Chubby Hubby Bars Recipe

Introduction

Chubby Hubby Bars are a deliciously rich treat combining creamy peanut butter, crunchy pretzels, and a smooth chocolate topping. These layered bars offer a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, making them an irresistible snack or dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12-14 crackers)
• 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups mini pretzels, broken into pieces (save some whole pretzels for decoration)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Sea salt flakes (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Crush the graham crackers using a food processor or place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin until fine crumbs form. In a medium bowl, mix the crumbs with melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish lined with parchment paper. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, beat together the peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread this filling evenly over the chilled crust using a spatula.
3. Step 3: Roughly break the mini pretzels into smaller pieces and scatter them over the peanut butter layer, pressing gently so they stick but retain their crunch.
4. Step 4: Combine chocolate chips, heavy cream, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is melted and smooth. Pour the chocolate ganache over the pretzels and spread evenly. Sprinkle sea salt flakes or additional crushed pretzels on top if desired.
5. Step 5: Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours until the bars are firm. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars from the pan, then cut into squares or rectangles. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture, try adding chopped nuts to the peanut butter layer.
• Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate according to your preference.
• Use crunchy peanut butter for added bite in the filling.
• To make the bars more portable, freeze after chilling and thaw slightly before serving.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. To reheat, let the bars come to room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for a few seconds if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted pretzels instead of unsalted?

Yes, salted pretzels add a nice contrast to the sweetness, but reduce or omit any added salt in the recipe to maintain balance.

Do I need to use parchment paper in the pan?

Parchment paper makes it much easier to lift the bars out of the pan cleanly. If you don’t have parchment, you can grease the pan well but be extra careful when slicing and removing the bars.

Chubby Hubby Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 100 reviews

Chubby Hubby Bars are a decadent no-bake dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy peanut butter filling, a crunchy pretzel layer, and a silky chocolate ganache topping. These bars combine sweet, salty, and rich flavors with a delightful texture contrast, making them the perfect treat for any occasion.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12–14 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 the 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 graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar; stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper and press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom to form an even layer. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
2. Make the Peanut Butter Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread this peanut butter mixture evenly over the chilled crust using a spatula.
3. Add the Pretzel Layer: Roughly chop or break mini pretzels into smaller pieces. Scatter and press the pretzel pieces evenly into the peanut butter filling layer, ensuring they stick but retain their crunchiness.
4. Make the Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips, heavy cream, and unsalted butter. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth. Pour the chocolate ganache over the pretzel layer and spread evenly with a spatula. Optionally, sprinkle sea salt flakes or additional crushed pretzels on top for garnish.
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 for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Use parchment paper to easily lift the bars out of the pan without breaking.
• Adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the peanut butter filling to your preferred sweetness level.
• For a nut-free variation, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing the bars can extend their shelf life up to 2 months; thaw before serving.

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