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Crispy Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark

crispy salted caramel pretzel bark - featured image

This easy chocolate treat combines crunchy mini pretzels, buttery caramel, and rich chocolate for a salty-sweet bark that’s perfect for gifting, parties, or snacking. Quick to make and endlessly customizable, it’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz mini pretzel twists (about 225g)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks, 225g)
  • 1 cup light brown sugar (200g)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (175g)
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional, 90g)
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil (optional, for melting chocolate)
  • Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
  • 1/3 cup chopped roasted nuts (optional, almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet (13×18-inch) with parchment paper.
  2. Spread mini pretzel twists in a single, even layer over the baking sheet.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add brown sugar and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until smooth and bubbling. Once gently boiling, cook for 3 minutes, stirring often.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and sea salt.
  5. Immediately pour hot caramel over pretzels and spread evenly with a spatula.
  6. Bake for 7-8 minutes until caramel is bubbling and slightly darker. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  7. Remove from oven and scatter chocolate chips over hot caramel. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, then spread melted chocolate evenly.
  8. If using, melt white chocolate chips with coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl (30-second bursts, stirring each time) and drizzle over bark. Add chopped nuts if desired.
  9. Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top while chocolate is still wet.
  10. Let bark cool at room temperature for 1-2 hours, or chill in fridge for 30 minutes until fully set.
  11. Break into pieces and serve.

Notes

Work quickly when spreading caramel, as it sets fast. For even pieces, score bark with a sharp knife before fully hardened. Use fresh pretzels for maximum crunch. For gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations, substitute with gluten-free pretzels, vegan butter, and dairy-free chocolate chips. Bark can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerated for 2-3 weeks.

Nutrition

Keywords: salted caramel, pretzel bark, chocolate bark, easy dessert, holiday treat, snack, party food, gifting, sweet and salty, quick recipe