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Creamy No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake Bars for Parties

salted caramel pretzel cheesecake bars - featured image
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These easy, no-bake cheesecake bars feature a crunchy salted pretzel crust, fluffy cream cheese filling, and a generous layer of salted caramel. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a sweet treat at home, they deliver a nostalgic sweet-salty combo with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups crushed salted pretzels (about 200g, use twists for best crunch)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (115g)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (50g)
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened (450g)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (240ml)
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar (90g), sifted if lumpy
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup caramel sauce (240ml, store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt (such as Maldon)
  • Optional: extra crushed pretzels for garnish
  • Optional: chopped toasted pecans
  • Optional: mini chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting.
  2. Crush pretzels into fine crumbs using a food processor or a zip-top bag and rolling pin.
  3. Mix pretzel crumbs with melted butter and brown sugar until evenly coated and resembling wet sand.
  4. Press mixture firmly into the prepared pan to form an even crust. Freeze for 10 minutes.
  5. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes).
  6. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; beat until light and fluffy.
  7. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form (2–3 minutes).
  8. Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture along with a pinch of salt.
  9. Spread cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled pretzel crust, smoothing the top.
  10. Warm caramel sauce slightly if thick, then spread evenly over the cheesecake layer.
  11. Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel.
  12. Cover pan with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  13. Lift bars out using parchment overhang and cut into squares with a sharp knife dipped in warm water.
  14. Garnish with extra pretzels, pecans, or chocolate chips as desired.

Notes

For best results, use full-fat cream cheese and room temperature ingredients. Press crust firmly to prevent crumbling. Chill bars thoroughly for clean slicing. Gluten-free pretzels and dairy-free swaps can be used for dietary adaptations. Garnish just before serving for maximum crunch and freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake cheesecake bars, salted caramel, pretzel crust, party dessert, easy cheesecake, creamy bars, potluck dessert, sweet and salty, caramel cheesecake, no-bake dessert

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/creamy-no-bake-salted-caramel-pretzel-cheesecake-bars-for-parties-easy-dessert-recipe/