Description

Craving a sweet and salty treat that’s easy to make and absolutely irresistible? Look no further than Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars! These no-bake bars combine crunchy pretzels, rich caramel, and luscious chocolate for a delectable dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

- 2 cups pretzels, crushed

- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Baking Dish Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.

2. Crush and Spread the Pretzels Spread the crushed pretzels evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

3. Make the Caramel In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and starts to bubble, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Combine and Bake Pour the caramel mixture over the pretzels in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly and golden brown.

5. Add the Chocolate Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot caramel layer. Let the chocolate chips sit for a few minutes to soften, then use a spatula to spread them evenly over the caramel.

6. Optional Sea Salt Topping If desired, sprinkle sea salt over the melted chocolate layer for a sweet and salty contrast.

7. Cool and Set Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish at room temperature or in the refrigerator until the chocolate is set.

8. Cut and Serve Once cooled and set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the baking dish and transfer them to a cutting board. Cut into bars of your desired size and enjoy!

Nutrition and Serving Information:

- Prep Time: 10 minutes

- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Calories: 220 kcal per serving

Servings: 12 bars

Notes

Serving Suggestions

1. Presentation: Arrange the bars on a decorative platter for a beautiful presentation. Add a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for an extra touch.

1. Pairing: Serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.
2. Occasions: These bars are perfect for parties, potlucks, or as a sweet treat after dinner. They also make great gifts when wrapped in cellophane bags and tied with a ribbon.
3. Portioning: Cut the bars into smaller pieces for bite-sized treats, especially if serving at a large gathering. This allows more people to enjoy them and keeps portions manageable.

Storage Tips

1. Room Temperature: Store the Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain their texture.
2. Refrigeration: If you prefer a firmer texture, or if your kitchen is warm, store the bars in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container and they will keep for up to a week.

1. Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the bars. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
2. Thawing: To enjoy frozen bars, let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, or until they reach your desired consistency. You can also eat them directly from the freezer for a chilled treat.
3. Layering: If stacking bars in a container, place a sheet of parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars remain fresh, delicious, and ready to enjoy whenever you want a sweet and salty treat.