Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bars Recipe
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
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups mini pretzel twists
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 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.
- Arrange Pretzels: Spread the mini pretzel twists onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring the surface is completely covered with pretzels.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Spread Melted Chocolate: Use a spatula to gently spread the softened chocolate evenly over the pretzel and caramel layer for a smooth chocolate coating.
- Chill Bars: Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 30 minutes to allow the caramel and chocolate to set firmly.
- 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