Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars

Featured in Irresistible Sweet Treats.

These Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars are a deliciously sweet and salty dessert, perfect for any occasion. The base is made with a buttery caramel mixture folded with crushed pretzels, baked to golden perfection, then topped with a layer of melted semi-sweet chocolate. A sprinkle of sea salt on top adds an extra burst of flavor. With a simple ingredient list and easy preparation, these bars make a great treat for parties, gifts, or an everyday indulgence. Cool, slice, and enjoy the irresistible combination of flavors in every bite.

Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 15:53:45 GMT
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Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars | recipesbyclare.com

These Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars are the ultimate combination of sweet and salty, making them perfect for any gathering or just an indulgent snack at home.

INGREDIENTS
  • Unsalted butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), melted
  • Brown sugar: 1 cup, packed, for sweetness and richness
  • Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, for flavor
  • Mini pretzel twists: 2 cups, roughly crushed, providing the crunchy base
  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 2 cups, for a rich chocolate layer
  • Sea salt flakes (optional): Sprinkled on top for a salty finish
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Step 2:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla until smooth, then remove from heat and fold in the crushed pretzels.
Step 3:
Transfer the caramel-pretzel mixture to the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Press down firmly to create a compact layer. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and slightly bubbly.
Step 4:
Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot base. Return to the oven for 1-2 minutes, just until the chocolate softens. Spread the melted chocolate with a spatula to cover the base. Optionally, sprinkle sea salt flakes over the top.
Step 5:
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift them out and transfer to a cutting board. Slice into bars and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
  • Serve these bars as a dessert or snack. They pair wonderfully with coffee or tea.
  • Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for a firmer texture.
Helpful Notes
  • For a vegan option, use dairy-free chocolate chips and substitute vegan butter.
  • Try adding chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for extra flavor and texture.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

  • Celebrity chef Claire Saffitz recommends sprinkling flaky sea salt after the chocolate has fully melted for an even distribution of saltiness.
Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars Pin it
Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars | recipesbyclare.com

Caramel Pretzel Bars

Irresistible sweet and salty caramel pretzel bars, with a caramel base, chocolate top, and optional sea salt garnish. Perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
12 Minutes
Total Time
22 Minutes

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12-16 bars)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter.
02 1 cup packed brown sugar.
03 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
04 2 cups mini pretzel twists, roughly crushed.
05 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips.
06 Sea salt flakes (optional, for garnish).

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang on the sides for easy removal.

Step 02

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and vanilla until smooth. Remove from heat and fold in crushed pretzels.

Step 03

Transfer the caramel-pretzel mixture to the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Press down firmly to create a compact layer. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and slightly bubbly.

Step 04

Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the hot base. Return to oven for 1-2 minutes or until chocolate is soft. Spread melted chocolate with a spatula to cover the base. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes, if using.

Step 05

Allow to cool completely in pan. Lift out using parchment overhang and transfer to a cutting board. Slice into bars.

Notes

  1. This recipe combines sweet and salty flavors with a crunchy pretzel base and rich caramel layer.
  2. Sprinkling sea salt flakes on top enhances the balance of sweet and salty.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 250
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 2 g