No Bake Pretzel Bars

No Bake Pretzel Bars. I love the combination of sweet and salty. It is magic in the mouth! This is another great recipe for Arizona because when the heat hits 110+ degrees outside...no one wants to turn on their oven! This is a very casual dessert that is fun and easy. Great for a Friday evening with friends on the patio, potluck, BBQ or just watching Dr. Who movie marathon on the weekend! :)

This recipe was easily switched over to gluten free by using Snyder's Gluten Free Pretzels. (I found my gluten free Snyder's pretzels at Albertson's grocery store mixed in with the other Snyder's pretzels. They were the SAME price as the regular Snyder's pretzels which I thought was AWESOME! I get tired of getting gouged extra $$$ because it is gluten free! I was told that Whole Foods also carries the gluten free pretzels. If you can't find them at your grocery store, you can ask them to order them or you can purchase online at Amazon.com. I have also used the Glutino brand gluten free pretzels and they work great too! (They have a nice buttery flavor to them). Glutino brand GF pretzels are available at most Walmarts, Military Commissary Stores, Sprouts, Whole Foods, some Fry's/Kroger stores. The best price for them is at the Military Commissary Stores or Walmart. Look for Glutino brand in the "Gluten Free Aisle" since they are generally not located with the regular pretzels. Of course if you don't have a gluten allergy...you can just use regular pretzels!

No-Bake Pretzel Bars Recipe:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup peanut butter (you can use creamy or crunchy)
• 1 stick of real butter or margarine
• 2 cups crushed pretzels (I used GF Snyder's brand)
• 2 cups of butterscotch baking chips
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
• 1/4 cup whipping cream (or heavy cream)
• additional 1/2 cup pretzel pieces, coarsely chopped

Line a 9x13 pan with foil. Lightly coat the foil with cooking spray & set aside. In a large mixing bowl, stir together powdered sugar, peanut butter and melted butter. Stir in 2 cups of the crushed pretzels. Press firmly into the bottom of 9x13 foil lined pan. Melt the butterscotch pieces (I reserve a small amount to sprinkle on top) and whipping cream in microwave or on stove top in a saucepan just until butterscotch pieces are pretty much melted. Pour the melted butterscotch mixture over the "crust". Sprinkle the dark chocolate chips (and if you reserved any butterscotch baking pieces then sprinkle them on top too) + the remaining 1/2 cup crushed pretzels over the top. Gently press down. (I use a piece of waxed paper or the back of a rubber spatula to press down). Cover and chill for at least 2 hours to set. Cut into bars and enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this quick & easy no bake pretzel bar recipe. They are a great treat for the summer heat! :)

Tanja
Gluten Free Casually