No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars That Deliver Sweet-Salty Perfection Recipe
Delight in these no-bake salted caramel pretzel bars that perfectly balance sweet and salty flavors with a crunchy pretzel base, gooey caramel layer, and a smooth chocolate topping. Easy to make and refrigerated until firm, these bars are a quick and satisfying treat for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Base and Caramel Layer
- 3 cups crushed pretzels
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch sea salt
Chocolate Topping
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring there is an overhang on the sides to help lift the bars later.
- Make the Caramel: Melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar until the mixture is combined and smooth. Then add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, stirring continuously until the caramel becomes glossy and slightly thickened, about a few minutes. Optionally, add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the sweet-salty flavor balance.
- Mix Pretzels: Remove the caramel from heat and quickly fold in the crushed pretzels, stirring thoroughly to ensure all pieces are coated evenly for consistent texture.
- Form the Base Layer: Transfer the pretzel and caramel mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, smoothing the surface to create a level base for the chocolate layer.
- Add Chocolate Topping: Melt the chocolate chips using a microwave or double boiler until smooth. Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the pressed pretzel-caramel layer.
- Chill and Set: Optionally sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate for extra flavor. Refrigerate the pan until the bars are fully firm, about 2 hours or until set.
- Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the block out of the pan. Cut into bars of your desired size and enjoy!
Notes
- Press the pretzel layer firmly to ensure the bars hold together and slice cleanly.
- Chill the bars fully in the refrigerator before cutting to avoid crumbly edges.
- Adjust the pinch of sea salt on top to your preference for sweet-salty contrast.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal from the pan without sticking.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Keywords: no-bake, salted caramel, pretzel bars, sweet and salty dessert, easy dessert, chocolate topping, caramel pretzel bars
