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
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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