s’mores pretzel bars

Modifying the original recipe, I found a bar that combines all my favorite things. The best part is? It’s subtly sweet meets salty is the perfect taste satisfier. As my usual test to my baking, I brought these bars into work  and let’s just say they were already asking for more.

INGREDIENTS:

Crust

1 + 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup ground pretzels (measure after crushing)

1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar

1/2 cup melted butter

Filling

2 cups dark chocolate chips

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

1 cup coarsely chopped pretzels, for topping

10 marshmallows for topping

 

 

DIRECTIONS:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9″ x 9″ baking pan with parchment, leaving long ends to use to remove the bars from the pan.

Crust:

• Whisk together the flour, ground pretzels and sugar until well combined. Mix in the melted butter using your fingers to evenly distribute it. You should have a soft but not wet dough.
• Press the dough evenly into the pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. While the crust cooks make the filling.

Filling:

• In a double boiler or using a microwave melt the chocolate chips, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth and creamy. Add the peanut butter and stir until well combined and smooth.
• Pour the filling over the warm crust and spread out evenly. Tap the pan on the counter to allow air bubbles to escape.
• Spread the filling evenly over the crust, and tap the pan on the counter a few times to remove air bubbles. Sprinkle the remaining crushed pretzels on top  with marshmallows and slightly press them down so they stick in the chocolate. Place pan back in oven to toast marshmallows for 5 minutes.
• Chill in the freezer for 1 hour. Use the parchment to lift the bars out of the pan onto a cutting board. Use a large chef’s knife to slice into squares or bars. Serve frozen, chilled or at room temperature.