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Easy No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars

No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars - featured image
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These no-bake bars combine a crunchy pretzel base, gooey homemade salted caramel, and a smooth chocolate topping for a sweet-and-salty treat perfect for parties, bake sales, or cozy nights in. Quick to make and easy to customize, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/2 cups mini pretzels, crushed (sticks or twists)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into chunks
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable oil
  • Extra crushed pretzels for sprinkling (optional)
  • Flaky sea salt for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. Crush pretzels until you have a mix of crumbs and small pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and packed light brown sugar. Stir until fully coated and crumbly.
  3. Pour the pretzel mixture into the pan. Press down firmly using a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup. Set aside.
  4. In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it becomes a golden-brown liquid (about 6–8 minutes).
  5. Add butter to the melted sugar; stir until fully combined. Slowly pour in heavy cream, whisking continuously. Cook for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and sea salt.
  6. Immediately pour the hot caramel over the pretzel base. Spread evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel. Let cool for 10–15 minutes at room temperature.
  7. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring each time, until smooth and melted (about 1 minute total).
  8. Pour melted chocolate over the caramel layer. Spread evenly. Sprinkle extra crushed pretzels or flaky sea salt on top if desired.
  9. Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours (or 30 minutes in the freezer) until firm.
  10. Lift bars out using the parchment overhang. Cut into 16 squares. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

For gluten-free bars, use certified gluten-free pretzels. Dairy-free adaptations work with vegan butter and coconut cream. Let bars sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing to prevent chocolate cracking. Bars freeze well for up to 2 months. For extra crunch, leave some pretzel pieces larger. If caramel seizes, add a splash of cream and whisk. Slice with a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake, caramel, pretzel bars, party dessert, sweet and salty, easy dessert, chocolate, snack, bake sale, potluck

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/easy-no-bake-salted-caramel-pretzel-bars-perfect-for-parties/