Description
Sinful Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars offer pure indulgence with salty pretzels and rich caramel. Sweet and crunchy layers create an irresistible dessert you cannot stop eating.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (or 960 ml) mini pretzels, coarsely broken
- 1 cup (or 227 g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (or 220 g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups (or 340 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Sea salt flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Position oven rack in the center and preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring slight overhang for easy removal.
- Caramel Foundation: Melt butter and brown sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture transforms into a glossy, amber-colored liquid with a rich, bubbling consistency.
- Base Construction: Distribute pretzel pieces evenly across the prepared pan, creating a uniform, crunchy foundation that will serve as the structural base for the dessert.
- Caramel Infusion: Pour the molten caramel mixture over the pretzels, meticulously coating each fragment to ensure complete coverage and maximum flavor integration.
- Baking and Chocolate Layer: Bake for 8-10 minutes until caramel sets, then immediately scatter chocolate chips across the hot surface. Allow residual heat to melt the chocolate naturally, then spread into a smooth, uniform layer using a spatula.
- Finishing Touches: Optionally sprinkle sea salt flakes to elevate the flavor profile with a sophisticated salty accent. Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least one hour to solidify the dessert completely.
- Serving: Using the parchment paper handles, lift the entire creation from the pan and slice into individual bars, revealing the intricate layers of caramel, pretzels, and chocolate.
Notes
Optimize Pretzel Texture: Crush pretzels into varied sizes to create a more interesting base with multiple crunch levels, preventing monotonous texture.
Control Caramel Consistency: Watch caramel closely during cooking; remove from heat immediately when it reaches a rich amber color to prevent burning and bitter taste.
Chocolate Melting Technique: Let residual pan heat gently melt chocolate chips, avoiding direct heat to prevent scorching and ensuring smooth, glossy coverage.
Salt Enhancement Strategy: Use flaky sea salt sparingly – sprinkle just before chilling to maintain salt crystal integrity and provide unexpected flavor bursts without overwhelming sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg