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Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 85 reviews
  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes (including chilling)
  • Yield: Approximately 36 bars 1x
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Deliciously sweet and salty Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bars combine crunchy pretzels coated in rich homemade caramel and topped with smooth melted chocolate. These bars are the perfect treat for snacking or sharing at parties, with a satisfying crunch and a decadent chocolate finish.


Ingredients

Scale

Pretzel Base

  • 4 cups mini pretzel twists

Caramel Sauce

  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar

Topping

  • 2 cups chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it generously with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the pretzel bars later.
  2. Arrange Pretzels: Spread the 4 cups of mini pretzel twists evenly and in a single layer over the prepared baking sheet, covering the entire surface to create the base layer.
  3. Make Caramel Sauce: In a small pot over medium-low heat, melt 1 cup of butter with 1 cup of packed brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, and then continue boiling for 3 minutes to thicken the caramel.
  4. Coat Pretzels: Pour the bubbling caramel mixture evenly over the pretzels on the baking sheet. Don’t worry if some pretzels are not fully covered as the caramel will spread and even out during baking.
  5. Bake Caramel-Coated Pretzels: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake at 325°F for 8 to 10 minutes, until the caramel is fully bubbling all over the pretzels.
  6. Add Chocolate Topping: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle 2 cups of chocolate chips evenly over the hot caramel-covered pretzels. Return the baking sheet to the oven for 1 to 2 minutes to soften the chocolate chips.
  7. Spread Melted Chocolate: Using a spatula, spread the softened, melted chocolate over the pretzel and caramel layer evenly to create a smooth chocolate topping.
  8. Chill Bars: Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set firmly.
  9. Serve: After chilling, remove the bars from the baking sheet by peeling off the aluminum foil. Break apart or cut the bars into squares with a large knife and enjoy.

Notes

  • Store the pretzel bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
  • Use mini pretzels for easier coverage and better texture.
  • For a different chocolate flavor, try using dark or white chocolate chips.
  • Make sure to stir the caramel constantly during boiling to prevent burning.
  • Allow bars to fully cool before serving to ensure clean cuts.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar (approximate)
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 19g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg