Salted Peanut Bars
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Elevate your dessert game with Salted Peanut Bars! Indulge in layers of sweet, salty, and crunchy goodness that are pure delight. From the satisfying crunch of pretzels to the creamy smoothness of marshmallow fluff and peanut butter, these bars are the perfect combination of flavor and texture!
These Salted Peanut Bars are trouble! Haha. Every once and a while I make a sweet that I simply can’t resist. I’ve officially added these to the list. I couldn’t stop myself from grabbing one every time I walked past the container.
In an attempt to stop myself from eating them, I packed and stored them in the freezer. That couldn’t even stop me. I would just microwave one (let’s be honest .. two) for a few seconds and they were ready to be devoured.
These bars offer a texture and flavor journey that’s nothing short of extraordinary. I think you too will love these Salted Peanut Bars!
Why You’ll Enjoy This Recipe
- There’s magic in the sweet and salty coming together in every bite. The pretzel crust, marshmallow fluff, peanut butter, and salted peanuts create a symphony of taste that’s both satisfying and addictive. (You can’t stop at just one!)
- Impress without the stress. Crafted for both beginners and seasoned bakers, these bars offer a touch of elegance with minimal effort. Simple steps lead to a stunning dessert that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Whether you’re hosting a soirée, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply treating yourself and your loved ones, these bars are the ideal choice. Their visual allure and divine taste effortlessly transform any gathering into a memorable event.
Intrigued? Get ready to create, indulge, and share the magic of these Salted Peanut Bars. With a balance of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist, these bars are your ticket to dessert perfection.
Enjoy caramel dessert recipes? Then you won’t want to miss out on Salted Caramel Crumb Bars, Caramel Apple Muffins, or Salted Caramel Cheesecake Dip. YUM!
Ingredients
It’s time to put together these Salted Peanut Bars. Let’s start by gathering the ingredients.
- all-purpose flour
- pretzels
- baking powder
- baking soda
- butter
- brown sugar
- egg
- vanilla extract
- marshmallow cream
- creamy peanut butter
- confectioners’ sugar
- salted cocktail peanuts
- vanilla caramels
- milk
How To Make
Follow the simple instructions below to prepare these dessert bars. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with foil, extending the foil over the edges of the pan. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, crushed pretzels, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
- In a large bowl add the butter. Beat with a mixer at medium until smooth. Add in the brown sugar, egg, and vanilla. Beat until combined. (Scrape the bowl as needed.)
- Add in the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Spread this mixture into your prepared pan. Hold the foil in place as you spread the mixture into an even layer.
- Bake for about 12 to 14 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove and transfer to a wire rack. (No need to fully cool.)
- Add the marshmallow cream and peanut butter to a medium size bowl. Microwave for about 30 seconds or until softened; stir until smooth. Add in the confectioner’s sugar and stir until smooth. Spread over the warm crust. Sprinkle with peanuts, reserving a few for the end.
- Add the caramels and milk to a medium saucepan. Stir over medium-low heat until the caramels are melted and smooth. Pour the caramel mixture over the peanut butter mixture and spread evenly. (Avoid overworking as the layers will start to mix together.) Sprinkle with reserved (or additional) peanuts.
- Cool in the pan on a wire rack.
- Use the edges of the foil to lift the uncut bars out of the pan. Cut into squares or bars.
And that’s it! All that’s left to do is enjoy! You’re in for such a treat!
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- For a satisfyingly crunchy crust, make sure to crush the pretzels to a uniform and finely crushed size. I recommend using a food processor for this particular recipe.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This helps the layers set properly and makes slicing cleaner. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the bars in the refrigerator for a couple of hours.
- To achieve neat and clean cuts, use a sharp knife. You can also dip the knife in hot water and wipe it clean between cuts to prevent sticking.
- Store the bars in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, to maintain freshness. The bars can be stored at room temperature for a couple of days, or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.
Recipe Variations
While these Salted Peanut Bars are already a delightful treat, why not explore some creative variations to add a unique twist to this beloved dessert? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Experiment with different nut butters to infuse your bars with exciting flavors. Try almond butter for a slightly milder taste, or go bold with cashew butter for a creamy richness that complements the salty crunch perfectly.
- Elevate your bars with a drizzle of melted chocolate on top of the caramel and salted peanuts. The combination of chocolate and caramel is a match made in dessert heaven that will take your taste buds on a blissful journey.
- Enhance the salty allure by using gourmet sea salts for both the peanuts and the caramel drizzle. Experiment with unique salts like Himalayan pink salt or smoked sea salt for an elevated flavor profile.
- Infuse a tropical twist by sprinkling shredded coconut over the caramel layer. The coconut’s delicate flavor and texture create a harmonious blend with the peanuts and pretzels, offering a taste reminiscent of a beachy getaway.
Feel free to adapt and expand upon these variations based on your preferences and seasonal inspirations to make these a dessert bar you will love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now let me answer a few commonly asked questions that you may have when making, enjoying, and storing these Salted Peanut Bars.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for the filling?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter can add an extra layer of texture to your bars. The nutty crunch of the peanuts in the peanut butter will complement the overall texture of the dessert.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Not for this recipe. You want to use the melted caramels as stated in the recipe. These melted caramels will firm back up once cooled thus allowing the caramel layer to keep its shape.
What can I do if my bars are too soft?
If your bars turn out softer than desired, you can pop them in the refrigerator for a while to firm them up before slicing and serving. Additionally, double-check that you followed the measurements and steps accurately to achieve the proper consistency.
Can I freeze Salted Peanut Bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars for longer storage. Store the bars in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Thaw the bars in the refrigerator before serving.
More Dessert Bars You’ll Love
- Butterscotch Blondies
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Bars
- Cranberry Pumpkin Bars
- Cheerio Treat Bars
I hope these Salted Peanut Bars become a staple in your dessert repertoire, bringing smiles and satisfaction to every gathering, celebration, or sweet craving. Please give them a try! If you do, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.
Want more from Inspired by Charm? Follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my processes. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest!
Salted Peanut Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup very finely crushed pretzels (use food processor)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ⅔ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow cream
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 cup salted cocktail peanuts
- 1 package (14 ounces) vanilla caramels, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with foil, extending the foil over the edges of the pan. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, crushed pretzels, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
- In a large bowl add the butter. Beat with a mixer at medium until smooth. Add in the brown sugar, egg, and vanilla. Beat until combined. (Scrape the bowl as needed.)
- Add in the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Spread this mixture into your prepared pan. Hold the foil in place as you spread the mixture into an even layer.
- Bake for about 12 to 14 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove and transfer to a wire rack. (No need to fully cool.)
- Add the marshmallow cream and peanut butter to a medium size bowl. Microwave for about 30 seconds or until softened; stir until smooth. Add in the confectioner’s sugar and stir until smooth. Spread over the warm crust. Sprinkle with peanuts, reserving a few for the end.
- Add the caramels and milk to a medium saucepan. Stir over medium-low heat until the caramels are melted and smooth. Pour the caramel mixture over the peanut butter mixture and spread evenly. (Avoid overworking as the layers will start to mix together.) Sprinkle with reserved (or additional) peanuts.
- Cool in the pan on a wire rack.
- Use the edges of the foil to lift the uncut bars out of the pan. Cut into squares or bars.