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Chubby Hubby Bars Recipe

5 from 78 reviews

Chubby Hubby Bars are a decadent no-bake treat featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy peanut butter filling, crunchy pretzel layer, and a silky chocolate ganache topping. Combining sweet, salty, and crunchy elements, these bars offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors ideal for satisfying dessert cravings with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 1214 crackers)
  • 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pretzel Layer:

  • 1 1/2 cups mini pretzels, broken into pieces (reserve some whole pretzels for decoration)

For the Chocolate Topping:

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Sea salt flakes (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and crushing with a rolling pin. In a medium bowl, combine the crumbs with melted butter and sugar, mixing until the mixture resembles wet sand. Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper and firmly press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to set.
  2. Make the Peanut Butter Filling: Beat together peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Spread this filling evenly over the chilled crust using a spatula.
  3. Add the Pretzel Layer: Roughly chop or break pretzels into smaller pieces. Scatter and gently press the broken pretzels into the peanut butter layer ensuring they stick but retain their texture.
  4. Make the Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, heavy cream, and butter. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring each time, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth. Pour and spread this chocolate ganache evenly over the pretzel layer. Optionally, sprinkle sea salt flakes or additional crushed pretzels on top.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 2 hours until firm and set. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars from the pan and cut into squares or rectangles. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is softened for smooth peanut butter filling consistency.
  • Press crust and pretzels firmly to improve layer adhesion.
  • Use a sharp knife to cut bars cleanly once chilled.
  • Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • For nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or cookie butter.
  • Use gluten-free graham crackers and pretzels for a gluten-free adaptation.
  • Replace butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips for dairy-free modification.
  • Add chopped peanuts or toffee bits to the pretzel layer to enhance crunch.
  • Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk or dark chocolate depending on sweetness preference.

Keywords: Chubby Hubby Bars, no bake dessert, peanut butter bars, pretzel bars, chocolate ganache, sweet and salty bars