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Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 73 reviews
  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 bars 1x

Description

Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars are an irresistible combination of sweet, salty, crunchy, and chewy textures. Featuring a buttery caramel base over crushed pretzels, topped with luscious melted chocolate and an optional sprinkle of sea salt, these bars are easy to make, adaptable, and perfect for any sweet craving or festive occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Base and Caramel Layer

  • 2 cups pretzels, crushed (salted mini twists or sticks recommended)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Topping

  • 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • Sea salt for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
  2. Spread Crushed Pretzels: Evenly distribute the crushed pretzels across the bottom of the prepared pan, allowing for a variety of piece sizes to add texture.
  3. Make Caramel Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the packed brown sugar and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Continue boiling without stirring for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  4. Add Vanilla: Remove the pan from heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract, being cautious of bubbling.
  5. Pour Caramel Over Pretzels: Pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the pretzel layer. Use a spatula to spread the caramel to the edges, ensuring all pretzels are coated.
  6. Bake the Caramel Layer: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the caramel is bubbling and slightly darkened, which helps it set properly.
  7. Add Chocolate Chips: Immediately after baking, sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips evenly over the hot caramel. Allow them to sit for 5 minutes to soften.
  8. Spread Melted Chocolate: Use an offset spatula or butter knife to spread the softened chocolate chips evenly into a smooth layer.
  9. Optional Sea Salt Topping: While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle sea salt over the top to enhance the sweet and salty contrast.
  10. Cool and Chill: Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to fully set the caramel and chocolate layers.
  11. Slice and Serve: Once chilled, cut or break the bars into pieces using a warm, sharp knife for clean edges. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • You can substitute pretzels with different types such as sticks, snaps, or gluten-free versions.
  • Add mini marshmallows, crushed toffee, or chopped nuts before spreading the chocolate for extra flavor and texture.
  • Try using dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or peanut butter chips for topping variations.
  • For a no-bake option, use store-bought caramel candies and skip the oven baking step.
  • Make these bars festive by adding red and green sprinkles, peppermint pieces, or crushed candy canes.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: caramel pretzel bars, pretzel crack bars, caramel bars, easy dessert bars, chocolate caramel pretzel, sweet and salty dessert

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Find it online: https://bitesbyolivia.com/caramel-pretzel-crack-bars-recipe/