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Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 140 reviews

Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars are a delicious sweet and salty treat combining crunchy salted pretzels with a rich caramel layer topped with melted semisweet chocolate. This easy-to-make dessert features a buttery caramel that sets to a perfect chewiness, balanced by the crunchy pretzels and smooth chocolate, finished with a sprinkle of sea salt for added texture and flavor contrast.

Ingredients

Scale

Base

  • 2 cups pretzels, crushed – Roughly crushed for texture; use salted mini twists or sticks

Caramel Layer

  • 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 to ensure easy removal and cleanup.
  2. Arrange Pretzels: Spread the roughly crushed pretzels evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan. It’s fine if the pieces vary in size, as this adds delightful texture.
  3. Make Caramel: 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. Let it boil without stirring for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  4. Add Vanilla: Remove the caramel from heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract. Be cautious as the mixture will bubble up.
  5. Coat Pretzels: Pour the hot caramel evenly over the pretzel base. Use a spatula to gently spread it out to cover all pretzels.
  6. Bake Caramel Base: Bake the pan for 10 minutes or until the caramel is bubbly and has darkened slightly, which helps the caramel set properly.
  7. Add Chocolate Chips: Immediately after baking, sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips evenly over the hot caramel layer. Let them sit for about 5 minutes to soften without spreading.
  8. Spread Melted Chocolate: Using an offset spatula or butter knife, spread the softened and melted chocolate in an even layer over the caramel.
  9. Optional Sea Salt: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the chocolate while it is still soft to enhance the sweet and salty flavor profile.
  10. Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the caramel and chocolate set firmly.
  11. Serve: Once chilled, break or slice the bars into pieces using a warm, sharp knife for clean cuts. Enjoy this irresistible treat!

Notes

  • Use salted pretzels for a perfect sweet and salty balance.
  • Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and mess-free cleanup.
  • Be careful when stirring in vanilla as the caramel will bubble vigorously.
  • Do not skip baking the caramel and pretzel base; it helps the caramel set firmly.
  • Allow chocolate chips to soften before spreading, ensuring a smooth top layer.
  • Store bars in the refrigerator to maintain firmness; allow to come to room temperature briefly before serving if desired.

Keywords: Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars, caramel bars, pretzel dessert, sweet and salty dessert, easy caramel bars, chocolate caramel pretzel bars

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