Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bars combine salty pretzels with rich caramel and melted chocolate for a perfect sweet and salty treat. These bars feature a buttery caramel layer baked over crunchy pretzels, topped with smooth melted chocolate, then chilled to set for a delightful snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 4 cups mini pretzel twists
Caramel Mixture
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
Topping
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it lightly with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange pretzels: Spread the mini pretzel twists evenly in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring the entire surface is covered.
- Make the caramel: In a small pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together. Once melted, bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil gently for 3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and to ensure the mixture thickens properly.
- Pour caramel over pretzels: Evenly pour the hot caramel mixture over the pretzels on the baking sheet. Don’t worry if some spots aren’t fully covered as the caramel will spread and even out during baking.
- Bake the caramel layer: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the caramel mixture is bubbling across the entire sheet. This step helps set the caramel layer.
- Add chocolate chips: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot caramel layer so they begin to soften and melt.
- Spread the chocolate: Return the baking sheet to the oven for 1 to 2 minutes to soften the chocolate chips just enough to spread easily. Use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate into an even layer over the caramel.
- Chill the bars: Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 30 minutes to allow the chocolate and caramel to firm up completely.
- Cut and serve: After chilling, remove the bars from the freezer, peel off the aluminum foil, and break or cut the set chocolate caramel pretzel into squares. Serve immediately or store as desired.
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- For a twist, try using different types of chocolate such as dark or white chocolate chips.
- If you prefer a softer texture, reduce chilling time slightly before cutting.
- Use parchment paper under the foil to make removal easier if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approximate)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
