Introduction
Indulge your sweet tooth with these delightful No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars! This treat beautifully combines the crunchy, salty goodness of pretzels with a rich, creamy caramel filling and a luscious chocolate layer on top. Perfect for parties, picnics, or just when you need a sweet escape, these bars are not only easy to make but are sure to impress your friends and family. Best of all, there’s no baking required—just a little patience while they chill in the fridge!
Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 24 bars
Directions and Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels and melted butter. Stir until the pretzels are fully coated in buttery goodness.
- Transfer the pretzel mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Press it firmly to create a solid base.
- In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and caramel sauce. Stir constantly for about 5–7 minutes, or until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency. Remove from heat and mix in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the luscious caramel mixture evenly over your pretzel crust. Use a spatula to gently spread it out.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips by heating in 30-second intervals. Stir in between until smooth and glossy.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer and spread it evenly with a spatula, ensuring every inch is covered.
- Sprinkle sea salt atop the chocolate layer according to your taste—this will enhance the sweet and salty flavor profile beautifully!
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours or until they are nicely set and ready to be enjoyed.
- Once set, remove from the fridge and cut into squares. Serve these sweet creations and watch them disappear!
Notes or Tips
For an extra touch of sweetness, consider drizzling additional caramel sauce on top before serving. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate—milk chocolate or even white chocolate can add unique flavors to your bars.
Cooking Techniques
Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe! If you want to add a little crunch, try incorporating chopped nuts into the pretzel base or sprinkle some on top before the chocolate sets. This not only enhances the texture but also adds a lovely, nutty flavor to the bars.
FAQ
Can I use gluten-free pretzels?
Absolutely! Just make sure to check the packaging to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
How should I store the leftover bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for about a week—if they last that long!
Conclusion
These No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars are the perfect blend of sweet and salty, making them a family favorite. Whether you’re enjoying them at home or sharing at a gathering, they’re sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients and get ready to whip up a batch of these delicious bars that are as fun to make as they are to eat!