels for more crunch.
- Drizzle white chocolate on top after chilling for a bakery-style finish.
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate.