Peanut Butter Road Bars

Featured in Sweet Endings: Irresistible Desserts.

These rich, chewy no-bake bars layer peanut butter-chocolate mixture with marshmallows, pretzels, and candies, offering the perfect holiday treat.

A chef holding a plate of food.
Updated on Sat, 19 Apr 2025 00:31:20 GMT
Up-close shot of chocolate-packed treats with marshmallows, candies, pretzels, and chocolate drizzle on parchment. Pin it
Up-close shot of chocolate-packed treats with marshmallows, candies, pretzels, and chocolate drizzle on parchment. | linacooks.com
  • Check out these knockout rocky road treats that'll flip your snack world upside down! They're packed with all the good stuff - gooey peanut butter, chocolate, fluffy marshmallows, snappy pretzels, colorful M&Ms, and hidden peanut butter cups tucked in the middle. The cool thing? They come together in no time, and you can toss in whatever goodies you fancy!

Time To Begin

The Fantastic Foundation
We kick off with this mind-blowing fudgy blend where melted chocolate meets peanut butter and coconut oil for ultimate smoothness.
Every Tasty Add-In
This chocolate mixture wraps around puffy marshmallows, crunchy pretzels, bright M&Ms, and whole peanut butter cups too!
Absolute Wonder
Each mouthful brings something different — squishy marshmallows, brittle pretzels, candy snap, and that wonderful peanut butter hidden treasure!

Gather Your Supplies

  • Semi-sweet Chocolate: 2 cups to melt for your base
  • Creamy Peanut Butter: 1 cup gives that soft, fudgy feel
  • Pure Coconut Oil: 2 tablespoons makes sure it all firms up
  • Mini Marshmallows: 2 cups for that true rocky road vibe
  • Salty Pretzels: 1 cup broken into chunks
  • Colorful M&Ms: 1 cup for sweet crunch and bright pops
  • Peanut Butter Cups: 12 whole cups for the surprise center
  • Special Equipment: 9x13 pan parchment paper

Creating The Treat

Get Your Pan Ready
Cover a baking pan with parchment paper so you can pull out your treats with no trouble!
Create Your Base
Gently melt the chocolate, peanut butter, and coconut oil until it's completely smooth. This is what holds everything together!
Combine Everything
Don't waste time! Stir in the marshmallows, pretzels, M&Ms — coat all the goodies in chocolate.
Build Your Layers
Spread half the mixture in your pan, arrange peanut butter cups on top, then cover with what's left.
Cool It Down
Stick it in the fridge and let it harden up — tastes even more amazing when chilled!

Nailing The Recipe

Ingredients Count
Better chocolate, better peanut butter makes the whole thing taste fantastic.
Keep Moving
After melting the chocolate, don't slow down — it starts to harden pretty fast!
Mix Thoroughly
Stir everything well — you want all the good bits spread through every bite.

What Makes These Special

Crowd Pleaser
Simple to whip up, feeds lots of people, and looks totally amazing!
Fun For Children
Get the kids to add the mix-ins — they'll love being your kitchen helpers.
Never The Same Twice
Switch up what you mix in based on your pantry — makes each batch uniquely yours!
A chocolate dessert topped with colorful candy, pretzels, and marshmallows, with a slice cut out revealing its layered texture. Pin it
A chocolate dessert topped with colorful candy, pretzels, and marshmallows, with a slice cut out revealing its layered texture. | linacooks.com

How To Keep Them Fresh

On The Counter
Store your tasty squares in a sealed container — they'll stay good at room temperature for about 5 days if they don't vanish first! Put wax paper between layers so they won't stick.
In The Fridge
Want an extra fudgy treat? Keep them in the fridge for up to two weeks. The chocolate gets firmer — actually improves the taste! Just let them sit out a bit before you dig in.
In The Freezer
Made too many? They freeze wonderfully! Wrap them first in plastic then aluminum foil — keeps them tasty for three months. Let them thaw overnight in your fridge when you're craving one.
Taking Them Places
Bringing them to a gathering? Keep them cool, especially when it's hot — the chocolate might get runny. Pack them with ice packs — works like a charm!
Smart Cutting
Slice them while cold — gives you neater pieces. Have napkins ready — they're worth messy fingers! About two-inch squares work great — perfect for sharing.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the purpose of double boiling?

It stops the chocolate from burning or clumping.

→ Can milk chocolate work here?

Absolutely, but it’ll turn out sweeter than dark.

→ Why do we tap the pan on the counter?

It makes everything settle better and removes air gaps.

→ Is swapping peanut butter cups okay?

Sure, use any type. Trees just add a holiday vibe.

→ What’s the best way to store these bars?

They’re good in the fridge for up to two weeks.

→ Can I make these using gluten-free stuff?

Yep! Gluten-free pretzels and candies will do the trick.

→ Why let the chocolate cool first?

So the marshmallows don’t melt into a mess.

Peanut Butter Bars

Sweet no-bake bars mixing chocolate and peanut butter, stuffed with marshmallows, pretzels, M&Ms, and festive Reese's shapes.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
90 Minutes
By: Paolina

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 15 Servings (15)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 cup crushed pretzels.
02 12 dark chocolate Reese's trees.
03 3/4 cup smooth peanut butter.
04 Sprinkles for garnish.
05 3 tablespoons butter or coconut oil, melted.
06 2 cups tiny marshmallows.
07 1/2 cup M&Ms, plus extra for topping.
08 12 ounces chocolate chips.

Instructions

Step 01

Put parchment paper in your 8x8 pan so nothing sticks.

Step 02

Heat the chocolate, coconut oil, and peanut butter together in a heatproof bowl until smooth.

Step 03

Set the melted mix aside for 10 minutes to cool a bit.

Step 04

Stir in pretzels, marshmallows, and M&Ms until they’re coated.

Step 05

Pour half the mixture into your prepared pan. Place Reese's trees on top.

Step 06

Pour the rest of the mixture over the Reese's and spread it evenly.

Step 07

Sprinkle M&Ms and colorful sprinkles all over for decoration.

Step 08

Put it in the fridge for at least 1 hour or until it’s firm and set.

Notes

  1. Switch to gluten-free pretzels if needed.
  2. Store in the fridge to keep it firm.
  3. No oven required—it’s no-bake!
  4. Use a double boiler for melting ingredients gently.

Tools You'll Need

  • An 8x8 pan for layering.
  • Use a heat-safe bowl or double boiler for melting.
  • Parchment paper to line the pan.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains peanuts.
  • Dairy is in the chocolate and maybe butter.
  • Pretzels may have gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

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