No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars Easy Recipe

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- 2 cups crushed pretzels - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - Flaky sea salt, for topping You can make this recipe with a few changes. Here are some swaps: - Use gluten-free pretzels if you need a gluten-free option. - Swap unsalted butter for coconut oil for a dairy-free choice. - If you prefer, use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar. - For a different flavor, try using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. Each component plays a key role in making these bars shine: - Crushed pretzels add crunch and saltiness, creating a great base. - Unsalted butter binds the pretzels together and gives richness. - Brown sugar adds depth and a caramel-like flavor to the mix. - Granulated sugar helps create a smooth and thick caramel. - Heavy cream is vital for a creamy texture in the caramel. - Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor with warmth. - Chocolate chips provide a sweet finish and balance the saltiness. - Flaky sea salt on top gives a delightful contrast and accentuates flavors. To start, you need to mix crushed pretzels with melted butter. In a bowl, combine 2 cups of crushed pretzels and 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Stir until the pretzels are coated well. Next, line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This will help you lift the bars later. Press the pretzel mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan. This forms a solid base. After that, place the pan in the fridge to set while you make the caramel. For the caramel, use a medium saucepan. Add 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of heavy cream. Heat over medium. Stir the mixture as it heats. Keep stirring until the sugars dissolve. Then let it boil gently for about 5 minutes. Do not stir while it boils. This helps the caramel thicken. Once it thickens, take it off the heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Let the caramel cool for a few minutes. Now, pour the warm caramel over the pretzel base. Spread it out evenly. Place the pan back in the fridge for about 30 minutes. While the caramel sets, melt 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each. Once melted and smooth, pour the chocolate over the caramel. Spread it evenly. Finally, sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top. This adds a nice salty touch. Chill the pan again for at least one hour until fully set. When ready, lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares or rectangles. Enjoy your tasty treat! To keep your caramel smooth, use medium heat. This will help the sugars melt evenly. Stir the mixture well but do not stir once it boils. Let it bubble for about five minutes. This helps it thicken without getting sticky. If your caramel becomes too sticky, it may have cooked too long. Keep an eye on it as it cooks. A solid base is key for these bars. After mixing the crushed pretzels and melted butter, press the mixture firmly into the pan. Use a flat tool to even it out. This step helps the bars hold their shape. Chilling the base for a bit before adding caramel sets it better. Aim for at least 15 minutes in the fridge. To melt the chocolate chips smoothly, use short bursts in the microwave. Heat for 30 seconds at a time. Stir in between to avoid burning. If you see some unmelted chips, stir them in as the heat will help them melt. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler for more control. Both methods will give you a nice, glossy chocolate finish. {{image_2}} You can make these bars even better by adding nuts. Chopped pecans or walnuts work well. They add crunch and a nice flavor. Just mix in about 1 cup of your favorite nuts with the pretzel base. You can also use mini M&M's or chocolate chips for some fun color and extra sweetness. If you want a twist, try using dark chocolate or white chocolate. Dark chocolate gives a rich taste. White chocolate adds a sweet creaminess. Melt the chocolate like in the recipe, and spread it over the caramel layer. You can also mix chocolates for a layered look. Want to add some zing to your caramel? You can infuse it with flavors like sea salt, espresso, or orange zest. Just add 1 teaspoon of your chosen flavor when you stir in the vanilla extract. This gives your bars a unique touch that will impress your friends and family. To keep your no-bake salted caramel pretzel bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You can layer the bars with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Make sure to keep the container in a cool, dry place or in the fridge for extra freshness. These bars last about a week in the fridge. The caramel stays soft, and the pretzel base remains crunchy. If you notice any change in texture or smell, it's best to toss them out. Always check for freshness before you indulge. You can freeze these bars for up to three months. Cut them into squares before freezing for easy serving. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you want to enjoy them, just take out what you need and let them thaw in the fridge. Yes, you can use gluten-free pretzels. Many brands offer tasty options. Look for ones that have a similar crunch and texture. They will work just as well in this recipe. Substitute them directly in the same amount as regular pretzels. Everyone can enjoy these delicious bars! If your caramel is runny, it may not have cooked long enough. The key is to let it boil until it thickens. Cook it for a few more minutes over medium heat. Stir it gently and watch for bubbles. When it coats the back of a spoon, it’s ready. If it’s still too thin, let it cool slightly before adding it to the bars. These bars are perfect on their own, but you can add fun sides! Try serving them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. A drizzle of extra caramel sauce can also enhance the experience. Fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries adds a nice balance. Enjoy these bars with friends and family for a sweet treat! We covered everything you need for making No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars. You learned about the key ingredients and their importance. We shared step-by-step instructions for effortless success. You got tips to avoid common mistakes and ideas for tasty variations. Lastly, we discussed how to store and serve your bars. Enjoy making these sweet treats! They are fun and easy to share with others.

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Are you ready for a sweet treat that’s super simple to make? These No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars combine salty, sweet, and crunchy in every bite. With just a few ingredients, you’ll create a dessert that wows friends and family. I’ll guide you through easy steps and offer tips for perfect results. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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Ingredients

Complete List of Ingredients

– 2 cups crushed pretzels

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

– 1 cup granulated sugar

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

– Flaky sea salt, for topping

Ingredient Substitutions

You can make this recipe with a few changes. Here are some swaps:

– Use gluten-free pretzels if you need a gluten-free option.

– Swap unsalted butter for coconut oil for a dairy-free choice.

– If you prefer, use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar.

– For a different flavor, try using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.

Importance of Each Ingredient

Each component plays a key role in making these bars shine:

– Crushed pretzels add crunch and saltiness, creating a great base.

– Unsalted butter binds the pretzels together and gives richness.

– Brown sugar adds depth and a caramel-like flavor to the mix.

– Granulated sugar helps create a smooth and thick caramel.

– Heavy cream is vital for a creamy texture in the caramel.

– Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor with warmth.

– Chocolate chips provide a sweet finish and balance the saltiness.

– Flaky sea salt on top gives a delightful contrast and accentuates flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Base

To start, you need to mix crushed pretzels with melted butter. In a bowl, combine 2 cups of crushed pretzels and 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Stir until the pretzels are coated well. Next, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This will help you lift the bars later. Press the pretzel mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan. This forms a solid base. After that, place the pan in the fridge to set while you make the caramel.

Making the Caramel

For the caramel, use a medium saucepan. Add 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of heavy cream. Heat over medium. Stir the mixture as it heats. Keep stirring until the sugars dissolve. Then let it boil gently for about 5 minutes. Do not stir while it boils. This helps the caramel thicken. Once it thickens, take it off the heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Let the caramel cool for a few minutes.

Finishing Touches

Now, pour the warm caramel over the pretzel base. Spread it out evenly. Place the pan back in the fridge for about 30 minutes. While the caramel sets, melt 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each. Once melted and smooth, pour the chocolate over the caramel. Spread it evenly. Finally, sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top. This adds a nice salty touch. Chill the pan again for at least one hour until fully set. When ready, lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares or rectangles. Enjoy your tasty treat!

Tips & Tricks

How to Avoid Sticky Caramel

To keep your caramel smooth, use medium heat. This will help the sugars melt evenly. Stir the mixture well but do not stir once it boils. Let it bubble for about five minutes. This helps it thicken without getting sticky. If your caramel becomes too sticky, it may have cooked too long. Keep an eye on it as it cooks.

Ensuring a Firm Base

A solid base is key for these bars. After mixing the crushed pretzels and melted butter, press the mixture firmly into the pan. Use a flat tool to even it out. This step helps the bars hold their shape. Chilling the base for a bit before adding caramel sets it better. Aim for at least 15 minutes in the fridge.

Best Chocolate Melting Techniques

To melt the chocolate chips smoothly, use short bursts in the microwave. Heat for 30 seconds at a time. Stir in between to avoid burning. If you see some unmelted chips, stir them in as the heat will help them melt. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler for more control. Both methods will give you a nice, glossy chocolate finish.

Variations

Adding Nuts or Other Mix-Ins

You can make these bars even better by adding nuts. Chopped pecans or walnuts work well. They add crunch and a nice flavor. Just mix in about 1 cup of your favorite nuts with the pretzel base. You can also use mini M&M’s or chocolate chips for some fun color and extra sweetness.

Alternative Chocolate Options

If you want a twist, try using dark chocolate or white chocolate. Dark chocolate gives a rich taste. White chocolate adds a sweet creaminess. Melt the chocolate like in the recipe, and spread it over the caramel layer. You can also mix chocolates for a layered look.

Flavor Infusions for the Caramel

Want to add some zing to your caramel? You can infuse it with flavors like sea salt, espresso, or orange zest. Just add 1 teaspoon of your chosen flavor when you stir in the vanilla extract. This gives your bars a unique touch that will impress your friends and family.

Storage Info

Best Practices for Storing Bars

To keep your no-bake salted caramel pretzel bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You can layer the bars with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Make sure to keep the container in a cool, dry place or in the fridge for extra freshness.

How Long They Last in the Fridge

These bars last about a week in the fridge. The caramel stays soft, and the pretzel base remains crunchy. If you notice any change in texture or smell, it’s best to toss them out. Always check for freshness before you indulge.

Freezing Guidelines

You can freeze these bars for up to three months. Cut them into squares before freezing for easy serving. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you want to enjoy them, just take out what you need and let them thaw in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I make these with gluten-free pretzels?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pretzels. Many brands offer tasty options. Look for ones that have a similar crunch and texture. They will work just as well in this recipe. Substitute them directly in the same amount as regular pretzels. Everyone can enjoy these delicious bars!

How do I fix a runny caramel?

If your caramel is runny, it may not have cooked long enough. The key is to let it boil until it thickens. Cook it for a few more minutes over medium heat. Stir it gently and watch for bubbles. When it coats the back of a spoon, it’s ready. If it’s still too thin, let it cool slightly before adding it to the bars.

What can I serve with No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars?

These bars are perfect on their own, but you can add fun sides! Try serving them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. A drizzle of extra caramel sauce can also enhance the experience. Fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries adds a nice balance. Enjoy these bars with friends and family for a sweet treat!

We covered everything you need for making No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars. You learned about the key ingredients and their importance. We shared step-by-step instructions for effortless success. You got tips to avoid common mistakes and ideas for tasty variations. Lastly, we discussed how to store and serve your bars.

Enjoy making these sweet treats! They are fun and easy to share with others.

- 2 cups crushed pretzels - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - Flaky sea salt, for topping You can make this recipe with a few changes. Here are some swaps: - Use gluten-free pretzels if you need a gluten-free option. - Swap unsalted butter for coconut oil for a dairy-free choice. - If you prefer, use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar. - For a different flavor, try using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. Each component plays a key role in making these bars shine: - Crushed pretzels add crunch and saltiness, creating a great base. - Unsalted butter binds the pretzels together and gives richness. - Brown sugar adds depth and a caramel-like flavor to the mix. - Granulated sugar helps create a smooth and thick caramel. - Heavy cream is vital for a creamy texture in the caramel. - Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor with warmth. - Chocolate chips provide a sweet finish and balance the saltiness. - Flaky sea salt on top gives a delightful contrast and accentuates flavors. To start, you need to mix crushed pretzels with melted butter. In a bowl, combine 2 cups of crushed pretzels and 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Stir until the pretzels are coated well. Next, line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This will help you lift the bars later. Press the pretzel mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan. This forms a solid base. After that, place the pan in the fridge to set while you make the caramel. For the caramel, use a medium saucepan. Add 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of heavy cream. Heat over medium. Stir the mixture as it heats. Keep stirring until the sugars dissolve. Then let it boil gently for about 5 minutes. Do not stir while it boils. This helps the caramel thicken. Once it thickens, take it off the heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Let the caramel cool for a few minutes. Now, pour the warm caramel over the pretzel base. Spread it out evenly. Place the pan back in the fridge for about 30 minutes. While the caramel sets, melt 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each. Once melted and smooth, pour the chocolate over the caramel. Spread it evenly. Finally, sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top. This adds a nice salty touch. Chill the pan again for at least one hour until fully set. When ready, lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares or rectangles. Enjoy your tasty treat! To keep your caramel smooth, use medium heat. This will help the sugars melt evenly. Stir the mixture well but do not stir once it boils. Let it bubble for about five minutes. This helps it thicken without getting sticky. If your caramel becomes too sticky, it may have cooked too long. Keep an eye on it as it cooks. A solid base is key for these bars. After mixing the crushed pretzels and melted butter, press the mixture firmly into the pan. Use a flat tool to even it out. This step helps the bars hold their shape. Chilling the base for a bit before adding caramel sets it better. Aim for at least 15 minutes in the fridge. To melt the chocolate chips smoothly, use short bursts in the microwave. Heat for 30 seconds at a time. Stir in between to avoid burning. If you see some unmelted chips, stir them in as the heat will help them melt. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler for more control. Both methods will give you a nice, glossy chocolate finish. {{image_2}} You can make these bars even better by adding nuts. Chopped pecans or walnuts work well. They add crunch and a nice flavor. Just mix in about 1 cup of your favorite nuts with the pretzel base. You can also use mini M&M's or chocolate chips for some fun color and extra sweetness. If you want a twist, try using dark chocolate or white chocolate. Dark chocolate gives a rich taste. White chocolate adds a sweet creaminess. Melt the chocolate like in the recipe, and spread it over the caramel layer. You can also mix chocolates for a layered look. Want to add some zing to your caramel? You can infuse it with flavors like sea salt, espresso, or orange zest. Just add 1 teaspoon of your chosen flavor when you stir in the vanilla extract. This gives your bars a unique touch that will impress your friends and family. To keep your no-bake salted caramel pretzel bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You can layer the bars with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Make sure to keep the container in a cool, dry place or in the fridge for extra freshness. These bars last about a week in the fridge. The caramel stays soft, and the pretzel base remains crunchy. If you notice any change in texture or smell, it's best to toss them out. Always check for freshness before you indulge. You can freeze these bars for up to three months. Cut them into squares before freezing for easy serving. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you want to enjoy them, just take out what you need and let them thaw in the fridge. Yes, you can use gluten-free pretzels. Many brands offer tasty options. Look for ones that have a similar crunch and texture. They will work just as well in this recipe. Substitute them directly in the same amount as regular pretzels. Everyone can enjoy these delicious bars! If your caramel is runny, it may not have cooked long enough. The key is to let it boil until it thickens. Cook it for a few more minutes over medium heat. Stir it gently and watch for bubbles. When it coats the back of a spoon, it’s ready. If it’s still too thin, let it cool slightly before adding it to the bars. These bars are perfect on their own, but you can add fun sides! Try serving them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. A drizzle of extra caramel sauce can also enhance the experience. Fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries adds a nice balance. Enjoy these bars with friends and family for a sweet treat! We covered everything you need for making No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars. You learned about the key ingredients and their importance. We shared step-by-step instructions for effortless success. You got tips to avoid common mistakes and ideas for tasty variations. Lastly, we discussed how to store and serve your bars. Enjoy making these sweet treats! They are fun and easy to share with others.

No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars

Indulge in the perfect sweet and salty treat with these no-bake salted caramel pretzel bars! Made with crunchy pretzels, rich caramel, and silky chocolate, these bars are easy to whip up and delightfully delicious. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you’ll have a showstopping dessert in no time. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your family and friends with this irresistible snack!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups crushed pretzels

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Flaky sea salt, for topping

Instructions
 

Prepare the Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels and melted butter. Stir until the pretzels are well coated.

    Press the Mixture: Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang. Press the pretzel mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan to form a solid base. Place it in the fridge to set while you prepare the caramel.

      Make the Caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar and granulated sugar with the heavy cream. Stir continuously until the sugars dissolve and the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Let it boil for about 5 minutes without stirring, until it thickens slightly.

        Add Flavor: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the caramel to cool for a few minutes.

          Layer the Caramel: Pour the warm caramel over the set pretzel base, spreading it evenly. Return the pan to the fridge to firm up for about 30 minutes.

            Melt the Chocolate: While the caramel is setting, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.

              Finish the Bars: Once the caramel has set, pour the melted chocolate over it, spreading evenly. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for a delicious contrast.

                Chill Again: Place the pan back into the refrigerator for at least another hour until fully set.

                  Slice and Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares or rectangles to serve.

                    Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 2 hours | Servings: 16

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the bars on a decorative plate, garnished with a few extra pretzels and a sprinkle of sea salt for visual appeal.

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