Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars Recipe
Introduction
Craving a sweet and salty treat? These Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars come together easily without turning on the oven. They offer a delightful crunch with a rich caramel drizzle, perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings in no time.
Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chocolate, melted (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to make removal easier.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels with the melted unsalted butter until the pretzels are evenly coated.
- Step 3: Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
- Step 4: Drizzle the salted caramel sauce evenly over the pressed pretzel layer.
- Step 5: If using, melt the chocolate and drizzle it over the caramel layer for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Step 6: Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 1 hour, or until they set firmly.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, sprinkle a few whole pretzels on top before chilling.
- Use homemade salted caramel for a personalized flavor and less sugar.
- Substitute dark chocolate for a richer contrast to the sweet caramel.
- To add a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on the caramel layer before adding chocolate.
Storage
Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To serve, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pretzels?
Yes, you can use any type of pretzel you prefer, but thicker pretzels will add more crunch while thinner ones create a denser base.
Do these bars need to be refrigerated?
Yes, refrigeration helps the bars set properly so they hold together when sliced and served.
PrintQuick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars Recipe
Indulge in these Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars, a perfect balance of salty and sweet with a crunchy pretzel base, gooey salted caramel, and an optional chocolate drizzle. These bars are easy to make and require no baking, making them a convenient treat for satisfying your sweet cravings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 9 to 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pretzel Base
- 2 cups pretzels, crushed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Layer
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chocolate, melted (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars once set.
- Combine pretzel and butter: In a mixing bowl, mix the crushed pretzels with melted unsalted butter until the pretzels are evenly coated, creating the base mixture.
- Form the pretzel crust: Press the pretzel and butter mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a compact crust layer.
- Add salted caramel layer: Drizzle the salted caramel sauce evenly over the pressed pretzel crust, making sure it covers the entire surface.
- Optional chocolate drizzle: If desired, melt the chocolate and drizzle it over the salted caramel layer for additional richness and flavor.
- Refrigerate the bars: Place the assembled bars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow them to set firmly, making them easy to cut and serve.
Notes
- Use crushed pretzels for the best texture; slightly larger pieces add crunch but avoid overly fine crumbs.
- For homemade salted caramel, prepare a caramel sauce with sugar, butter, cream, and sea salt for a fresh twist.
- The chocolate drizzle is optional but adds a luxurious finish; dark, milk, or white chocolate can be used according to preference.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Allow bars to come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving for easier slicing.
Keywords: no bake dessert, salted caramel bars, pretzel dessert, quick sweets, easy no bake treats, caramel pretzel bars
