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Delicious Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bars with a sweet and salty flavor

Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bars

These Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors, combining crunchy pretzels, rich chocolate, and smooth caramel.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pretzel Crust
  • 2.5 cups pretzel twists, finely crushed Finely crush pretzels for an even crust.
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
Caramel Layer
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 0.33 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
Chocolate Topping
  • 1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter or 1 tablespoon coconut oil You can use either for melting.
For Topping
  • 0.5 cup mini pretzels For topping the chocolate layer.
  • Flaky sea salt (optional) Sprinkle on top if desired.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and brown sugar until it resembles damp sand. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden and set. Let cool slightly.
Caramel Layer
  1. In a saucepan, combine butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir until melted and gently boiling, then cook for 3–4 minutes.
  2. Stir in heavy cream, vanilla, and salt; cook for another 1–2 minutes until smooth.
  3. Pour warm caramel over pretzel crust and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Chocolate Topping
  1. Melt chocolate chips with peanut butter or coconut oil in the microwave until smooth.
  2. Spread melted chocolate over caramel, top with mini pretzels, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
  3. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
  4. Lift bars from the pan and cut into squares.

Notes

These bars are best served chilled. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage. Variation: Add nuts like chopped peanuts or pecans for extra crunch.