Description
Indulgent no bake caramel pretzel crack bars blend salty pretzels with rich caramel and chocolate for an irresistible sweet-and-salty treat. Crisp pretzels, smooth caramel, and melted chocolate create a simple dessert you can whip up quickly without turning on the oven.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (240 ml) caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup (240 ml) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3 cups (720 ml) mini pretzels, crushed slightly
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) unsalted butter
- Sea salt flakes
Instructions
- Preparation: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over edges for easy removal, creating a non-stick surface for the dessert.
- Base Construction: Uniformly spread crushed pretzels across the lined pan, establishing a robust and crunchy foundation that will provide a satisfying textural contrast.
- Caramel Infusion: Generously drizzle and meticulously spread caramel sauce over the pretzel layer, ensuring complete and even coverage to create a rich, sticky undercoat.
- Chocolate Fusion: Melt chocolate chips and butter in a microwave-safe container, stirring intermittently to achieve a smooth, glossy chocolate mixture without scorching.
- Layer Assembly: Pour the molten chocolate over the caramel-coated pretzels, using a spatula to create an even, seamless layer that completely blankets the base.
- Chilling and Setting: Refrigerate the assembled bars for 1-2 hours until thoroughly solidified, allowing the layers to bind and develop a firm, sliceable consistency.
- Presentation: Remove from refrigerator, lift the entire dessert using parchment paper overhang, and slice into precise, uniform squares that showcase the layered composition.
- Finishing Touch: Optional garnish with delicate sea salt flakes to elevate the flavor profile, balancing the sweet chocolate and caramel with a subtle savory note.
Notes
- Pretzel Precision: Crush pretzels to uniform, small pieces for even base distribution and consistent crunch throughout the dessert.
- Caramel Control: Heat caramel sauce gently to prevent burning, using low-medium heat and stirring constantly for smooth, glossy coverage.
- Chocolate Melting Mastery: Microwave chocolate and butter in 15-second intervals, stirring between each burst to prevent scorching and achieve silky texture.
- Chill Strategy: Allow bars to set completely in refrigerator for minimum 2 hours to ensure clean, crisp cutting and optimal texture integration.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg