Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Servings: 12 bars
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 320
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 210mg
Why Make This Lunch Lady Pretzel Bars
Lunch Lady Pretzel Bars are a nostalgic treat that captures the essence of childhood lunchroom favorites with a delightful twist. Perfectly combining sweet and salty flavors, these bars are not just delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re preparing a fun dessert for a family gathering or simply craving a tasty snack, these pretzel bars are sure to impress both kids and adults. With their creamy filling and crunchy pretzel crust, every bite offers a satisfying mix of textures that will have everyone reaching for seconds!
How to Make Lunch Lady Pretzel Bars
Ingredients:
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 cups whipped topping
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels with the melted butter. Mix well until all pretzel pieces are coated. Next, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes until golden brown. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
Step 2: Mixing
In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then, gently fold in the whipped topping to create a luscious fluffy layer. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, ensuring an even layer without disrupting the base.
Step 3: Melting
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. This deliciously gooey topping will add richness to your bars.
Step 4: Finishing
Drizzle the melted chocolate and butterscotch mixture over the cream cheese layer, creating a delightful topping that’s visually appealing. Place the baking dish in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This will allow the Pretzel Bars to set perfectly. Once set, cut them into bars and enjoy!
How to Serve Lunch Lady Pretzel Bars
Serve these scrumptious Lunch Lady Pretzel Bars chilled directly from the fridge. They make a fantastic addition to potluck parties and family gatherings. Pair them with a warm cup of coffee or milk for a great afternoon snack. You can also serve them alongside fresh fruit for a colorful dessert plate.
How to Store Lunch Lady Pretzel Bars
Store any leftover pretzel bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are well wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to preserve their freshness. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
Expert Tips for Perfect Lunch Lady Pretzel Bars
- Ensure your pretzels are finely crushed for an even crust that holds together well.
- If you’re looking to add a twist of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture.
- For an extra crunch, sprinkle extra crushed pretzels on top of the melted chocolate before refrigerating.
- Make these bars the day before serving; the longer they chill, the better they taste!
Delicious Variations
- Replace half of the chocolate chips with peanut butter chips for a nutty flavor punch.
- Try adding crushed Oreos to the crust for a chocolatey crunch.
- Mix in some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the cream cheese layer for added texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make these with gluten-free pretzels?
Yes! Just substitute crushed gluten-free pretzels in place of regular pretzels. -
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can use whipped cream cheese or Greek yogurt as a substitute. -
How do I know when the bars are fully set?
The cream cheese layer should be firm to the touch, and the chocolate should be completely cooled and not gooey when cut. -
Can I make these bars without butterscotch chips?
Absolutely! You can use all chocolate chips or alternate with white chocolate chips for a different flavor. -
What if I can’t find whipped topping?
You can make your own whipped topping using heavy cream and sugar, whipped to soft peaks.
Conclusion
Lunch Lady Pretzel Bars are a delightful combination of creamy and crunchy goodness. Their easy preparation and delicious flavor make them a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether reliving childhood memories or introducing this treat to a new generation, these bars are sure to be a hit. So, don your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a delicious batch of these nostalgic bars! They’re more than just a recipe; they’re a way to share happiness with friends and family. Enjoy!
Print
Lunch Lady Pretzel Bars
- Total Time: 145 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously nostalgic, these sweet and salty pretzel bars feature a creamy filling and crunchy crust, perfect for gatherings or a tasty snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 cups whipped topping
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels with the melted butter. Press into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 10 minutes until golden brown. Let cool completely.
- In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping and spread over the cooled crust.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and butterscotch chips. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Drizzle the melted mixture over the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set. Cut into bars and enjoy!
Notes
For best results, make these bars the day before serving and allow them to chill longer for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake with an initial bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
