Description
Irresistible caramel pretzel crack bars deliver a perfect balance of salty and sweet in one addictive dessert. Crunchy pretzels, rich caramel, and chocolate create a mouthwatering treat you won’t be able to resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups mini pretzel twists, roughly crushed
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup (2 sticks/226 grams) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (220 grams) packed brown sugar
Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish:
- Sea salt flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by lining a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring overhanging edges for effortless removal.
- Activate the oven to 350°F (175°C) for precise heating.
- In a medium saucepan, transform butter into a liquid state over medium heat, then incorporate brown sugar and vanilla, stirring until the mixture achieves a silky consistency.
- Gently fold crushed pretzels into the caramel mixture, creating a textured base.
- Distribute the caramel-pretzel blend evenly across the prepared pan, applying firm pressure to establish a compact foundation.
- Slide the pan into the preheated oven, allowing the mixture to bake for 10-12 minutes until achieving a golden, slightly effervescent appearance.
- Immediately scatter chocolate chips across the hot surface, returning to the oven for 1-2 minutes to encourage melting.
- Use a spatula to smooth the softened chocolate, ensuring complete coverage of the pretzel base.
- Optional: Sprinkle sea salt flakes over the chocolate for an enhanced flavor profile.
- Allow the creation to cool completely within the pan, maintaining its structural integrity.
- Utilize the parchment paper overhang to transfer the dessert to a cutting board.
- Slice into individual bars, revealing the layers of caramel, pretzel, and chocolate.
Notes
- Try different pretzel types like salted, whole wheat, or gluten-free varieties to customize the base according to dietary preferences.
- Control sweetness by adjusting brown sugar quantity or using alternative sweeteners like coconut sugar for a healthier twist.
- Swap chocolate chips with dark, milk, or white chocolate to create unique flavor combinations and accommodate different taste preferences.
- Enhance texture by toasting pretzels briefly before crushing to intensify their nutty, crispy profile and add deeper complexity to the bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 295 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg