Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars Recipe

Introduction

If you’re craving a sweet and salty treat that comes together in no time, these Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars are the perfect answer. With a crunchy pretzel base, gooey salted caramel, and an optional chocolate drizzle, they satisfy all your dessert desires without heating up the kitchen.

A square layered dessert sits on a white plate on a white marbled texture. The bottom layer is a crumbly, golden-brown crust, topped by a smooth, thick layer of caramel brown filling. Above that is a white creamy layer sandwiched between another crumbly golden-brown layer. The top layer is a shiny, rich caramel brown with a mini pretzel placed in the center. The caramel topping is sprinkled with coarse white sea salt crystals and small creamy white chips, giving a textured and glossy finish. The image shows a close-up with a blurred background of similar desserts photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 cups crushed pretzels
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup chocolate, melted (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels with the melted unsalted butter until the pretzels are evenly coated.
  3. Step 3: Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a compact base.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle the salted caramel sauce evenly over the pressed pretzel layer.
  5. Step 5: If using chocolate, melt it gently and drizzle over the caramel layer for extra richness.
  6. Step 6: Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 1 hour to allow them to set firmly before cutting and serving.

Tips & Variations

  • For an extra nutty flavor, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or almonds over the caramel layer before chilling.
  • Use dark chocolate for a richer contrast, or white chocolate for a sweeter touch.
  • If you prefer a sweeter pretzel base, toss the crushed pretzels with a tablespoon of sugar before mixing with butter.

Storage

Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best texture, allow them to come to room temperature for 10 minutes before serving. You can also freeze the bars for up to 1 month; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

How to Serve

A close-up of a square dessert bar with three clear layers shows a bottom crust that is golden brown and crumbly, a thick middle layer of smooth caramel with a creamy off-white layer inside, and a top layer of shiny caramel topped with coarse white salt crystals, small off-white nut pieces, and a small round pretzel. The bar sits on a white plate with a white marbled texture in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make salted caramel sauce from scratch?

Absolutely! You can make homemade salted caramel by melting sugar until golden, then stirring in butter and cream, finishing with a pinch of salt. This adds a fresh, rich flavor to your bars.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

If parchment paper is unavailable, you can lightly grease the baking dish with butter to prevent sticking, though parchment ensures the easiest removal.

Print
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Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars Recipe


  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x

Description

These Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars are the perfect sweet and salty treat that requires no oven time. Combining crunchy crushed pretzels, rich melted butter, smooth salted caramel sauce, and an optional chocolate drizzle, these bars set quickly in the fridge for an easy and delicious dessert or snack.


Ingredients

Scale

Base Layer

  • 2 cups Pretzels, crushed
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, melted

Middle Layer

  • 1 cup Salted Caramel Sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Topping (Optional)

  • 1/2 cup Chocolate, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars once set.
  2. Mix Pretzel Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels with the melted unsalted butter, stirring until the pretzels are evenly coated with butter.
  3. Form Base Layer: Press the pretzel and butter mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base crust.
  4. Add Caramel Layer: Drizzle the salted caramel sauce evenly over the pressed pretzel base, spreading gently if needed to cover the surface.
  5. Add Chocolate Drizzle (Optional): If using, melt the chocolate and drizzle it in a decorative pattern over the caramel layer.
  6. Chill to Set: Place the assembled bars in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour until the layers are firm and set.
  7. Serve: Once set, remove the bars from the baking dish using the parchment paper and cut into squares to serve.

Notes

  • You can substitute store-bought salted caramel sauce with homemade for a richer flavor.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pretzels.
  • The chocolate drizzle is optional but adds a beautiful and delicious finishing touch.
  • Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • For easier cutting, dip the knife in hot water before slicing the bars.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: no bake, salted caramel, pretzel bars, quick dessert, sweet and salty, easy recipe

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