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Yummy Rocky Road Bars

Featured in: Desserts to Satisfy Every Craving

These rich bars mix melted chocolate and smooth peanut butter with fun add-ins like marshmallows, pretzels, M&Ms, and peanut butter cups for a crowd-pleasing treat.

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Updated on Wed, 07 May 2025 18:16:36 GMT
Close-up of mouthwatering chocolate bars topped with colorful candies, marshmallows, and crunchy pretzels, neatly displayed on a dark surface. Pin it
Close-up of mouthwatering chocolate bars topped with colorful candies, marshmallows, and crunchy pretzels, neatly displayed on a dark surface. | cookingkitchn.com

Crunchy Peanut Butter Road Bars

These Crunchy Peanut Butter Road Bars blend textures and tastes for an amazing no-bake snack. The bottom layer mixes fudgy chocolate with creamy peanut butter, topped with soft marshmallows, salty pretzels, and bright M&M's, plus a surprise middle section filled with peanut butter cups. They're super adaptable with whatever extras you fancy, making them great for gatherings, seasonal celebrations, or just treating yourself!

What Makes These Bars Special

You'll fall for these tasty treats because:

  • No-fuss Prep: Just blend, combine, and chill—no oven needed.
  • Make Them Yours: Switch up the add-ins to create your own special version.
  • Flavor Balance: Combines chocolate richness, nutty peanut butter, and pretzel crunch.
  • Crowd Favorite: Fantastic for family get-togethers, holiday parties, or homemade presents.

What You'll Need

  • Chocolate Chips: They form the rich, fudgy foundation.
  • Coconut Oil: Makes the chocolate silky and gives it a nice finish.
  • Peanut Butter: Brings smoothness and nutty flavor to the mix.
  • Marshmallows: Essential for that classic puffy texture.
  • Salted Pretzels: Adds the perfect salty crunch against the sweetness.
  • M&M's: Brings pops of color, crunch, and extra sweetness.
  • Peanut Butter Cups: Creates an amazing surprise layer in the middle.

How To Make Them

Create Your Chocolate Mix
Put chocolate chips, coconut oil, and peanut butter in a microwave-safe container. Heat for 30 seconds at a time, mixing between until everything's smooth.
Mix Your Toppings
Gently stir marshmallows, pretzels, and M&M's into your chocolate mixture until everything's coated.
Add The Secret Middle
Pour half your mix into a paper-lined dish. Place peanut butter cups in a single row, then cover with the rest of your chocolate mixture.
Let It Set
Pop in the fridge for at least 2 hours until firm. Cut into squares and enjoy.

Tricks For Success

  • Go For New Marshmallows: Older ones won't give you that soft, bouncy bite.
  • Don't Skip The Paper: Lining your pan means easy lifting and cleaner cuts.
  • Control The Sweet: Throw in more pretzels or some nuts if you want to tone down sweetness.
  • Be Patient: Let them get completely cold and firm before cutting for neat squares.
A close-up of rich chocolate bars topped with colorful M&M's, mini marshmallows, pretzels, and festive sprinkles. Pin it
A close-up of rich chocolate bars topped with colorful M&M's, mini marshmallows, pretzels, and festive sprinkles. | cookingkitchn.com

Fun Variations

Switch things up by trying different add-ins:

  • Any Nuts: Try cashews, hazelnuts, or walnuts for extra crunch.
  • Broken Cookies: Toss in some crumbled cookies for another flavor layer.
  • Chewy Fruits: Add raisins or chopped apricots for tangy contrast.
  • Caramel Chunks: Mix in some caramel pieces for a gooey surprise.

Keeping Fresh & Serving Ideas

To Keep: Store in a sealed container in your fridge up to 7 days.

To Save Longer: Wrap each piece in plastic, place in a freezer container and keep up to 3 months. Let thaw in the fridge when you're ready to eat.

These tasty Crunchy Peanut Butter Road Bars work great as homemade gifts, quick snacks, or party treats everyone will grab!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why melt chocolate using this method?

It uses gentle, even heat so your chocolate won’t burn or clump up.

→ Can I make it without gluten?

Absolutely, just swap in gluten-free pretzels and check labels for certified gluten-free ingredients.

→ What’s the point of tapping the pan?

This step evens out the mixture and helps pack everything together for a better bite.

→ How long will they last?

Keep them fresh in the fridge for up to a week in a sealed container.

→ Can I change the mix-ins?

Totally! Add whatever candies or nuts you love most.

Rocky Road Bars

Rich no-bake bars packed with peanut butter cups, pretzels, M&Ms, marshmallows, and a creamy chocolate-peanut butter blend.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
55 Minutes
Total Time
75 Minutes
By: Sophia

Category: Sweet Delights

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 9 Servings (1)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 2 cups mozzarella cheese.
02 2 cups cheddar cheese.
03 1/2 cup milk.
04 24 oz softened cream cheese.
05 1 cup buffalo sauce.
06 3 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken.
07 12 oz lasagna noodles.
08 1 packet ranch mix.
09 Optional toppings: Green onions.
10 Blue cheese crumbles.
11 Ranch dressing, if you'd like.

Instructions

Step 01

Boil lasagna noodles as per package until they're just tender.

Step 02

In a mixer bowl, blend cream cheese, buffalo sauce, milk, and ranch seasoning until smooth.

Step 03

Stir in 1 1/2 cups each of mozzarella and cheddar cheese till everything’s mixed evenly.

Step 04

Coat a 9x13 dish completely with cooking spray.

Step 05

Spread a thin layer (about a quarter) of the cheese mixture across the bottom of the dish.

Step 06

Lay the cooked noodles flat, slightly overlapping them to cover the cheese.

Step 07

Spoon another quarter of the cheese mix over the noodles.

Step 08

Spread half the chicken over the cheese mix.

Step 09

Layer more noodles, cheese mix, and the other half of the chicken.

Step 10

Add a noodle layer on top, then cover with the rest of the cheese mix.

Step 11

Scatter the reserved 1 cup each of cheddar and mozzarella on top.

Step 12

Wrap the dish tightly with foil. Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.

Step 13

Take off the foil, then bake for another 10 minutes till the cheese gets golden brown.

Step 14

Set aside for 8-10 minutes before slicing it up.

Step 15

Add any of the toppings you like before serving.

Notes

  1. A fun mix of flavors.
  2. Great for prepping ahead.
  3. You can adjust the spice level.
  4. Uses store-bought chicken for ease.

Tools You'll Need

  • A 9x13 dish for baking.
  • Stand mixer for an easier mix.
  • Foil to cover the dish.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy: cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella.
  • Wheat found in pasta.
  • May have eggs in the noodles.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 520
  • Total Fat: 38 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 32 g
  • Protein: 28 g