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Crispy Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars

crispy salted caramel pretzel bars - featured image
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These easy no-bake dessert bars combine salty pretzels, buttery caramel, and chocolate for a sweet-and-salty treat that’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or after-school snacks. Quick to make and wildly adaptable, they’re a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups salted pretzels, crushed (about 200g)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (115g)
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar (65g)
  • 12 oz soft caramels, unwrapped (340g)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (60ml)
  • 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt, plus more for topping
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (175g)
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional, 90g)
  • 1/2 cup extra crushed pretzels (25g)

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on each side.
  2. Place pretzels in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin until mostly small pieces remain.
  3. In a large bowl, combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and brown sugar. Stir until evenly coated.
  4. Press the pretzel mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan.
  5. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine soft caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until melted and smooth (about 2 minutes).
  6. Stir in flaky sea salt to the caramel mixture.
  7. Pour caramel over the pretzel base and spread evenly with an offset spatula or spoon.
  8. Microwave semi-sweet chocolate chips in a bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Melt white chocolate chips if using.
  9. Pour melted chocolate over caramel layer and smooth. Sprinkle with extra crushed pretzels and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Drizzle melted white chocolate on top if desired.
  10. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until bars are firm enough to cut. For faster setting, freeze for 30 minutes.
  11. Lift bars out using parchment overhang. Slice into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife (wipe knife between cuts for clean edges). Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

For gluten-free or vegan adaptations, use gluten-free pretzels, plant-based butter, coconut cream, and dairy-free chocolate chips. Press the pretzel base firmly for crisp bars, and chill thoroughly before slicing. Swirl white and semi-sweet chocolate for a marbled effect. Bars store well in the fridge for up to 5 days or can be frozen for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: salted caramel, pretzel bars, no-bake dessert, easy dessert, party treat, sweet and salty, chocolate caramel bars

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/crispy-salted-caramel-pretzel-bars-recipe-easy-no-bake-dessert/