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No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars

These no-bake salted caramel pretzel bars deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. With a perfect balance of sweet caramel, salty crushed pretzels, and smooth chocolate, they’re an ideal treat for hot summer days or any time you crave something indulgent without turning on the oven.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pretzel-Caramel Layer
  • 3 cups mini pretzels lightly crushed (not powdered)
  • 1 cup salted butter melted (2 sticks)
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1.5 teaspoons sea salt plus extra for topping
Chocolate Topping
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable oil

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Parchment paper
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Spatula
  • Refrigerator

Method
 

  1. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to allow for easy lifting of the finished bars.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the melted salted butter, packed brown sugar, and heavy cream. Whisk constantly as the mixture comes to a gentle boil and thickens slightly, about 4–5 minutes.
  3. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. Allow the caramel mixture to cool for about 5 minutes.
  4. Evenly spread half of the crushed mini pretzels in the prepared baking dish. Pour the caramel mixture over the pretzels, then sprinkle the remaining pretzels on top, gently pressing them to nestle into the caramel layer.
  5. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips with the coconut or vegetable oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and glossy.
  6. Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the pretzel-caramel layer. Sprinkle a little extra sea salt on top for an extra burst of flavor.
  7. Refrigerate the dish for about 2 hours or until the bars are completely set. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the dish and cut them into squares before serving.

Notes

These bars can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for several days. They are best served chilled, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a hot cup of coffee. Feel free to experiment by adding a layer of peanut butter or swapping pretzels for crushed graham crackers for a fun twist on this already irresistible treat.