Description
These Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars offer the perfect sweet and salty indulgence, featuring a crunchy pretzel base coated in butter, topped with luscious salted caramel sauce and an optional drizzle of melted chocolate. Ready in just over an hour without any need for baking, they are an easy, crowd-pleasing treat great for satisfying dessert cravings anytime.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 2 cups pretzels, crushed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Topping
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chocolate, melted (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars once set.
- Make the Bases: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the crushed pretzels with the melted unsalted butter until the pretzel pieces are evenly coated, which helps bind the base together.
- Form the Base Layer: Press the pretzel and butter mixture firmly into the bottom of the lined baking dish, creating an even and compact layer.
- Add Caramel: Generously drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the pressed pretzel base, spreading gently if needed to cover most of the surface.
- Chocolate Drizzle (Optional): If using, melt the chocolate and drizzle it over the caramel layer artistically for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Set the Bars: Place the assembled dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, allowing the layers to firm up completely before cutting and serving.
Notes
- Use crushed pretzels of any variety you prefer; mini pretzels work well when crushed finely.
- For a homemade caramel sauce, gently simmer sugar with butter and cream until golden and smooth.
- Chocolate drizzle is optional but adds a wonderful flavor contrast and visual appeal.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
- Cut bars into small squares for easier portioning and serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: no-bake dessert, salted caramel bars, pretzel bars, sweet and salty snacks, easy dessert
