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Delicious Peanut Butter Bars

Featured in Irresistible Sweet Treats.

These rich no-bake bars feature a mix of melted peanut butter and chocolate, packed with pretzels, marshmallows, M&Ms, and peanut butter cups for a fun treat.

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Updated on Tue, 15 Apr 2025 20:54:26 GMT
Close-up of chocolate squares with colorful candies, soft marshmallows, and pretzels on a dark backdrop. Pin it
Close-up of chocolate squares with colorful candies, soft marshmallows, and pretzels on a dark backdrop. | cuisinegenial.com

Crunchy Peanut Butter Candy Crackle Squares

These no-bake Crunchy Peanut Butter Candy Crackle Squares bring together incredible textures and tastes in every bite. The bottom layer combines velvety peanut butter with melted chocolate, topped with puffy marshmallows, salty pretzel pieces, and candy-coated chocolates. There's even a surprise middle section of peanut butter cups! Whip these up for any occasion—they're super adaptable with whatever goodies you've got in your pantry and perfect for gatherings or when you need a sweet treat fast!

What Makes These Squares Special

You'll fall in love with these treats because:

  • Fuss-free Prep: Mix everything together and let it chill—no oven needed.
  • Make It Yours: Switch up the add-ins based on what you like best.
  • Crunchy Meets Sweet: Enjoy chocolate richness paired with pretzel saltiness.
  • Crowd Favorite: They'll disappear fast at any family get-together or party.

What You'll Need for These Squares

  • Chocolate Chips: They create the gooey foundation when melted.
  • Coconut Oil: Makes your chocolate nice and smooth as it melts.
  • Peanut Butter: Gives that nutty, smooth touch everyone loves.
  • Marshmallows: Creates those soft, chewy pockets throughout.
  • Salted Pretzels: Adds that amazing salty crunch against the sweetness.
  • M&M's: Brings fun pops of color and candy-shell crunch.
  • Peanut Butter Cups: Creates an amazing surprise layer in the middle.

How to Make Them

Get Your Chocolate Ready
Put chocolate chips, coconut oil, and peanut butter in a big bowl that's microwave-safe. Heat for 30 seconds at a time, giving it a good stir until everything's melted together smoothly.
Toss in Your Extras
Gently mix in your marshmallows, broken pretzels, and M&M's until they're all covered in chocolate.
Create Your Surprise Middle
Pour half your mixture into a pan lined with parchment. Place peanut butter cups across the surface, then cover with the rest of your chocolate mix.
Let It Set
Pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours until it's firm enough to cut. Slice into squares when you're ready to enjoy.

Tricks for Amazing Results

  • Don't Use Old Marshmallows: They won't give you that nice soft texture you want.
  • Always Use Parchment: It'll help you lift the whole thing out easily when it's time to cut.
  • Too Sweet? No Problem: Throw in more pretzels or some unsalted nuts to balance it out.
  • Be Patient: Make sure they're completely set before cutting to get those clean edges.
Rich chocolate treats topped with mini marshmallows, colorful candy pieces, crunchy pretzels and fun sprinkles, shown close-up. Pin it
Rich chocolate treats topped with mini marshmallows, colorful candy pieces, crunchy pretzels and fun sprinkles, shown close-up. | cuisinegenial.com

Mix It Up Your Way

Try these tasty swap-ins to create your perfect version:

  • Any Nuts You Like: Throw in some toasted almonds, whole peanuts, or chopped pecans for extra crunch.
  • Broken Cookie Pieces: Smash up some of your favorite cookies to mix through.
  • Something Tangy: Add dried cranberries or cherries for a zingy contrast.
  • Caramel Crunch: Sprinkle in some toffee chunks for a buttery flavor twist.

Keeping Them Fresh

In the Fridge: They'll stay good in a sealed container for up to a week.

In the Freezer: Wrap each square separately in plastic, put them in a container, and they'll last about 3 months. Just let them thaw in the fridge before eating.

These squares are fantastic for taking to parties, enjoying with coffee, or wrapping up as homemade gifts. Everyone who tries them will want the recipe!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why use a double boiler?

It heats gently, so the chocolate doesn’t burn or clump.

→ Are these gluten-free-friendly?

You bet! Swap in GF pretzels and double-check labels on all your ingredients.

→ Why shake the pan after filling?

It helps everything settle and stick together better.

→ How long do they last?

Keep them fresh in the fridge, sealed tightly, for up to a week.

→ Can I switch up the add-ins?

Absolutely! Add whatever candies or nuts you like best.

Rocky Road Bars

Rich, chewy bars filled with peanut butter cups, marshmallows, pretzels, and M&Ms, all in a chocolate and peanut butter mix.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
55 Minutes
Total Time
75 Minutes
By: Ferdaous

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 9 Servings (1)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 12 ounces of lasagna pasta.
02 3 1/2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken.
03 1 ranch seasoning packet.
04 24 ounces of softened cream cheese.
05 1 cup of buffalo-style hot sauce.
06 1/2 cup of milk.
07 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese.
08 2 cups of mozzarella cheese.
09 Optional garnish: Ranch sauce.
10 Sliced green onions.
11 Crumbled blue cheese.

Instructions

Step 01

Follow the package instructions to cook the lasagna noodles until they're just tender.

Step 02

In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix together the softened cream cheese, ranch powder, buffalo sauce, and milk.

Step 03

Toss in one and a half cups each of cheddar and mozzarella, and mix until the texture is smooth.

Step 04

Coat a 9x13 pan with cooking spray to avoid sticking.

Step 05

Evenly spread a portion (about 1/4) of the cheese mixture over the greased pan's base.

Step 06

Lay down a layer of the cooked noodles, overlapping them just a bit to cover gaps.

Step 07

Spread another 1/4 portion of the cheese blend over the noodle layer.

Step 08

Scatter half the shredded chicken over the cheese mixture.

Step 09

Keep layering noodles, cheese, and chicken until you're out of chicken.

Step 10

Top off the dish with a final noodle layer and the last of the cheese mix.

Step 11

Sprinkle the reserved cup of cheddar and mozzarella over the top.

Step 12

Wrap the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.

Step 13

Take off the foil and bake another 10 minutes until the top browns nicely.

Step 14

Set the dish aside for about 8 to 10 minutes before cutting into it.

Step 15

Decorate with toppings like ranch, green onions, or blue cheese before serving, if you want.

Notes

  1. A fun mix of classic and spicy.
  2. Can be prepped ahead of time.
  3. You control how spicy it gets.
  4. A great way to use leftover chicken.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large baking pan (9x13).
  • Electric mixer with bowl.
  • Foil for covering.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (like cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella).
  • Made with wheat-based pasta.
  • May contain eggs (if in pasta).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 520
  • Total Fat: 38 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 32 g
  • Protein: 28 g