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To make these salted caramel pretzel bars, you will need: - 2 cups pretzel crisps - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 cup sweetened condensed milk - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - Optional: Flaky sea salt for topping You can swap some ingredients for healthier choices: - Use whole grain pretzel crisps for added fiber. - Replace unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. - Try using light brown sugar to reduce sweetness. - Use low-fat sweetened condensed milk for fewer calories. - For a vegan twist, use dairy-free chocolate chips. When choosing ingredients, I trust these brands: - Pretzel Crisps: Snyder's of Hanover for crunch and flavor. - Butter: Kerrygold for rich taste. - Brown Sugar: Domino for consistent quality. - Sweetened Condensed Milk: Eagle Brand for smooth texture. - Chocolate Chips: Ghirardelli for premium chocolate flavor. Using quality ingredients makes a big difference in taste. Enjoy crafting this sweet treat! First, grab an 8x8 inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This overhang helps you lift the bars out later. Make sure the paper fits snugly in the corners. This step makes removing the bars easy and clean. Now, let’s make the crust. In a large mixing bowl, add 2 cups of pretzel crisps. Pour in 1 cup of melted unsalted butter. Use a spoon or your hands to mix well. You want every pretzel to be coated in butter. Once mixed, press half of this mixture into the bottom of the lined dish. Make it even and firm. This crust will hold all the tasty layers together. Next, we’ll create the delicious caramel. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of packed brown sugar, 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. Stir this mixture constantly. Keep an eye on it until it bubbles and thickens slightly. This takes about 5 minutes. Once it’s ready, remove it from heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Mix until smooth and creamy. Pour this caramel over the pretzel crust, spreading it evenly. Top it with the remaining pretzel mixture. Press it gently to stick. Now, place the dish in the fridge and let it set for at least 2 hours. This helps the layers bond together. To get the best texture, make sure to pack the pretzel crust well. This helps it hold shape. When you press the mixture into the dish, use the back of a spoon or your hands. It should feel firm but not too hard. The caramel layer should be smooth. Keep stirring until it bubbles to thicken. This step makes it creamy and rich. Using parchment paper is key to prevent sticking. Line the baking dish with it, leaving some hanging over the edges. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later. After chilling, gently pull on the parchment to remove the bars. You can also lightly coat the dish with cooking spray for extra help. These bars are best served chilled. Cut them into squares for easy sharing. For a fun twist, add extra toppings. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt gives a nice crunch. You could also drizzle some melted chocolate on top. Serve with cold milk or coffee for a perfect treat. Enjoy your sweet and salty delight! {{image_2}} You can make these bars even more fun with a chocolate drizzle. Melt some chocolate chips in a bowl. Use a microwave or a double boiler. Once melted, drizzle it over the top of the bars. This adds a nice touch and rich flavor. You can also use white chocolate for a sweet twist. Just melt and drizzle like before. The chocolate will harden as the bars chill. To add some crunch, consider mixing in nuts. Chopped pecans or walnuts work great. Just stir in about half a cup when you mix the pretzels with butter. The nuts give a lovely texture and flavor boost. You can also sprinkle nuts on top with the chocolate drizzle. This makes the bars even more tasty and fun to eat. You can switch up the flavor by using different extracts. Instead of vanilla, try almond or coconut extract. Just use one teaspoon in the caramel mixture. This small change makes a big difference in taste. You can mix up flavors each time you make these bars. It keeps things exciting and new, and you may find a new favorite! To keep your salted caramel pretzel bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Place the bars in an airtight container. They will stay good for about one week. Make sure they are cool before sealing. This helps keep the texture nice and firm. If you want to save some bars for later, freezing works well. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you crave a sweet treat, just thaw them overnight in the fridge. Choose the right container for storage. An airtight container is best. Glass or plastic containers work well. Avoid using containers that let air in, as this can make them stale. For extra protection, line the container with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and keeps them fresh longer. Yes, you can use regular pretzels. Just crush them into small pieces. The texture will change a bit, but they will still taste great. The crunch and saltiness will shine through. If you like a softer bite, go for pretzel crisps. They mix and bind well. These bars can last up to one week in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Make sure they are fully set before you store them. This helps maintain their texture and flavor. To cut the bars cleanly, use a sharp knife. Warm the knife under hot water for a few seconds. Wipe it dry before cutting. This method helps the knife glide through the layers. You can also use a ruler to measure even slices. This blog highlights the core ingredients needed for delicious bars and shares easy steps for baking. You learn how to create a tasty pretzel crust and a rich caramel mixture. Tips ensure you achieve the right texture and prevent sticking. We also explore fun variations, storage tips, and answer common questions. Now you can enjoy making your own bars with confidence. Experiment with flavors and share them with friends! Enjoy each bite and let your creativity shine.

Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars No Bake

Indulge in the perfect blend of flavors with our Sweet & Salty Pretzel recipe! These delicious bars combine crunchy pretzel crisps, rich chocolate, and a creamy caramel filling, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. With just a few simple steps, you can create 12 delightful bars that are sure to impress. Click through to discover the full recipe and treat yourself to this sweet and salty sensation!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups pretzel crisps

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1 cup sweetened condensed milk

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Optional: Flaky sea salt for topping

Instructions
 

Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

    In a large bowl, combine the pretzel crisps and melted butter. Mix until the pretzels are fully coated.

      Press half of the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of the lined baking dish to create a crust.

        In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and sea salt. Stir continuously until the mixture begins to bubble and thickens slightly (about 5 minutes).

          Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and chocolate chips until smooth and creamy.

            Pour the caramel mixture over the pretzel crust in the baking dish, spreading it evenly.

              Top the caramel layer with the remaining pretzel mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.

                Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set before slicing into bars.

                  For an extra touch, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top right after removing from the fridge.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes | Servings: 12 bars

                      - Note: Make sure to allow adequate time for the bars to set in the refrigerator for the best texture. Enjoy your sweet and salty treat!