Indulge in Sweet & Salty Caramel Pretzel Delight Bars Recipe

Salty and sweet collide in these irresistible caramel pretzel delight bars that promise a flavor explosion.

Crushed pretzels create a crunchy base that perfectly complements rich, gooey caramel layers.

Every bite delivers a satisfying mix of textures that dance across your taste buds.

The combination of buttery caramel and salty pretzel creates a treat so addictive, you won’t be able to stop at just one piece.

Chocolate drizzles add an extra dimension of decadence to this simple yet impressive dessert.

These bars blend classic snack elements into a spectacular homemade treat that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum pleasure.

Get ready to wow everyone with this ridiculously delicious dessert that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary indulgence.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 13

Caramel Pretzel Bars Ingredient List

• Pretzels: Crunchy foundation that provides a salty, crisp base with textural contrast to the sweet caramel.
• Parchment Paper: Essential for easy removal and clean release of the bars, preventing sticking.

• Butter: Rich, creamy base that helps create smooth, luxurious caramel with deep flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep molasses notes and helps create glossy, amber-colored caramel.
• Salt: Enhances overall sweetness and balances the rich caramel flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex undertones that elevate the caramel's depth.

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Provides rich, smooth chocolate coating that complements the salty pretzel base.
• White Chocolate Chips: Optional decorative element that adds visual interest and creamy sweetness.

• Choose high-quality butter for the most robust caramel flavor.
• Use fresh pretzels for maximum crunch.
• Select chocolate chips with good melting properties.
• Ensure brown sugar is fresh and free of lumps for smooth caramel.
• Use pure vanilla extract for best flavor enhancement.

Kitchen Tools for Caramel Pretzel Bars

• Baking Dish (9×13 inch): Essential for creating the base of the bars.
• Parchment Paper: Crucial for easy removal and preventing sticking.
• Medium Saucepan: Perfect for making the rich caramel sauce.
• Spatula: Helps spread caramel and chocolate evenly.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing the bars after cooling.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl: Used for melting white chocolate chips.

How to Bake Caramel Pretzel Bars Easily

• Pan Preparation

Line a baking dish with parchment paper, creating overhangs for easy removal. Sprinkle crushed pretzels across the bottom, creating a crunchy foundation.

• Caramel Creation

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Combine brown sugar and salt, stirring until the mixture transforms into a golden, bubbling liquid. Cook for three minutes, ensuring constant movement to prevent scorching.

• Caramel Application

Remove from heat and swirl in vanilla extract. Pour the molten caramel over pretzel layer, gently spreading to ensure complete coverage.

• Baking Process

Slide the dish into a preheated oven at 350°F. Watch as the caramel begins to dance and bubble, baking for 8-10 minutes.

• Chocolate Layer

Carefully remove from oven and immediately scatter chocolate chips across the hot surface. Let them soften for a few minutes, then smooth into a glossy blanket using a spatula.

• Final Touches

Optional decorative drizzle can be created by melting white chocolate and artfully swirling across the top.

• Cooling and Serving

Allow the bars to rest at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator. Once set, lift from the pan and slice into delectable squares ready for enjoyment.

Tips to Improve Caramel Pretzel Bars

• Prevent caramel from burning by stirring constantly and using medium heat for even cooking.
• Let chocolate chips rest on hot caramel for perfect spreading without additional heat, creating a smooth glossy layer.
• Crush pretzels into different sizes for varied crunch levels, from fine powder to chunky pieces for interesting mouthfeel.
• Store bars in an airtight container between parchment paper layers at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness up to 2 weeks.
• Swap semi-sweet chocolate with dark or milk chocolate, sprinkle sea salt on top, or add chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for extra depth and crunch.

Ways to Serve Caramel Pretzel Bars Beautifully

• Serve at Party Gatherings: Create a crowd-pleasing dessert platter by cutting bars into bite-sized squares, perfect for sharing during game nights, potlucks, or casual celebrations.
• Pair with Creamy Companions: Complement the sweet and salty bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the rich caramel and chocolate flavors.
• Gift with Love: Wrap individual bars in clear cellophane with a festive ribbon, making them a delightful homemade gift for friends, neighbors, or holiday cookie exchanges.
• Elevate Dessert Presentation: Arrange bars on a decorative platter, garnish with pretzel crumbs or chocolate shavings, and serve as an elegant after-dinner treat that will impress guests.

Storage Notes for Caramel Pretzel Bars

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store these delectable bars in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining their crisp texture and rich flavor.
• Freeze for Future Cravings: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay delicious for up to 3 months, ready for spontaneous sweet moments.
• Room Temperature Tips: Remove bars from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly, allowing the caramel and chocolate to become wonderfully smooth and creamy.
• Prevent Sticking Strategies: Layer parchment paper between bars when stacking in storage containers to prevent them from clumping together or losing their beautiful chocolate drizzle design.

Crunchy Caramel Pretzel Delight Bars Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet and salty Caramel Pretzel Delight Bars blend rich chocolate with crunchy pretzels and smooth caramel. Layers of indulgence promise a delectable dessert experience that satisfies complex cravings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (240 ml) unsalted butter
• 3 cups mini pretzels (lightly crushed)
• 1 ½ cups (255 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup (220 g) packed light brown sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup (45 g) white chocolate chips (optional, for drizzle)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, creating overhanging edges. Spread crushed pretzels evenly across the bottom to form a crunchy base.
2. Caramel Creation: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Blend brown sugar and salt, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a smooth, bubbling caramel. Cook for 3 minutes, maintaining constant motion to prevent burning.
3. Layering and Baking: Incorporate vanilla extract into the caramel and pour over the pretzel foundation, ensuring complete coverage. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes until the caramel develops a rich, golden hue with slight bubbling.
4. Chocolate Embellishment: Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips across the hot caramel. Allow 2-3 minutes for natural melting, then smooth into an even layer using a spatula.
5. Decorative Finish: Microwave white chocolate chips in brief 15-second intervals, stirring between each session until fully liquefied. Drizzle artfully over the dark chocolate layer.
6. Setting and Serving: Let the dessert rest at room temperature for one hour to stabilize. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to solidify. Extract the entire dessert using parchment paper overhangs, transfer to a cutting board, and slice into rectangular or square portions. Serve chilled and savor the luxurious blend of textures and flavors.

Notes

• Prevent Burning Caramel: Stir constantly and maintain medium heat to avoid scorching, which can create bitter, unpleasant flavors in your dessert.
• Chocolate Melting Technique: Let semi-sweet chocolate chips sit on hot caramel for 2-3 minutes to ensure smooth, even melting without additional heat application.
• Parchment Paper Trick: Use overhanging edges for effortless removal, preventing dessert from breaking and ensuring clean, professional-looking bars.
• Chilling is Crucial: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to achieve the perfect texture, allowing layers to set and flavors to meld completely.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg