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These Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies became an instant hit in my kitchen when I started experimenting with my classic brownie recipe. The combination of rich chocolate, crunchy pretzels and silky caramel creates pure magic in every bite. Trust me, once you make these for your family or friends they'll be begging for the recipe!
What You'll Need for These Amazing Brownies
- Brownie Mix: 1 box works perfectly. I sometimes make them from scratch but the mix is such a time-saver.
- Vegetable Oil: ½ cup to make them super moist and fudgy.
- Water: ¼ cup just enough to get the perfect consistency.
- Eggs: 2 large fresh eggs from my local farmers market work best.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 1 cup for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Mini Pretzels: 2 cups crushed into pieces. My kids love helping with this part.
- Caramel Sauce: 1 cup store bought is fine but I love making mine from scratch.
- Sea Salt: 1 tsp for that perfect sweet salty balance that makes these brownies unforgettable.
Let's Make These Incredible Brownies Together
- Preheat the Oven
- Start with a 350°F oven. I always line my 9x9 pan with parchment paper it makes cleanup so much easier.
- Mix Your Batter
- In my favorite mixing bowl I combine the brownie mix oil water and eggs until smooth. Sometimes I toss in those chocolate chips when I want them extra decadent.
- Time for Pretzels
- Break up those pretzels into chunks and scatter them over your batter. I like some bigger pieces for extra crunch.
- Into the Oven
- Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You'll know they're done when your kitchen smells amazing and a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool completely.
- Caramel Magic
- If you're making caramel from scratch melt sugar until golden brown add butter cream vanilla and salt. Cool it slightly before drizzling.
- The Final Touch
- Pour that gorgeous caramel over your brownies cut them into squares and watch them disappear!
My Secret Tips for the Best Results
- Pretzel Secret: I love breaking the pretzels into random sizes. The variety of textures makes every bite interesting.
- Quick Caramel Trick: When I'm short on time I warm up store bought caramel with a pinch of sea salt. Works like a charm!
- Keep Them Fresh: Store these in your favorite container on the counter for 3 days if they last that long! Pop them in the fridge to keep longer.
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A Little Story About These Brownies
I created this recipe one rainy afternoon when my kids were craving something special. We had pretzels leftover from movie night and some caramel sauce in the fridge. That happy accident turned into our family's most requested dessert. The sweet and salty combo is absolutely irresistible and I love watching people's faces light up when they try them for the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why did my caramel sauce crystallize?
Avoid stirring the sugar too much while it melts. Brush down the sides of the pan with water to prevent crystals from forming.
- → Can I use a different size pan?
Stick to 9x9 for the right thickness. If using 9x13, increase ingredients by 1.5x and reduce baking time slightly.
- → How do I know when the brownies are done?
A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean. They'll continue setting as they cool.
- → Can I freeze these brownies?
Freeze untopped brownies for up to 3 months. Add pretzels and caramel after thawing for best texture.
- → Why add salt to the caramel?
Salt enhances both the sweet and bitter notes in the caramel and chocolate, creating a more complex flavor.