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To make these salted caramel pretzel bars, you'll need some simple yet delicious ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 2 cups crushed pretzels - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup sweetened condensed milk - 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Sea salt for sprinkling Each ingredient plays a key role in creating that perfect blend of sweet and salty. The crushed pretzels give a lovely crunch. The melted butter binds everything together. Brown sugar adds deep flavor and sweetness. Granulated sugar helps the caramel layer shine. Sweetened condensed milk ensures a creamy texture. Chocolate chips bring richness, while vanilla enhances the overall taste. Finally, a sprinkle of sea salt ties it all together. You can find the full recipe to see how these ingredients work together to make a delightful treat. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the bars bake evenly. Next, prepare an 8x8-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later. Now, take a large bowl. Mix 2 cups of crushed pretzels with 1 cup of melted butter. Make sure the pretzels are fully coated. Once mixed, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the dish. This forms a solid crust for your bars. In a medium saucepan, combine 3/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk. Cook this mixture over medium heat. Stir it constantly until the sugars dissolve. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Let it boil for about 3-4 minutes without stirring. After boiling, remove the pan from heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until it’s well mixed. Now, pour this caramel sauce over the pretzel crust. Spread it evenly to cover the crust completely. In the same saucepan, or another if needed, melt 2 cups of chocolate chips over low heat. Stir continuously for about 2-3 minutes until smooth. Be careful not to burn the chocolate. Once melted, pour the chocolate over the caramel layer. Spread it evenly with a spatula. To finish, sprinkle sea salt over the top. This adds a nice salty flavor. Let the bars cool for 10-15 minutes at room temperature. Then, transfer them to the fridge for at least 1 hour to set completely. For the full recipe, refer to the instructions above. Enjoy making your salted caramel pretzel bars! To make these salted caramel pretzel bars great, mix the pretzels and melted butter well. You want each pretzel piece coated. This helps form a nice crust. Press the mixture firmly into the dish. A firm base keeps your bars from falling apart. For the caramel sauce, stir continuously while it cooks. This prevents burning and helps it become smooth. Cook until it bubbles gently for 3-4 minutes. This time is key for getting that rich flavor. Adjust the sea salt to match your taste. I love a good sprinkle. It brings out the sweet flavor of the caramel and chocolate. Start with a little and add more if you like it saltier. Use quality chocolate for the topping. Good chocolate melts better and tastes richer. I recommend semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. They blend well with the caramel and pretzel crunch. For a stunning look, drizzle more melted chocolate on top after cooling. This adds a nice touch and makes them look fancy. Arrange the bars on a decorative platter. A pretty plate makes them more inviting. Serve them at parties or for special occasions. You can even add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for extra flair. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Enjoy your baking! {{image_2}} You can elevate your salted caramel pretzel bars in many ways. One fun option is to add nuts. Chopped pecans or walnuts give a nice crunch and extra flavor. You can also drizzle caramel sauce on top for more sweetness. Experiment with different types of chocolate, too. Dark chocolate adds richness, while milk chocolate offers a sweeter taste. Each choice changes the overall flavor. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pretzels. They taste just as good and keep the texture. For those who prefer vegan items, swap regular chocolate with vegan chocolate options. These swaps help everyone enjoy the bars without worry. Make your bars special for the seasons! For holidays, add festive toppings like colored sprinkles or crushed candy canes. You can also infuse the caramel with seasonal spices. For fall, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg warms the flavor. This makes your bars festive and fun to share. To keep your salted caramel pretzel bars fresh, store them in airtight containers. This prevents air from making them stale. I suggest cutting the bars into squares first. This makes it easy to grab a treat whenever you want one. Keep the bars in the refrigerator. This helps maintain their soft texture and flavor longer. The cool air keeps the caramel from getting too gooey. Enjoy them cold or let them sit at room temperature for a bit. These bars stay fresh for about five days at room temperature. If you don’t eat them all, you can freeze them. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This method keeps them tasty for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy a bar, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. This keeps the texture just right. For the full recipe, check out the link. Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. They store well in the fridge. I suggest making them a day or two in advance. Just keep them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They taste great after chilling. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you want to enjoy them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. If your chocolate layer breaks, don’t worry! You can fix it easily. Start by melting more chocolate chips in a saucepan over low heat. Stir gently until smooth. Pour this melted chocolate over the broken layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Let it cool and set again. This should cover up any cracks and make it look good as new! Yes, you can use other sweeteners if needed. For a lower-calorie option, try using stevia or monk fruit sweetener. If you prefer natural sugars, consider maple syrup or honey. Just remember that these sweeteners may change the texture slightly. Adjust the amounts based on your taste. Always taste as you go! In this post, we covered how to make delicious pretzel bars. We outlined key ingredients like crushed pretzels and chocolate chips. You learned easy steps to create the crust, caramel, and chocolate layers. Helpful tips showed you how to perfect flavor and texture. We also explored fun variations and storage tips to keep your treat fresh. In my view, these bars are both simple and enjoyable to make. Try them out and share your own twists!

Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars

Indulge in the sweet and salty delight of Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars! These easy-to-follow recipes combine crunchy pretzels and creamy caramel, topped with luscious chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt for the perfect treat. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this decadent dessert that is sure to satisfy any sweet craving. Click through to discover the full recipe and start baking today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups crushed pretzels

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

3/4 cup brown sugar, packed

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup sweetened condensed milk

2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to make for easier removal later.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels and melted butter, mixing until the pretzels are fully coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust.

      In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously until the sugars have dissolved and the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Allow it to boil for 3-4 minutes without stirring.

        Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract until well incorporated.

          Pour the caramel sauce over the pretzel crust, spreading evenly.

            In the same saucepan (or another if necessary), combine the chocolate chips and melt them over low heat until smooth and glossy. This might take about 2-3 minutes; stir continuously to prevent burning.

              Once melted, pour the chocolate over the caramel layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

                Sprinkle sea salt generously over the top of the chocolate layer, adjusting to your taste preference.

                  Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes, then transfer them to the refrigerator to set completely, at least 1 hour.

                    Once set, use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the bars out of the baking dish. Cut into squares or rectangles for serving.

                      Prep Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 16 bars

                        - Presentation Tips: Arrange the bars on a decorative platter and drizzle extra melted chocolate on top for an elegant touch. Use a sprinkle of sea salt on top for added flair.