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–+ servings

Homemade Take 5 Candy Bars

Finished five-layer chocolate peanut butter bars sprinkled with flaky salt, perfect for snack-time indulgence
Homemade Take 5 Bars with 5 layers: pretzels, caramel, peanuts, peanut butter, and chocolate. Soft, crunchy, salty-sweet candy bar treats perfect for snacks and game day.
Heather
Prep Time 15 minutes
Assembly Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Serving Size 16 squares

Ingredients

  • 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 10 oz peanut butter chips
  • 4 cups pretzels
  • 2 cups dry roasted salted peanuts
  • 11 oz caramel bits
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • Flaky salt (optional) for sprinkling

Instructions

  • • Prep your pan: Line a baking sheet (with sides) with parchment paper to prevent layers from sliding.
  • • Melt chocolate in microwave: Place 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second increments on medium power, stirring after each until smooth. Spread a thin layer on the bottom of the pan for the base of your homemade Take 5 bars but save some for drizzling at the end.
  • Add pretzels: Sprinkle most of the 4 cups chopped pretzels evenly over the melted chocolate.
  • • Melt caramel with double boiler: Place 11 oz caramel bits and 2 tablespoons milk in a heatproof bowl over gently simmering water. Stir constantly until smooth. Drizzle evenly over the pretzels for gooey, cohesive layers in your soft and crunchy candy bar treats.
  • Add peanuts: Sprinkle most of the 2 cups dry roasted salted peanuts over the caramel.
  • • Melt peanut butter chips in microwave: Place 10 oz peanut butter chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second increments, stirring well after each. Drizzle over the peanut layer to add creamy, nutty flavor for easy layered candy bars at home.
  • Top it off: Sprinkle on reserved pretzels and drizzle more melted chocolate over everything and sprinkle on reserved peanuts. Lightly sprinkle flaky salt for balance. Press gently with parchment paper to keep all layers together for bakery-style Take 5 bars at home.
  • Chill and cut: Let the bars cool completely at room temperature or in the fridge. Once set, cut into squares using a sharp knife for soft and crunchy candy bar treats.

Notes

Tips No One Tells You

• Use a high-sided pan.. layers are sticky, and sides prevent sliding.
• Melt chocolate and peanut butter slowly, in 30-second microwave increments, to avoid scorching.
• Press layers gently with parchment paper to keep everything together.
• Sprinkle flaky salt at the end to elevate salty-sweet balance.
• Swap peanuts for cashews, almonds, or pecans for a different crunch.
• Cut bars after chilling; slightly warm the knife for neat edges.
• Don’t skip the double chocolate drizzle; it keeps layers cohesive and gorgeous.