Irresistible Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars You’ll Love to Make Recipe

Introduction

These irresistible salted caramel pretzel bars combine crunchy pretzels, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate into one delicious treat. They’re simple to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet and salty cravings all at once.

Ingredients

• 2 cups pretzels (crushed into coarse crumbs)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or dark/white chocolate)
• Sea salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Crush the pretzels into coarse crumbs and mix them with the melted butter and ⅓ cup brown sugar until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a baking dish to form the crust.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, ¼ cup unsalted butter, and ¾ cup brown sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until the mixture becomes smooth and just starts to bubble.
3. Step 3: Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the pretzel crust. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow it to set.
4. Step 4: Melt the chocolate chips gently in a microwave or double boiler until smooth. Pour over the chilled caramel layer and spread evenly with a spatula.
5. Step 5: Refrigerate the bars again for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully firmed up.
6. Step 6: Once set, cut into bars and serve. Enjoy your sweet and salty treat!

Tips & Variations

• Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the melted chocolate before it sets to enhance the salted caramel flavor.
• Use dark or white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a different taste profile.
• For a softer caramel layer, reduce cooking time slightly and watch carefully to avoid burning.
• Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crust for extra crunch and flavor.

Storage

Store the pretzel bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To enjoy, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving or eat straight from the fridge for a firmer texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?

You can use regular granulated sugar in a pinch, but brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper flavor that complements the caramel perfectly.

How do I crush pretzels easily?

Place pretzels in a sealed plastic bag and use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy glass to crush them into coarse crumbs.

Irresistible Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars You’ll Love to Make Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 144 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x

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Description

These irresistible Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars combine a crunchy pretzel crust with a rich, buttery caramel layer topped with smooth melted chocolate, finished with a sprinkle of sea salt for the perfect sweet and salty treat. Easy to make and perfect for dessert lovers, these bars are sure to become a favorite snack or party dessert.

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Ingredients

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Crust

• 2 cups pretzels, crushed into coarse crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ⅓ cup brown sugar

Caramel Layer

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ¾ cup brown sugar

Topping

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or dark or white chocolate)
• Sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust: Crush the pretzels into coarse crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-lock bag and crushing with a rolling pin. In a bowl, mix the crushed pretzels with melted butter and ⅓ cup brown sugar until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased or parchment-lined baking dish to form an even crust.
2. Make the Caramel Layer: In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, ¼ cup unsalted butter, and ¾ cup brown sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes smooth and bubbly, about 5-7 minutes. Pour this hot caramel evenly over the prepared pretzel crust. Place the dish in the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes to set.
3. Prepare the Chocolate Topping: While the caramel sets, melt the chocolate chips using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled caramel layer and spread evenly with a spatula.
4. Chill the Bars: Return the baking dish to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate topping is firm.
5. Serve: Once firm, cut into bars. Optionally, sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt before serving to enhance the sweet and salty flavor profile. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

• Use coarse pretzel crumbs for a nice crunch in the crust layer.
• Be sure to stir the caramel mixture constantly to prevent burning.
• Melt chocolate gently to avoid seizing.
• Sea salt on top enhances the flavor but is optional.
• Store bars refrigerated to maintain firmness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars, caramel bars, pretzel dessert, chocolate caramel bars, easy dessert, sweet and salty bars