Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars

Name: Caramel Pretzel Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter.; 1 cup packed brown sugar.; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.; 2 cups mini pretzel twists, roughly crushed.; 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips.; Sea salt flakes (optional, for garnish).

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.

Tags: #quick-recipes #chocolate

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By Clare Greco

Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 15:53:45 GMT

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.

If you enjoy this recipe, you may also like Blue Velvet Cake.

2.94 from 147 votes

Caramel Pretzel Bars

Preparation Time:: 10 Minutes
Cook Time:: 12 Minutes
Total Cooking Time:: 22 Minutes
Number of Servings:: 12

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

Ingredients You'll Need

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

How to Make It

1. Preheat: 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.

2. Prepare Caramel-pretzel: 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.

3. Bake Base: 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.

4. Add Chocolate: 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.

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

Extra Information

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