Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars Recipe

Introduction

Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars are the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy. With a buttery caramel base, a crispy pretzel layer, and a smooth chocolate topping, these bars are irresistibly addictive and easy to make at home.

Ingredients

• 2 cups pretzels, crushed (salted mini twists or sticks)
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
• Sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and cleanup.
2. Step 2: Spread the crushed pretzels evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan. The uneven pieces add nice texture, so don’t worry about uniformity.
3. Step 3: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Let it boil without stirring for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
4. Step 4: Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble, so use caution.
5. Step 5: Pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the pretzels and gently spread it to the edges using a spatula, making sure all pretzels are coated.
6. Step 6: Bake in the oven for 10 minutes until the caramel is bubbly and has darkened slightly, which helps it set.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot caramel layer. Let them sit for 5 minutes to soften.
8. Step 8: Spread the melted chocolate evenly with an offset spatula or butter knife, then sprinkle sea salt on top if desired.
9. Step 9: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour until fully set.
10. Step 10: Once chilled, break or slice the bars into pieces. For clean cuts, use a warm, sharp knife.

Tips & Variations

• Use different types of pretzels such as sticks or twists for varied textures.
• Add a drizzle of white chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for extra flavor and decoration.
• Cut bars with a warm knife to get smooth and uniform pieces without cracking.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to three months and thaw them in the fridge for a few hours before serving. These bars also travel well and make excellent portable snacks or gifts.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the sea salt topping to avoid making the bars too salty.

How do I get the chocolate layer smooth and shiny?

Let the chocolate chips soften on the warm caramel first, then spread gently with an offset spatula or butter knife before it fully sets.

Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars Recipe

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5 from 141 reviews

Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars are a deliciously addictive treat featuring a crunchy pretzel base topped with a rich, buttery caramel layer and a luscious semisweet chocolate topping. Finished with a sprinkle of sea salt, these bars offer the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors with a delightful chewy and crisp texture, ideal for snacking or sharing at gatherings.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pretzel Base

• 2 cups pretzels, crushed (use salted mini twists or sticks)

Caramel Layer

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Topping

• 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
• Sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This step ensures easy removal and cleanup later.
2. Arrange Pretzels: Spread the roughly crushed pretzels evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan. It’s fine if the pieces vary in size as this adds texture.
3. Make Caramel: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the packed brown sugar and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Allow it to boil, without stirring, for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Add Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble vigorously, so handle with caution.
5. Pour Caramel Over Pretzels: Evenly pour the hot caramel mixture over the pretzels in the pan. Use a spatula to gently spread it out to the edges, making sure all pretzels are well coated.
6. Bake Caramel Base: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly and slightly darkened. This helps the caramel set properly.
7. Add Chocolate Chips: Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle semisweet chocolate chips evenly over the hot caramel layer. Let them sit for 5 minutes to soften.
8. Spread Melted Chocolate: Using an offset spatula or butter knife, spread the softened chocolate chips evenly into a smooth layer.
9. Optional Sea Salt Topping: While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle sea salt over the top to enhance the sweet-salty flavor contrast.
10. Cool and Set: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let everything set firmly.
11. Cut and Serve: Once chilled, break or slice the bars into pieces. For cleaner cuts, use a warm, sharp knife.

Notes

• Use salted pretzels for the best sweet and salty flavor combination.
• To achieve cleaner and more uniform bars, warm your knife before slicing.
• Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• If stacking bars for storage, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Add a drizzle of white chocolate, crushed nuts, or festive sprinkles to customize the bars.
• Perfect for lunchboxes, parties, and edible gifts as they travel well.

Keywords: caramel pretzel bars, pretzel crack bars, caramel bars, chocolate caramel bars, sweet and salty dessert, easy baked dessert