There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of salty pretzels and sweet caramel, isn’t there? It’s like a cozy hug on a plate. These Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars are perfect for satisfying that sweet and salty craving. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or sharing them at a gathering, they’re sure to delight everyone. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, even if you’re new to the kitchen!
why make this recipe
Imagine warm, melted chocolate and drizzles of caramel all mingling with crunchy pretzels. Each bite has that perfect mix of flavors and textures. Making these bars is a breeze, and you only need a handful of ingredients. These bars are perfect for sharing, packing in lunches, or simply having a sweet treat at home. I love how quickly they come together and how deliciously decadent they taste. You won’t want to miss out on this simple, yet irresistible dessert!
how to make Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars
Let’s get started with this delightful treat! You’ll be surprised at how easy and fun this is to make.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pretzel sticks
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- Sea salt (for sprinkling)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper so the bars don’t stick.
- Spread the pretzel sticks evenly in the bottom of the dish. This crunchy base is going to hold everything together.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar together over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour that delicious butter mixture over the pretzels and gently stir to coat every little pretzel stick.
- Bake in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes. You want it bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips on top. Watch how they start to melt!
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the melted chocolate. Isn’t that just divine?
- Let it cool, then sprinkle with sea salt to enhance that sweet and salty flavor.
- Cut into bars and serve. Enjoy these tasty treats with friends and family!
how to serve Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars
These bars are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience by serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a fun touch, try drizzling a bit more chocolate sauce over the top just before serving. They’re also great alongside a warm cup of coffee or a chilled glass of milk.
how to store Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars
If you manage to have some leftovers (which is rare!), store the bars in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for a few days. If you want to keep them longer, try storing them in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying, as they can get a bit hard when chilled.
tips to make Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars
- Experiment with flavors! You can swap out the chocolate chips for peanut butter chips or even white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
- Add nuts! Toss in some chopped pecans or almonds for an added crunch and flavor. This is a fun twist that gives even more texture.
- Make it festive! If you’re feeling festive, throw in some colorful sprinkles right before it cools for an eye-catching treat.
If you love these Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars, you might also enjoy my recipe for chocolate chip cookie bars or some tasty marshmallow fudge for another easy sweet fix!
variation (if any)
Feel free to customize these bars to your liking! If you’re in the mood for something different, try adding crushed candy canes for a minty twist around the holidays. Or, mix in some mini marshmallows for a gooey surprise—we all love a good marshmallow moment!
FAQs
Can I use pretzel crumbs instead of sticks?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use crushed pretzels. Just adjust the baking time slightly, as they’ll cook a bit faster, and make sure to coat them well with the butter mixture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare these bars a day in advance. Just be sure to store them properly in an airtight container.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
Consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the butter mixture for extra flavor. You could also sprinkle some cocoa powder in with the chocolate chips for an even richer chocolate taste!
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Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful bars combining crunchy pretzels, sweet caramel, and rich chocolate for a perfect sweet and salty treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pretzel sticks
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- Sea salt (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Spread the pretzel sticks evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar together over medium heat, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the butter mixture over the pretzels and gently stir to coat.
- Bake for about 10 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the melted chocolate.
- Allow to cool, then sprinkle with sea salt.
- Cut into bars and serve.
Notes
These bars can be served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: caramel treats, pretzel bars, sweet and salty dessert
