Description
The Caramel Pretzel Delight Bars are a perfect fusion of sweet and salty, where caramel and pretzels meet under a blanket of rich chocolate to create a supremely satisfying treat. This dessert balances crunchy textures with the gooey goodness of caramel, topped with a sumptuous layer of chocolate that makes it irresistible to all. Whether for a family gathering, a festive occasion, or simply a quiet evening at home, these delight bars are sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 3 cups mini pretzels (lightly crushed)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for drizzle)
Step-by-step Directions
1. Prep the Pan
Start by lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang for easy removal later. Spread the crushed pretzels evenly across the bottom of the dish.
2. Make the Caramel
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and salt, combining them well. Allow this mixture to come to a boil and let it bubble for 3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Pour the Caramel
After removing from the heat, mix in the vanilla extract then evenly pour the hot caramel over the pretzels, gently spreading to coat them evenly.
4. Bake
Place the dish in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until you see the caramel bubbling.
5. Add the Chocolate
Take the baking dish out of the oven and immediately sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the hot caramel. Wait for 2-3 minutes to let them melt, then use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly over the top.
6. Optional Chocolate Drizzle
If desired, melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Drizzle this over the chocolate layer to add a decorative touch.
7. Cool and Set
Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about an hour, then refrigerate them for at least 2 hours to firm up.
8. Slice and Serve
Using the overhangs of the parchment paper, lift the set mixture out of the dish, place on a cutting board, and slice into desired shapes and sizes. Serve and enjoy!
Servings & Preparation Time
The recipe yields approximately 24 bars. Preparation time is around 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 10 minutes. Additional cooling time of about 3 hours is also needed.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
- If layers begin to separate, simply press them together gently before serving.
- For a warm treat, microwave a bar for about 10 seconds or just until the chocolate begins to soften.
Conclusion
The Caramel Pretzel Delight Bars are a standout treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or as a sweet finale to any meal. The subtle crunch of pretzels covered in smooth caramel and rich chocolate offers a multi-textured experience that makes this dessert a pleasure in every bite. Easy to prepare and even easier to love, this dessert is bound to become a favorite. Enjoy baking and indulging in your homemade sweetness!
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Caramel Pretzel Delight Bars
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
Description
The Caramel Pretzel Delight Bars are a perfect fusion of sweet and salty, where caramel and pretzels meet under a blanket of rich chocolate to create a supremely satisfying treat. This dessert balances crunchy textures with the gooey goodness of caramel, topped with a sumptuous layer of chocolate that makes it irresistible to all. Whether for a family gathering, a festive occasion, or simply a quiet evening at home, these delight bars are sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 3 cups mini pretzels (lightly crushed)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for drizzle)
Instructions
- Prep the Pan: Start by lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang for easy removal later. Spread the crushed pretzels evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Make the Caramel: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and salt, combining them well. Allow this mixture to come to a boil and let it bubble for 3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour the Caramel: After removing from the heat, mix in the vanilla extract then evenly pour the hot caramel over the pretzels, gently spreading to coat them evenly.
- Bake: Place the dish in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until you see the caramel bubbling.
- Add the Chocolate: Take the baking dish out of the oven and immediately sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the hot caramel. Wait for 2-3 minutes to let them melt, then use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly over the top.
- Optional Chocolate Drizzle: If desired, melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Drizzle this over the chocolate layer to add a decorative touch.
- Cool and Set: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about an hour, then refrigerate them for at least 2 hours to firm up.
- Slice and Serve: Using the overhangs of the parchment paper, lift the set mixture out of the dish, place on a cutting board, and slice into desired shapes and sizes. Serve and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes