Salted Chocolate and Caramel Pretzel Bars – Easy Recipe

These Salted Chocolate and Caramel Pretzel Bars offer the perfect balance of salty and sweet, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. With only four ingredients, they come together quickly and easily, without the need for special equipment or a candy thermometer. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a dessert to impress your guests, these bars are sure to hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love These Salted Chocolate and Caramel Pretzel Bars

This recipe is the ideal combination of salty, sweet, and crunchy, making it a perfect snack for satisfying your cravings. The smooth, rich chocolate pairs perfectly with the caramelized sweetness, while the pretzels bring a satisfying crunch. Plus, these bars are incredibly easy to make, so you don’t have to be a seasoned baker to whip them up. The best part? There’s no baking required!

Ingredients for Salted Chocolate and Caramel Pretzel Bars

These Salted Chocolate and Caramel Pretzel Bars require only a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Provides a rich, smooth base for the bars.
• Mini pretzel twists: Adds a salty crunch that balances the sweetness of the chocolate and caramel.
• Kraft Caramel Bits: These caramel bits melt easily, providing a smooth and gooey layer.
• Flake finishing salt: A sprinkle of this salt adds an extra layer of flavor, giving the bars a delightful salty contrast to the sweet chocolate and caramel.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

• Dark chocolate: For a more intense, slightly bitter chocolate flavor, opt for dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
• Gluten-free pretzels: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, substitute the regular pretzels with gluten-free mini pretzel twists.
• Homemade caramel: If you prefer making caramel from scratch, try using your favorite homemade caramel recipe instead of the Kraft Caramel Bits for a more customized flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Salted Chocolate and Caramel Pretzel Bars

1. Prepare your workspace: Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the bars once they are set.
2. Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 8 ounces of the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Heat them in 15-second intervals, stirring in between until completely smooth.
3. Spread the melted chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared parchment paper. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.
4. Add the pretzels: Place the mini pretzel twists over the melted chocolate, pressing them down gently so they stick to the chocolate. The pretzels don’t need to be in an even layer, as overlapping is perfectly fine.
5. Melt the caramel: In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine the Kraft Caramel Bits with 2 tablespoons of water. Microwave on high for about 2 minutes, stirring until smooth and fully melted.
6. Drizzle the caramel: Drizzle the melted caramel evenly over the pretzels, covering as much of the pretzels as possible.
7. Top with remaining chocolate: Melt the remaining 4 ounces of chocolate and drizzle it over the caramel layer. This adds an extra layer of chocolatey goodness to the bars.
8. Finish with salt: Sprinkle a generous amount of flake finishing salt over the top to bring out the contrast between the sweet and salty flavors.
9. Chill the bars: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 30 minutes, or until the bars are completely set and hardened.
10. Cut into bars: Once the bars are set, break or cut them into pieces. Serve and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Salted Chocolate and Caramel Pretzel Bars

• Chocolate melting tips: Always melt chocolate on low heat to prevent burning. Stir every 15 seconds to ensure smoothness.
• Check the texture: If your caramel is too thick, add a little more water to adjust its consistency. It should be easy to drizzle over the pretzels.
• Storage: These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, keeping them fresh and ready to enjoy.

Pairing Ideas and Variations for Salted Chocolate and Caramel Pretzel Bars

These Salted Chocolate and Caramel Pretzel Bars are delicious on their own, but you can pair them with other treats for a more indulgent experience. Try them alongside a rich cup of coffee or hot chocolate for the perfect dessert combo. For a twist, you can also try topping them with chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, for added crunch.

If you’re looking for variations, consider:

• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the caramel for a sweet-and-spicy kick.
• Nut-free version: Make these bars nut-free by sticking to the simple ingredients listed above.

Why These Salted Chocolate and Caramel Pretzel Bars Are a Must-Try

These bars are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. They can be served at parties, given as gifts, or enjoyed as an after-dinner treat. Whether you’re a chocolate lover, a caramel enthusiast, or someone who simply enjoys a bit of salty crunch, these bars have something for everyone. Perfect for any occasion, these Salted Chocolate and Caramel Pretzel Bars are bound to become your new favorite dessert.

Make sure to share these with your friends and family—they’ll be asking for the recipe before you know it!

Conclusion

These Salted Chocolate and Caramel Pretzel Bars are a true treat for the taste buds, offering the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy flavors. Whether you’re craving a quick dessert for a gathering or a delicious snack to enjoy at home, this recipe has you covered. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create an irresistible treat that everyone will love. So, go ahead and indulge in the rich flavors of chocolate, caramel, and pretzels, all topped off with a sprinkle of sea salt for that perfect finishing touch.

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