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- 2 cups crushed pretzels - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - Flaky sea salt, for garnish To make No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars, you need simple ingredients. First, crushed pretzels give a nice crunch. The melted unsalted butter helps hold everything together. Brown sugar adds a rich flavor. Granulated sugar balances the sweetness. Heavy cream makes the caramel creamy and smooth. The vanilla extract enhances the taste. Semi-sweet chocolate chips are for the top layer. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds a perfect touch. - Additional toppings (nuts, caramel drizzle) - Alternative chocolate types (dark, milk) You can customize your bars by adding extra toppings. Chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel make them even better. Feel free to swap the chocolate too. Use dark or milk chocolate if you prefer. These options let you create your own special twist on the recipe. First, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 2 cups of crushed pretzels to the bowl. Pour in 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Use a spatula to mix it well. Make sure every pretzel piece gets coated with butter. Next, take an 8x8-inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the sides. This helps with easy removal later. Firmly press the pretzel mixture into the bottom of the pan. Spread it evenly to create a solid base. Once done, pop the pan into the refrigerator. This will keep it cool while we make the caramel layer. Now, we will make the caramel. In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of heavy cream. Set your heat to medium. Whisk the mixture until the sugars dissolve fully. Let it come to a gentle boil. Watch it closely and boil without stirring for about 5 minutes. The caramel should thicken and turn a deep, rich color. Once it thickens, remove it from the heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for flavor. Let the caramel cool for a few minutes so it thickens even more. Carefully pour the warm caramel over your pretzel base. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Then, return the pan to the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps the caramel set. While that cools, melt the chocolate. Place 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring after each time. Continue until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Once the caramel is set, pour the melted chocolate over the top. Spread it evenly with a spatula. To finish, sprinkle some flaky sea salt over the chocolate layer. This adds a nice touch. Finally, place the pan back in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This allows the bars to firm up completely. Once set, lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares or rectangles for serving. - Ensure even distribution of ingredients: Mix the crushed pretzels and melted butter well. This helps each bite have a nice salty flavor. Press the mixture firmly into the pan. This makes a strong base that holds together. - Tips for melting chocolate without burning: Use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the chocolate in 30-second bursts. Stir after each interval. This helps the chocolate melt evenly. Stop when it’s smooth, as overcooking can ruin it. - Ideal refrigeration tips: Keep your bars in the fridge. They taste best when chilled. Use an airtight container for storage. This keeps them fresh for up to a week. - Presentation ideas for serving: Serve the bars on a pretty plate. Add a few whole pretzels on top. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt will make them look even more tempting. {{image_4}} You can easily change up your No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars. Adding nuts gives them a nice crunch. Try using chopped pecans or almonds. They add a great texture and flavor. You can also experiment with flavored chocolate. Try mint or orange chocolate for a fun twist. Just melt the flavored chocolate like regular chocolate. Then pour it over the caramel layer. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pretzels. They work just as well and taste great. For vegan alternatives, swap the butter with coconut oil. Also, choose dairy-free chocolate chips. This way, you can enjoy the bars without any animal products. These adjustments keep the delicious flavors while fitting different diets. No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars stay fresh in the fridge for up to one week. To keep them tasty, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out and losing flavor. You can freeze these bars for up to three months. To freeze, wrap each bar in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you want to enjoy them, take them out and thaw them in the fridge overnight. This keeps the taste and texture just right. These bars stay fresh in the fridge for up to one week. Store them in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just wrap each bar well before freezing. Yes, these bars are great to make ahead of time. You can prepare them one to two days before serving. Just keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy. This will help the flavors develop even more! To cut the bars cleanly, use a sharp knife. First, chill the bars until firm. Then, let the knife warm slightly under hot water. Wipe it dry before cutting. This will help prevent sticking and make clean cuts. This recipe for No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars showcases simple steps to make a tasty snack. We covered the key ingredients and optional ones to add your twist. You learned how to prepare the base, make caramel, and assemble the bars. Remember to follow tips for best results and storage. These bars are fun to make and great for sharing. Enjoy your sweet treat and impress others with your new skills!

No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars

Satisfy your sweet cravings with these No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars! This easy recipe combines the crunch of pretzels with a rich caramel layer and a smooth chocolate topping, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a delicious dessert that everyone will love. Click to explore the full recipe and indulge in this delightful treat!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups crushed pretzels

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Flaky sea salt, for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels with the melted unsalted butter. Use a spatula to stir the mixture until all pretzel pieces are thoroughly coated with butter.

    Press the Mixture: Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Firmly press the pretzel mixture into the bottom of the pan, ensuring it is spread evenly to create a solid base. Transfer the pan to the refrigerator while you make the caramel layer.

      Make the Caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and heavy cream. Whisk continuously until the sugars are fully dissolved. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil, monitoring closely, and boil for about 5 minutes without stirring, until it thickens slightly and turns a deep caramel color.

        Add Flavor: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract. Set the caramel aside and let it cool for a few minutes, allowing it to thicken further.

          Layer the Caramel: Carefully pour the warm caramel over the pretzel base in the baking pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface. Return the pan to the refrigerator and let it chill for about 30 minutes until set.

            Melt the Chocolate: While the caramel layer is setting, place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.

              Finish the Bars: Once the caramel has set, pour the melted chocolate over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula. To enhance the flavor, sprinkle a generous pinch of flaky sea salt over the melted chocolate layer.

                Chill Again: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least one more hour, allowing the bars to firm up completely and the flavors to meld.

                  Slice and Serve: Once fully set, carefully lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Use a sharp knife to cut the slab into squares or rectangles for serving.

                    Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 2 hours | Servings: 16

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the bars on a decorative plate or platter. Garnish with a few whole pretzels and an extra sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the visual appeal and invite indulgence.