Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bars combine salty, sweet, and crunchy flavors in one irresistible treat. Perfect for a quick dessert or a snack, they’re simple to make and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

• 4 cups mini pretzel twists
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 cups chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Arrange the pretzels in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, covering it completely.
3. Step 3: In a small pot, melt the butter and brown sugar together over medium-low heat. Once melted, bring the mixture to a boil and continue boiling for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Step 4: Pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the pretzels. Don’t worry if some pretzels are missed, as the caramel will spread while baking.
5. Step 5: Bake the pretzels and caramel at 325°F for 8 to 10 minutes until the caramel is bubbling across the entire sheet.
6. Step 6: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the caramel. Return the sheet to the oven for 1 to 2 minutes to soften the chocolate.
7. Step 7: Use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate smoothly over the caramel layer. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 30 minutes to set.
8. Step 8: Once set, lift the bars from the baking sheet by the foil and peel it away. Break into pieces or cut into squares with a large knife.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the melted chocolate before it sets.
• Use dark, milk, or white chocolate chips depending on your preference.
• Try adding chopped nuts or toffee bits to the chocolate layer for added texture.
• Make sure to stir constantly while boiling the caramel to prevent burning.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If your kitchen is warm, keep them in the refrigerator. To soften chilled bars, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized pretzels instead of mini twists?

Yes, you can use regular-sized pretzels, but you may want to adjust the amount so the baking sheet is fully covered without large gaps.

What if I don’t have a freezer to set the bars?

You can chill the bars in the refrigerator instead; just allow extra time for the chocolate to firm up before cutting and serving.

Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 343 reviews

These Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bars combine salty, sweet, and crunchy flavors into one irresistible treat. A buttery caramel glaze coats crunchy pretzels, topped with melted chocolate for a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Easy to make and perfect for snacking or sharing.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: About 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 4 cups mini pretzel twists
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 cups chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange Pretzels: Spread the mini pretzel twists onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring the surface is completely covered with pretzels.
3. Make Caramel Mixture: In a small pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter and add the brown sugar. Bring this mixture to a boil, then allow it to boil gently for 3 minutes while stirring constantly to avoid burning and ensure a smooth caramel.
4. Pour Caramel Over Pretzels: Evenly pour the hot caramel mixture over the pretzels on the baking sheet. Don’t worry if some spots look less covered; the caramel will spread and even out as it bakes.
5. Bake Caramel Pretzels: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the caramel is fully bubbling across the entire sheet, signaling it’s cooked through and bubbly.
6. Add Chocolate Chips: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the caramel layer. Return it to the oven for 1 to 2 minutes just until the chocolate chips soften and begin to melt.
7. Spread Melted Chocolate: Use a spatula to gently spread the softened chocolate evenly over the pretzel and caramel layer for a smooth chocolate coating.
8. Chill Bars: Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 30 minutes to allow the caramel and chocolate to set firmly.
9. Cut and Serve: After chilling, remove the bars from the baking sheet by peeling off the aluminum foil. Break or cut the set caramel pretzel slabs into squares or bars with a large knife, then serve.

Notes

• Store the bars well in an airtight container for about a week to maintain freshness.
• For best texture, allow bars to chill completely before cutting.
• You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate based on preference.

Keywords: Chocolate caramel pretzel bars, caramel pretzel bars, chocolate pretzel dessert, easy caramel bars, sweet and salty snack