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No Bake Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars Recipe

No Bake Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars Recipe


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4.7 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Caramel pretzel crack bars deliver a salty-sweet symphony of indulgence that dances between crunchy pretzels and rich caramel layers. Crisp, addictive bites promise pure dessert bliss you won’t be able to resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients:

  • 3 cups (720 ml) mini pretzels, crushed slightly
  • 1 cup (240 ml) caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Binding Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) unsalted butter

Garnish (Optional):

  • Sea salt flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the foundation by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring some excess hangs over the edges for effortless extraction.
  2. Create a crisp base by distributing crushed pretzels uniformly across the lined pan, establishing a textural foundation for the dessert.
  3. Drizzle and spread caramel sauce meticulously over the pretzel layer, ensuring complete and even coverage of the crunchy base.
  4. Combine chocolate chips and butter in a microwave-safe vessel, utilizing gentle heating techniques with intermittent stirring to achieve a silky, homogeneous mixture.
  5. Carefully cascade the molten chocolate mixture across the caramel-coated surface, employing a spatula to generate a smooth, consistent layer.
  6. Transfer the assembled creation to the refrigerator, allowing it to solidify and set for approximately 1-2 hours until reaching a firm consistency.
  7. Extract the dessert from the refrigerator and utilize the parchment overhang to lift the entire preparation from the pan.
  8. Slice into precise square segments, optionally garnishing with delicate sea salt flakes to enhance the flavor profile.
  9. Serve the bars chilled or at ambient temperature, presenting a decadent treat with contrasting textures and rich flavors.

Notes

  • Crush pretzels into small, uniform pieces to ensure an even, stable base layer that provides a satisfying crunch and prevents soggy bottoms.
  • Use high-quality caramel sauce or make homemade for richer, more authentic flavor that elevates the entire dessert experience.
  • Melt chocolate carefully at low temperatures to prevent burning, stirring consistently for smooth, glossy texture that creates professional-looking bars.
  • Sprinkle flaky sea salt strategically to enhance sweet-salty contrast, cutting through richness and adding sophisticated gourmet touch to this simple dessert.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1-2 hours
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg