Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars!

36 1 minute read

Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars are the ultimate sweet and salty treat that will satisfy your cravings instantly. Combining the buttery crunch of pretzels, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate, these bars are not only irresistibly delicious but also incredibly easy to make. The best part? No baking required! Whether you’re preparing them for a party, a family gathering, or just to indulge in a delightful snack, these bars are sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these mouthwatering Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars, gather the following ingredients:

Ingredient	Quantity
Crushed Pretzels	2 cups
Unsalted Butter	1 cup
Brown Sugar (Packed)	1 cup
Vanilla Extract	1/2 teaspoon
Semisweet Chocolate Chips	1 1/2 cups
Sea Salt (Optional)	For Sprinkling

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. This ensures your bars come out clean and intact.

Step 2: Create the Pretzel Layer

Evenly spread crushed pretzels over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. These will form the crunchy, salty base of your bars.

Step 3: Make the Caramel Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar and continue stirring until smooth and bubbling (approximately 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract for a deeper flavor.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the caramel mixture over the crushed pretzels, spreading it evenly to ensure every bite is coated with delicious caramel.

Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes until the caramel becomes bubbly and golden brown.

Step 5: Add the Chocolate Layer

Remove the dish from the oven and immediately sprinkle semisweet chocolate chips over the hot caramel layer. Let them sit for a few minutes so they soften, then spread evenly using a spatula.

Step 6: Garnish and Cool

For an extra touch, sprinkle sea salt over the melted chocolate layer to enhance the sweet and salty contrast. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator until the chocolate is fully set.