Peanut Butter Rocky Road Bars Recipe

The Ultimate Peanut Butter Rocky Road Bars Recipe for Sweet Fans

Decadent chocolate meets creamy peanut butter rocky road bars in this irresistible dessert that promises pure indulgence.

Sweet marshmallows and crunchy nuts dance together in a symphony of flavors and textures.

These bars blend rich chocolate with smooth peanut butter for an unbeatable treat.

Every bite delivers a perfect balance of softness and crunch that melts in your mouth.

Chocolate lovers and peanut butter fans will adore this simple yet spectacular dessert.

The recipe comes together quickly with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

These bars are guaranteed to become your new favorite no-bake dessert that everyone will request again and again.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Rocky Road Bliss

Base Ingredients:
  • Chocolate: A smooth, rich foundation that melts easily and provides the creamy structure for the rocky road bars.
  • Peanut Butter: Adds a classic, nutty flavor and helps bind the mixture together.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures a silky texture and helps chocolate melt smoothly.
Crunchy Mix-Ins:
  • Pretzels, M&Ms, Marshmallows: Add delightful texture and crunch to break up the chocolate's smoothness.
Topping and Decoration:
  • Reese's Pieces, M&Ms, Sprinkles: Provide a colorful and playful finish to the rocky road bars, enhancing both visual appeal and taste.

Tools for Making Rocky Road Bars at Home

  • Double Boiler: Essential for gently melting chocolate, peanut butter, and oil without burning.
  • 8×8 Inch Baking Pan: Perfect size for creating thick, delicious rocky road bars.
  • Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
  • Spatula: Helps mix ingredients smoothly and spread mixture evenly.
  • Measuring Cups: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining marshmallows, pretzels, and candies.

How to Assemble Peanut Butter Rocky Road Bars

Step 1: Create Smooth Chocolate Base

Grab a double boiler and gently melt chocolate, creating a silky smooth foundation.

Stir in creamy peanut butter and a touch of oil, blending until the mixture becomes glossy and perfectly combined.

Step 2: Allow Cooling Time

Let the decadent chocolate mixture rest and cool down for about 10 minutes.

This helps stabilize the texture and prevents ingredients from melting when you add them later.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Pan

Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the edges are completely covered.

This will make removing the bars super easy later.

Step 4: Add Crunchy Mix-Ins

Fold in your favorite fun ingredients to create exciting texture:
  • Fluffy marshmallows
  • Crispy pretzels
  • Colorful M&Ms

Stir gently to distribute evenly throughout the chocolate mixture.

Step 5: Create First Layer

Pour half of the chocolate mixture into the prepared pan, creating a smooth base layer.

Step 6: Add Reese’s Surprise

Strategically place Reese’s pieces across the first chocolate layer for an extra burst of peanut butter flavor.

Step 7: Complete Final Layer

Carefully pour the remaining chocolate mixture over the Reese’s, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 8: Add Decorative Touches

Sprinkle additional M&Ms and colorful sprinkles on top for a playful, eye-catching finish.

Step 9: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the bars for 60-90 minutes until they become firm and perfectly set.

The waiting is the hardest part!

Rocky Road Bar Tips for Gooey Goodness

  • Use low, gentle heat to melt chocolate and prevent burning or seizing.
  • Line pan with parchment paper overhanging sides for easy removal and clean cutting.
  • Let mixture cool slightly before adding marshmallows to maintain their shape and prevent melting.
  • Swap Reese's or M&Ms with alternative nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips for personalized flavor.
  • Ensure bars are fully set in refrigerator for clean, crisp cuts and optimal texture.

Mix In Ideas for Peanut Butter Rocky Road Bars

  • Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace pretzels with gluten-free rice crackers or almond flour-based crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Chocolate Bliss: Swap milk chocolate with dark vegan chocolate, use coconut oil, and replace marshmallows with vegan marshmallows.
  • Nut-Free Alternative: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and use nut-free chocolate to create an allergy-friendly treat.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free chocolate, replace M&Ms with freeze-dried berries, and add stevia or monk fruit sweetener for reduced sugar content.

How to Serve Rocky Road Bars for Sharing

  • Sweet Snack Companion: Pair these rocky road bars with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate indulgence.
  • Dessert Presentation Flair: Slice bars into triangles and arrange on a rustic wooden board for an Instagram-worthy display.
  • Party Crowd Pleaser: Cut into smaller bite-sized squares for easy sharing at potlucks, game nights, or children's birthday parties.
  • Gifting Delight: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper with a ribbon for a homemade sweet treat perfect as a thoughtful gift.

Storing Rocky Road Bars

  • Place bars in airtight container, separate layers with parchment paper, keep chilled for up to 5 days.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, store in freezer-safe container for maximum 3 months. Label with date.
  • Keep bars in sealed container at cool room temperature for 2-3 days, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
  • Microwave individual bar for 8-10 seconds on low power, or let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to soften chocolate.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of chocolate?

Yes, you can swap dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate based on your preference. Just ensure it melts smoothly.

  • Are there nut-free alternatives for this recipe?

Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter for a nut-free version. Ensure other ingredients are nut-free too.

  • How can I make these bars less sweet?

Reduce the amount of M&Ms and use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate. You can also choose unsweetened pretzels to balance sweetness.

  • What if I don't have a double boiler?

Use a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water. Make sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water directly to prevent burning the chocolate.

Peanut Butter Rocky Road Bars The Sweetest Reasons

  • Indulge in a decadent treat that combines rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and crunchy pretzels for a mouthwatering dessert experience.
  • Whip up these delightful bars with minimal cooking skills, using simple melting and mixing techniques that anyone can master.
  • Perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings, these rocky road bars offer a playful mix of textures and flavors that will delight both kids and adults.
  • Easily swap or add mix-ins like different candies or nuts to create your own unique version of this crowd-favorite dessert.
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Peanut Butter Rocky Road Bars Recipe

Peanut Butter Rocky Road Bars Recipe


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4.8 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Mouthwatering peanut butter rocky road bars combine rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and marshmallow goodness. Sweet indulgence will tempt chocolate enthusiasts with layers of irresistible flavor combinations you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) dark chocolate chips
  • 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) creamy peanut butter
  • 2 cups (80 grams) mini marshmallows

Supporting Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (100 grams) broken pretzels
  • 1/2 cup (85 grams) M&Ms
  • 12 mini Reese’s trees

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) coconut oil or butter
  • Sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

  1. Create a double boiler setup and gently melt chocolate, peanut butter, and oil together, stirring continuously until smooth and fully integrated.
  2. Allow the warm chocolate mixture to cool for approximately 10 minutes, ensuring it remains pliable but not hot.
  3. Prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by carefully lining it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
  4. Incorporate marshmallows, crushed pretzels, and M&Ms into the cooled chocolate mixture, stirring gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
  5. Pour half of the chocolate-coated mixture into the prepared pan, creating an initial base layer with an even surface.
  6. Strategically arrange Reese’s pieces across the first layer, ensuring consistent coverage.
  7. Carefully pour the remaining chocolate mixture over the Reese’s layer, completely covering the initial ingredients.
  8. Embellish the top with additional M&Ms and colorful sprinkles for visual appeal and texture.
  9. Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for 60-90 minutes, or until the bars have solidified completely and reached a firm, sliceable consistency.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality chocolate for richer flavor and smoother texture.
  • Adjust marshmallow and pretzel quantities based on personal preference or dietary needs.
  • Use gluten-free pretzels and certified gluten-free chocolate for celiac-friendly version.
  • Allow bars to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before cutting for cleaner slices.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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