Peanut Butter Pretzel Dessert
Ingredients
- 8 ounces salted pretzel twists
coarsely crushed
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
melted
- 16 ounces cream cheese
room temperature
- 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups creamy peanut butter
- 8 ounces frozen whipped topping
thawed according to package directions
- 2 packages instant chocolate pudding mix
3.9-ounce packages
- 3 cups whole milk
- 8 ounces frozen whipped topping
thawed according to package directions
- 1 bag Reese’s Minis
halved; 7.6 ounces
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
melted
- ½ cup coarsely chopped salted pretzels
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350° F.
- 2
Spray a 13x9-inch cake pan with cooking spray. Line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang over the sides. This will help you lift the dessert out of the pan later if desired.
- 3
In a large bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, sugar and butter until thoroughly combined. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, remove the pan from the oven and let cool completely.
- 4
In a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla on medium speed for about 5 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add in the peanut butter and mix until completely incorporated. Use a rubber spatula to fold in the frozen whipped topping into the peanut butter mixture until no streaks remain. Spread evenly over the cooled crust, taking care to spread the filling from edge to edge of the pan.
- 5
In another large bowl, beat the pudding mix and milk for 3 minutes. Pour the pudding onto the peanut butter layer and evenly spread the pudding from edge to edge of the pan. Top with whipped topping. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- 6
Top with Reese’s Minis. If desired, drizzle with melted peanut butter and sprinkle with chopped pretzels just before serving.
Peanut Butter Pretzel Dessert
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About this Recipe
Craving a show-stopping dessert that perfectly balances sweet and salty? This Peanut Butter Pretzel Dessert is a truly decadent twist on classic peanut butter pie, guaranteed to impress with its irresistible layers and rich flavors. You'll love how easily it comes together for such a luxurious treat.
What makes this dessert truly irresistible is its ingenious layering. A perfectly sweet and salty pretzel crust provides a delightful crunch, followed by a light, fluffy peanut butter layer that melts in your mouth, all topped with a rich, silky chocolate pudding. It's a symphony of textures and flavors in every single bite, setting it apart from simpler desserts.
Prepare yourself for an indulgent experience. You'll discover the satisfying snap of the pretzel base giving way to the smooth, creamy peanut butter and then the luscious, cool chocolate pudding. The addition of Reese's Minis and an extra drizzle of melted peanut butter on top elevates each slice into a truly luxurious treat. This dessert is rich, intensely flavored, and deeply satisfying, perfect for special occasions or when you simply need a truly decadent escape.
While delicious as written, you can easily adapt this dessert to your preference. Consider swapping the Reese's Minis for a different chocolate-peanut butter candy, or adding a sprinkle of coarsely chopped peanuts to the top for even more crunch. You could also experiment with different types of pretzels for the crust, though the salted pretzel twists offer that essential salty balance.
This magnificent dessert is ideal for gatherings, celebrations, or as a showstopping finish to any meal. Serve chilled to fully appreciate its distinct layers and textures.