Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars

Ingredients

• 2 cup creamy peanut butter (divided use)
• 2 cup powdered sugar (divided use)
• 3/4 cup butter (softened)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 cup roughly chopped pretzels (divided use)
• 1 12 oz package semi sweet chocolate chips, divided
• 1/2 cup roughly chopped dry roasted peanuts

Instructions

1. 1

   Line a 9 x 9-inch pan or baking dish with heavy duty aluminum foil leaving a 2-inch overhang to create handles to remove the bars from the pan. Spray lightly with cooking spray.

2. 2

   In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to beat together 1 1/4 cup peanut butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 1/2 sticks softened butter and vanilla until smooth.

3. 3

   By hand mix in 3 cup chopped pretzels, 1 cup powdered sugar and 1/2 cup chocolate chips. Stir until fully moistened. Press the peanut butter pretzel mixture firmly and evenly into the pan.

4. 4

   In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the remaining chocolate chips and 3/4 cup peanut butter in 30-second intervals. Repeat stirring until completely smooth. Pour over the pretzel bars and spread evenly.

5. 5

   Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/2 cup broken pretzels and chopped peanuts. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set. You can freeze to speed up the process.

6. 6

   Use foil handles to lift the bars from the pan. Use a sharp knife to cut into squares and serve. Store chilled for up to 5 days.