Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars Recipe
Introduction
Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars are the perfect combination of salty and sweet with a satisfying crunch. This simple no-fuss treat layers crunchy pretzels, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate for a deliciously addictive snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pretzels (broken into smaller pieces)
- 1 cup caramel candies (unwrapped) or caramel sauce
- 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the broken pretzels evenly in the bottom of a lined baking dish.
- Step 2: Sprinkle the caramel candies evenly over the pretzels. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the caramel is melted and bubbly.
- Step 3: Remove the dish from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips on top of the hot caramel. Let the chocolate sit for a few minutes to soften, then gently spread it evenly over the caramel layer.
- Step 4: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature or refrigerate for about 30 minutes until the chocolate sets. Cut into bars and serve.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the melted chocolate before it sets.
- Use dark, milk, or white chocolate depending on your preference.
- Swap pretzels for crushed graham crackers for a softer texture.
Storage
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to one week. If refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of candies?
Yes, caramel sauce can be used as a quicker alternative. Heat it slightly before spreading over the pretzels, then proceed with the chocolate topping.
What kind of pretzels work best?
Small pretzel twists or sticks work well because they provide a good crunchy base that holds up to the caramel and chocolate layers.
PrintCaramel Pretzel Crack Bars Recipe
Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars are a delightful combination of salty and sweet flavors featuring a crunchy pretzel base layered with a rich caramel topping and finished with melted chocolate. These bars are easy to make and perfect for snacking or serving at gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pretzel Layer
- 4 cups mini pretzels
Caramel Layer
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Chocolate Topping
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, for smoother melting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pretzel Base: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the mini pretzels evenly over the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, creating a single layer that will serve as the crunchy base for the bars.
- Make the Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in brown sugar, light corn syrup, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour Caramel Over Pretzels: Carefully pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the pretzels in the pan, making sure to cover as many pretzels as possible for that perfect balance of sweet and salty.
- Bake the Layer: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, until the caramel is bubbly and has set slightly. Remove from oven and let cool for about 10 minutes to allow caramel to firm up.
- Top with Chocolate: While the caramel layer is still warm, sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips evenly over the top. Let them sit for a couple of minutes, then spread the melted chocolate evenly using a spatula. Optionally, add a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the chocolate chips before melting for a smoother finish.
- Cool and Set: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature or place them in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes until the chocolate is fully set.
- Cut and Serve: Once set, lift the bars from the pan using the edges of the parchment paper or cut directly into squares. Serve and enjoy the perfect salty-sweet snack.
Notes
- Use mini pretzels for the best coverage and crunch.
- Be cautious when handling hot caramel as it can cause burns.
- For easier cutting, chill the bars before slicing.
- You can substitute semisweet chocolate with milk or dark chocolate based on preference.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Keywords: caramel bars, pretzel bars, chocolate pretzel dessert, sweet and salty snack, easy no-bake dessert, caramel pretzel bars
