Irresistible Gooey Pretzel Bottom Caramel Brownies Recipe

Chocolate and caramel create magic when swirled together with pretzel bottom caramel brownies that promise an irresistible dessert experience.

Sweet meets salty in this decadent treat that balances rich flavors beautifully.

Crunchy pretzel layers provide a surprising texture beneath dense, fudgy chocolate.

Every bite delivers a perfect blend of smooth caramel and intense chocolate notes.

The contrasting textures make these brownies stand out from standard dessert recipes.

Crisp pretzels beneath gooey chocolate create a delightful surprise for anyone seeking a unique sweet indulgence.

You’ll want to savor each delectable morsel of this incredible dessert.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 298 kcal

Servings: 17

Pretzel Bottom Brownies: What You’ll Need

• Pretzels: Adds crunchy base with salty punch, choose salted or unsalted based on preference.
• Butter: Binds pretzel crumbs together, ensures crispy texture, use unsalted for better control.
• Brown Sugar: Provides caramelized sweetness, helps create golden-brown crust.

• Butter: Creates rich, smooth base for caramel sauce, select high-quality unsalted butter.
• Brown Sugar: Develops deep, complex sweetness, opt for dark brown sugar for intense flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Ensures silky, luxurious caramel consistency, select fresh dairy cream.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall caramel flavor, use pure vanilla for best results.
• Salt: Balances sweetness, brings out caramel's depth, use fine sea salt.

• Brownie Mix: Provides chocolate foundation, choose premium brand for richer taste.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients, adds structure, use room temperature eggs.
• Oil: Keeps brownies moist, select neutral-flavored vegetable oil.
• Water: Helps achieve right batter consistency, use filtered water.
• Chocolate Chips (Optional): Adds extra chocolate intensity, mix semi-sweet or dark chocolate.

Tools That Help Nail That Pretzel Base

• 9×9-inch baking pan: Essential for creating perfectly sized, uniform brownies with a crispy pretzel base.
• Food processor or rolling pin: Crucial for crushing pretzels into fine, even crumbs.
• Medium saucepan: Perfect for creating smooth, rich caramel sauce.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining pretzel crust ingredients and brownie batter.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and spreading mixtures evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Vital for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Toothpick: Helpful for checking brownie doneness.

How to Assemble and Bake Pretzel Caramel Brownies

• Create Pretzel Base

Crush pretzels into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin. Mix crushed pretzels with melted butter and brown sugar until well combined. Press mixture firmly into a greased baking pan, creating an even layer. Bake at 350F for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.

• Whip Up Caramel Goodness

Heat butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Stir continuously until mixture simmers and thickens. Pour warm caramel evenly over the pretzel base, allowing it to settle and cool slightly.

• Layer Decadent Brownie Batter

Prepare brownie mix according to package directions. Blend eggs, oil, and water into the mix until smooth. Optional: Fold in extra chocolate chips for more indulgence. Gently spread brownie batter over the caramel layer, ensuring an even distribution.

• Bake and Chill

Bake at 350F for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Remove from oven and let cool for 30 minutes. Refrigerate for an hour to help caramel set perfectly. Slice into squares and enjoy your rich, gooey treat.

Tips for a Crunchy Base and Gooey Top

• Elevate your pretzel bottom caramel brownies with these expert suggestions.
• Use thick, salted pretzels for maximum flavor complexity and a robust texture that stands up beautifully to the rich caramel and brownie layers.
• Watch caramel closely while cooking – it can burn quickly. Remove from heat the moment it starts to thicken and bubble slightly to maintain perfect consistency.
• Replace traditional pretzels with gluten-free pretzels and use a gluten-free brownie mix to create a celiac-friendly version without sacrificing taste or texture.
• Drizzle melted dark chocolate or sprinkle sea salt on top after cooling for an extra gourmet touch that enhances the dessert's decadent profile.

Serve These with Ice Cream or on Their Own

• Chocolate Drizzle Delight: Melt extra chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled brownies for a stunning, professional-looking finish that adds rich flavor.
• Party Platter: Cut brownies into smaller bite-sized pieces and arrange on a decorative platter for elegant dessert gatherings or potluck events.
• Ice Cream Companion: Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a decadent dessert that combines warm and cold textures.
• Nutty Crunch Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the brownies to add a delightful crunch and enhance the existing pretzel base's texture.

Store Brownies for Snacking All Week

• Store these decadent brownies in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Chilling helps maintain the caramel's smooth texture and keeps the pretzel crust crisp.
• Wrap individual brownie squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
• If serving within 24 hours, keep brownies at room temperature in a sealed container. Cover with a clean kitchen towel to prevent drying out and maintain their soft, gooey texture.
• For clean, neat cuts, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each slice. This technique prevents the caramel and brownie layers from sticking to the blade, creating picture-perfect squares.

FAQs

• Are pretzels necessary for the crust?

Absolutely! Pretzels provide a salty, crunchy base that contrasts perfectly with the sweet caramel and chocolate. They add a unique texture and flavor profile that makes these brownies extra special.

• Can I use salted or unsalted pretzels?

Either works great! Salted pretzels will enhance the overall flavor complexity, while unsalted pretzels provide a more neutral base. Choose based on your salt preference.

• What type of brownie mix works best?

Any standard chocolate brownie mix will work perfectly. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dark chocolate or milk chocolate mix can add different flavor dimensions to the dessert.

• How do I get the perfect caramel layer?

Use medium heat and stir constantly while making the caramel. Watch for a slight thickening and simmer, which typically takes 3-5 minutes. This ensures a smooth, rich caramel without burning.

Gooey Pretzel Bottom Caramel Brownies Recipe

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• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 17 1x

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Description

Salty-sweet Pretzel Bottom Caramel Brownies combine chocolate richness with crunchy pretzel layers. German chocolate traditions inspire this delectable dessert that invites you to savor complex flavor profiles.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (about 2 cups whole) pretzels, crushed
• ½ cup butter, unsalted, melted
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup butter, unsalted
• 1 cup chocolate chips, semi-sweet
• 1.25 cups sugar, granulated
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• 4 eggs, large
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup flour, all-purpose
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped
• 2 tbsps heavy cream
• sea salt, flaky (optional)

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Instructions

1. Pretzel Crust Preparation: Pulverize pretzels into fine crumbs, blending with melted butter and brown sugar until uniformly mixed. Press the mixture firmly into a greased 9×9-inch baking pan, creating a compact base layer.
2. Crust Toasting: Roast the pretzel crust in a preheated 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until achieving a golden, crisp texture.
3. Caramel Crafting: In a saucepan, gently melt butter and whisk in brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Simmer the mixture, stirring continuously until it thickens and develops a rich, glossy consistency.
4. Caramel Layer Application: Drizzle the warm caramel sauce evenly over the baked pretzel crust, allowing it to settle and slightly cool.
5. Brownie Batter Assembly: Mix brownie batter according to package instructions, integrating eggs, oil, and water. For an extra indulgent touch, fold in chocolate chips to elevate the flavor profile.
6. Layering and Baking: Pour the brownie mixture over the caramel layer, spreading gently to ensure an even surface. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge with minimal moist crumbs.
7. Cooling and Setting: Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan for 30 minutes. Refrigerate for one hour to stabilize the caramel layer and enhance the overall texture.
8. Serving: Slice into precise squares and serve chilled to maximize flavor and structural integrity.

Notes

• Crush Pretzels Precisely: Use a food processor for uniformly fine crumbs, ensuring a consistent and crispy crust that binds perfectly.
• Control Caramel Consistency: Whisk continuously while simmering to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, glossy caramel sauce with balanced sweetness.
• Check Brownie Moisture: Test doneness with the toothpick method, aiming for minimal moist crumbs to guarantee a fudgy yet fully cooked texture.
• Chill for Stability: Refrigerate brownies for at least an hour to set the caramel layer and enhance flavor melding, creating cleaner slices and richer taste profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 298
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 145 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 58 mg