Introduction

Caramel Pretzel Bark is a delightful sweet and salty treat that’s simple to make and perfect for snacking or sharing. Crunchy pretzels coated in rich caramel, drizzled with melted chocolate, and sprinkled with sea salt create a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

The image shows three stacked pieces of a sweet treat with three distinct layers. The bottom layer is a light brown, crunchy base with visible crunchy bits. The middle layer is a smooth, rich caramel with pretzel sticks sticking out. The top layer is a thick milk chocolate layer decorated with thin dark chocolate drizzles and sprinkled with coarse sea salt crystals. The stack sits on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups pretzel sticks (Use stick pretzels for best results)
1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 cup packed brown sugar (for sweet caramel flavor)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (white sugar for sweetness)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances the flavor)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted for drizzling)
Sea salt, to taste (for sprinkling on top)

Instructions

Step 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, making sure it’s large enough to hold all pretzels in a single layer.
Step 2: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar, stirring continually until the mixture boils. Let it boil for 3 minutes without stirring.
Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract as the mixture will bubble up.
Step 4: Place the pretzel sticks in a large bowl and drizzle the caramel mixture over them. Gently stir to coat all pretzels evenly.
Step 5: Spread the coated pretzels evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted.
Step 7: Use a spoon to drizzle the melted chocolate over the pretzel bark.
Step 8: Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle sea salt over the chocolate drizzles to enhance the flavor.
Step 9: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or until the bark is fully set.
Step 10: Once set, break the bark into pieces and enjoy your delicious caramel pretzel bark!

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, try using pretzel rods instead of sticks.
Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the caramel-coated pretzels before drizzling chocolate for added texture and flavor.
Use dark chocolate chips if you prefer a richer chocolate taste.
If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper with the sea salt for a spicy twist.

Storage

Store caramel pretzel bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep it crisp, avoid humid environments. If the bark softens, simply chill it in the refrigerator for a few minutes before serving. It can also be frozen for longer storage — thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of stacked caramel pretzel bars on a white marbled surface. Each bar has three clear layers: the bottom layer is crunchy pretzel pieces in a light tan color, the middle layer is thick and gooey golden caramel, and the top layer is smooth milk chocolate with a shiny finish. Dark chocolate drizzle lines zigzag across the top layer, and large crystals of sea salt are sprinkled generously, adding a rough, white texture on top. The bars look rich and sticky, with some caramel slightly dripping down the sides. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chocolate other than semi-sweet?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate chips depending on your preference. Each will give the bark a different flavor profile.

How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

Keep the heat at medium and stir continuously until the mixture boils. Once boiling, allow it to cook for exactly three minutes without stirring to avoid burning. Using a heavy-bottomed saucepan helps distribute heat evenly.