Irresistible Pretzel Bottom Caramel Brownies Recipe

Sweet and salty caramel brownies with a pretzel bottom create an unexpected twist on classic dessert expectations.

Crispy, crushed pretzels form a delightful foundation that adds crunch and depth to rich chocolate layers.

The contrast between smooth caramel and salty pretzel crumbs delivers a surprising flavor experience.

Chocolate lovers will find themselves enchanted by this innovative treat that breaks traditional brownie boundaries.

Each bite promises a complex melody of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

Layers of decadent chocolate intermingle with buttery caramel and that irresistible pretzel base.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this ingenious dessert creation.

Why Pretzel Bottom Caramel Brownies Are a Dessert Double Threat

• Easily whip up these decadent brownies using simple steps and basic kitchen tools without requiring advanced baking skills.
• Experience an irresistible flavor twist where crunchy pretzels meet rich caramel and chocolate, creating a mouthwatering contrast that delights taste buds.
• Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and impromptu dessert cravings, these brownies take less than an hour to prepare and always impress guests with their gourmet appearance.
• Customize the recipe by adding extra chocolate chips, experimenting with different pretzel types, or adjusting caramel thickness to match personal preferences.

Everything You Need for Sweet-Salty Brownies

• Pretzels: Salty base that provides a crunchy foundation for the brownies.
• Butter: Helps bind the pretzel crumbs and adds rich flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a cohesive crust.

• Butter: Creates a smooth, rich caramel base.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel flavor and sweetness.
• Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess and helps create silky caramel texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies caramel flavor.

• Brownie Mix or Homemade Brownie Ingredients: Rich chocolate base for the dessert.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the brownie batter.
• Oil: Ensures moisture and tenderness in the brownies.
• Water: Helps create the right consistency for the brownie batter.
• Chocolate Chips (Optional): Extra chocolate boost for intense chocolate lovers.

How to Layer and Bake These Gooey Brownies

Step 1: Crush the Pretzel Base

• Food processor
• Rolling pin
• Ziploc bag

• Melted butter
• Brown sugar

Mix thoroughly until well blended. Press the mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking pan, creating an even layer. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Create Luscious Caramel Sauce

• Brown sugar
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Stir continuously until the mixture simmers and thickens (3-5 minutes). Pour the caramel evenly over the pretzel crust. Let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Whip Up Brownie Batter

• Eggs
• Oil
• Water

Optional: Fold in chocolate chips for extra indulgence. Pour the batter over the caramel layer, spreading evenly. Bake at 350F (175C) for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.

Step 4: Chill and Slice

Allow brownies to cool in the pan for 30 minutes. Refrigerate for an hour to set the caramel. Cut into squares and enjoy the decadent layers of salty pretzels, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate.

Baking Tips to Keep That Pretzel Crunch

• Crush Pretzels Perfectly: Use a food processor or place pretzels in a sealed bag and roll with a rolling pin for consistent, fine crumbs that create a uniform crust base.
• Prevent Caramel Burning: Stir caramel mixture constantly and maintain medium heat to ensure smooth, creamy texture without scorching or separating the ingredients.
• Enhance Chocolate Flavor: Add extra chocolate chips to brownie batter for deeper, richer chocolate taste and create delightful melty pockets throughout the dessert.
• Control Brownie Moisture: Check brownies early and use the toothpick test- a few moist crumbs mean perfectly fudgy texture, while completely clean indicates potential over-baking.
• Serve Chilled for Best Results: Refrigerate brownies for at least an hour after cooling to help caramel set and create cleaner, more defined layers when cutting.

Best Ways to Store and Warm Brownies

• Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual brownies or the entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Thaw frozen brownies in the refrigerator overnight. Warm individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes until slightly soft and warm.
• These brownies taste delicious cold straight from the refrigerator, so no reheating is always necessary. The caramel layer stays perfectly gooey and rich when chilled.

What Complements These Caramel-Chocolate Bites

• A creamy, chocolate-rich stout perfectly complements the deep chocolate and caramel notes in these brownies, enhancing the dessert's rich flavor profile.
• The warm, sweet coffee drink with caramel undertones mirrors the brownie's caramel layer, creating a harmonious flavor connection that elevates the dessert experience.
• A cold, smooth scoop of vanilla ice cream provides a refreshing contrast to the dense, rich brownie, cutting through the sweetness and adding a creamy texture.
• A crisp whiskey cocktail with a sea salt rim highlights the salty-sweet pretzel base, bringing out the complex flavor layers of the brownie.

Creative Twists on Pretzel Caramel Brownies

• Gluten-Free Pretzel Swap: Replace traditional pretzels with gluten-free pretzels and use a gluten-free brownie mix to create a celiac-friendly dessert.
• Vegan Caramel Alternative: Substitute dairy ingredients with coconut cream, coconut oil, and maple syrup for the caramel layer. Use a vegan brownie mix or create a plant-based brownie batter.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free caramel sauce, replace regular pretzels with low-carb alternatives, and choose a sugar-free brownie mix for a diabetic-friendly version.
• Nutty Crunch Variation: Replace half the pretzel crust with chopped almonds or pecans to add extra texture and a rich, nutty flavor profile to the brownies.

Pretzel Bottom Caramel Brownies Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Indulgent Pretzel Bottom Caramel Brownies blend salty-sweet perfection with rich chocolate layers that dance across your palate. Crisp pretzel crusts provide a delightful crunch, promising pure dessert bliss for chocolate enthusiasts seeking an extraordinary treat.

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Ingredients

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Pretzel Crust Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups (about 2 cups whole) crushed pretzels
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 0.25 cup brown sugar, packed

Brownie Base Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1.25 cups granulated sugar
• 0.75 cup brown sugar, packed
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup cocoa powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Caramel and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• Flaky sea salt (optional)

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Instructions

1. Pulverize pretzels into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin. Blend crushed pretzels with melted butter and brown sugar until thoroughly combined.
2. Distribute the pretzel mixture uniformly across a greased 9×9-inch baking pan, creating a compact base layer. Roast the crust in a 350F oven for 8-10 minutes until golden and crisp.
3. Craft the caramel sauce by gently melting butter in a saucepan. Incorporate brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk continuously until the mixture simmers and thickens slightly.
4. Cascade the warm caramel evenly over the baked pretzel foundation, allowing it to settle and slightly cool.
5. Prepare brownie batter according to package instructions or preferred recipe, ensuring smooth incorporation of eggs, oil, and water. Optional: Fold in chocolate chips for enhanced decadence.
6. Carefully pour brownie mixture atop the caramel layer, spreading gently to create an even surface.
7. Bake at 350F for 25-30 minutes, verifying doneness by inserting a toothpick that emerges with minimal moist crumbs.
8. Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan for approximately 30 minutes. For optimal texture, refrigerate for one hour to stabilize the caramel layer.
9. Slice into neat squares and serve chilled for maximum flavor and structural integrity.

Notes

• Crush pretzels finely to create a uniform, crispy base that provides a delightful textural contrast to the soft, gooey brownie.
• Adjust pretzel salt content by using unsalted pretzels and adding a pinch of sea salt to control overall saltiness in the dessert.
• Consider using gluten-free pretzels and gluten-free brownie mix to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Experiment with different chocolate variations like dark, milk, or white chocolate chips to customize the brownie’s richness and flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 29 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg