Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars Recipe

Introduction

If you’re craving a sweet and salty treat that comes together effortlessly, these Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars are perfect for you. Combining crunchy pretzels with rich caramel and optional chocolate, they make an irresistible dessert or snack without turning on the oven.

A close-up of a square dessert with three visible layers: the bottom layer is a crumbly, light brown base; the middle layer is a smooth, thick caramel brown layer topped with a white creamy layer in the center; the top layer is a glossy caramel brown layer decorated with large white salt crystals, small white chips, and a small round pretzel on top. The dessert sits on a white plate with a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 cups pretzels, crushed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup chocolate, melted (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars.
  2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels with the melted unsalted butter, stirring until the pretzels are evenly coated.
  3. Step 3: Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even layer.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle the salted caramel sauce evenly over the pressed pretzel base.
  5. Step 5: If using, melt the chocolate and drizzle it over the caramel layer for an extra touch of indulgence.
  6. Step 6: Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 1 hour until they set firmly.

Tips & Variations

  • For a homemade caramel option, gently simmer sugar and butter until golden before adding cream for a fresh sauce.
  • Mix chopped nuts into the pretzel layer for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Use dark, milk, or white chocolate drizzle depending on your preference.
  • Press the pretzel mixture firmly to ensure bars hold together well after chilling.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before serving, allow them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. These bars do not freeze well due to the caramel texture.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a square dessert bar on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface, showing three main layers: the bottom layer is a golden crunchy crust, the middle layer is a smooth dark caramel, and the top layer is a lighter, thick caramel with a creamy white filling in between the top two layers. The top caramel layer is decorated with coarse sea salt crystals, small cream-colored drops, and a shiny miniature pretzel ring in the center. The texture looks soft and glossy with some crumbly edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pretzel?

Yes, you can use pretzel sticks broken into pieces or pretzel twists, but crushed pretzel nuggets work best for binding the crust evenly.

How can I make the bars vegan?

Substitute the butter with a vegan margarine or coconut oil, use a dairy-free caramel sauce, and choose vegan chocolate for the drizzle.

Print
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Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars Recipe


  • Author: Ella
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 9 bars (3×3 inch pieces) 1x

Description

These Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars are a perfect blend of salty and sweet, combining crunchy crushed pretzels, rich salted caramel, and optional melted chocolate for an irresistible treat. Ready in under an hour with no oven required, they make a fantastic dessert or snack for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

Base Layer

  • 2 cups pretzels, crushed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Toppings

  • 1 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup chocolate, melted (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars once set.
  2. Mix the base: In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels with the melted unsalted butter. Stir until the pretzels are evenly coated with the butter for a cohesive base.
  3. Press the base: Transfer the pretzel mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom to create a compact layer.
  4. Add the caramel: Generously drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the pressed pretzel layer, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
  5. Optional chocolate drizzle: If desired, melt the chocolate and drizzle it over the caramel layer for an extra layer of indulgence and flavor contrast.
  6. Refrigerate to set: Place the assembled bars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the caramel to set firmly and the layers to bind together.
  7. Serve: Once set, remove the bars from the dish using the parchment paper edges, cut into squares, and enjoy your sweet and salty treat.

Notes

  • For a homemade salted caramel sauce, simmer sugar, butter, and cream until thickened and golden brown.
  • Use gluten-free pretzels to make this recipe gluten free.
  • Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Double the recipe for a larger batch and use a bigger baking dish accordingly.
  • Ideal as a quick dessert or party snack without any baking involved.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: no-bake dessert, salted caramel bars, pretzel bars, quick sweet treat, easy no bake recipe, caramel pretzel bars

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