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Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars

A delightful treat that combines sweet and salty flavors with a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy caramel filling, and rich chocolate topping.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the crust
  • 4 cups mini pretzels, crushed Use finely crushed pretzels for the best texture.
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
For the caramel filling
  • 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk Store-bought is easier, but homemade is possible.
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the topping
  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips For different flavor profiles, use dark or white chocolate.
  • 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt Adjust to taste.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and brown sugar. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes.
  3. In a saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, and butter. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Baking
  1. Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the pretzel crust. Bake for another 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are gently bubbling.
  2. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot caramel and let them soften for 2 to 3 minutes. Spread the melted chocolate evenly and sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt.
Cooling
  1. Allow the bars to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares.

Notes

Serve chilled or at room temperature. For storage, keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.