Description

Christmas Lights Pretzel Fudge Bars (No-Bake)

Salty, sweet, chocolatey, and festive—these no-bake bars are perfect for gifting, cookie exchanges, or holiday movie nights.

Ingredients

Scale

Pretzel Crust

2 cups crushed pretzels (classic twisted knots; gluten-free optional)
½ cup melted butter (unsalted preferred)
2 tbsp brown sugar

Fudge Layer

1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate bar)
½ cup creamy peanut butter (or SunButter for nut-free)
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Festive Decoration

Mini M&M’s, a few tablespoons
Thin black licorice laces or piped chocolate for the “wire”

Optional variations: peppermint extract + crushed candy canes, white chocolate + pastel M&M’s, extra crushed pretzels folded into fudge for crunch

Instructions

1️⃣ Prep Pan

Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
Lightly spray parchment with cooking spray.

2️⃣ Make Pretzel Crust

Combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and brown sugar in a bowl.
Press evenly into the pan using a flat cup or glass. Chill 10 minutes in the fridge.

3️⃣ Make Fudge Layer

In a saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, and sweetened condensed milk, stirring constantly until smooth.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

4️⃣ Assemble Bars

Pour warm fudge over chilled crust and spread evenly.

5️⃣ Decorate

While fudge is still warm, press licorice laces or piped chocolate lines for “wires.”
Place mini M&M’s along the lines like colorful bulbs.

6️⃣ Chill

Refrigerate at least 2 hours until fully firm.

7️⃣ Slice & Serve

Lift the block using the parchment sling onto a cutting board.
Use a warm knife (run under hot water, dry) for clean slices.

Notes

Fudge too soft? Chill longer—2–4 hours depending on kitchen temperature.
Make ahead: Store in the fridge up to 1 week, or freeze up to 2 months.
Pan swap: A 9×13 pan works, but bars will be thinner—consider 1.5× batch for same thickness.
M&M cracking: Decorate while fudge is still warm; gently reheat surface if fudge has set.