why make this recipe
No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars are a delicious and easy treat. They combine sweet and salty flavors perfectly. If you love caramel and chocolate, these bars will be a hit! They are great for parties, snacks, or just a sweet craving. Plus, you don’t need to turn on the oven, making them perfect for hot days.
how to make No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars
Ingredients:
- 3 cups mini pretzels (lightly crushed, not powdered)
- 1 cup salted butter (2 sticks, melted)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt (plus extra for topping)
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
Directions:
- Prepare the pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later.
- Make the caramel layer: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil, whisking constantly. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Let cool for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the base: Spread half of the crushed pretzels evenly into the prepared pan. Pour the caramel mixture over the pretzels, then sprinkle the remaining pretzels on top. Lightly press them down.
- Top with chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips with coconut oil in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the pretzels and spread into an even layer.
- Finish: Sprinkle with extra sea salt. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until set.
- Serve: Lift from the pan using parchment, cut into bars, and enjoy!
how to serve No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars
You can serve these bars chilled or at room temperature. They make a great dessert for gatherings or a tasty snack for movie nights. For an extra touch, you can drizzle more chocolate on top or add chopped nuts!
how to store No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars
Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to one week. If you prefer, you can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
tips to make No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars
- Make sure not to crush the pretzels into a fine powder. You want some texture.
- Keep an eye on the caramel while cooking to prevent it from burning. Stir often.
- Let the bars chill long enough to fully set for easier cutting.
variation
You can try adding nuts or swapping the chocolate for white chocolate for a different flavor. You can also use gluten-free pretzels to make this recipe gluten-free.
FAQs
Q: Can I use different types of chocolate?
A: Yes, you can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate in this recipe.
Q: How long do these bars take to chill?
A: These bars should chill for at least 2 hours to set properly, but you can leave them in the fridge longer if needed.
Q: Can I add toppings?
A: Yes, you can add toppings like crushed nuts, sprinkles, or drizzles of chocolate before chilling for extra flavor and decoration.
No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil, whisking constantly.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Let cool for 5 minutes.
- Spread half of the crushed pretzels evenly into the prepared pan.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the pretzels, then sprinkle the remaining pretzels on top. Lightly press them down.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips with coconut oil in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the pretzels and spread into an even layer.
- Sprinkle with extra sea salt.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until set.
- Lift from the pan using parchment, cut into bars, and enjoy!