Description
Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars are a sweet and salty layered dessert made with crunchy pretzels, buttery caramel, and smooth melted chocolate, creating an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (255g) semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Spread 2 cups of crushed pretzels evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup unsalted butter, then stir in 1 cup brown sugar.
- Cook the mixture for 2–3 minutes until smooth and bubbling, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Pour the caramel evenly over the pretzels and spread gently.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips over the hot caramel.
- Let sit for a few minutes, then spread melted chocolate evenly.
- Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon sea salt if desired.
- Cool completely at room temperature or refrigerate until set.
- Lift from pan, slice into bars, and serve.
Notes
- Do not overcook the caramel to avoid a hard texture.
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for best flavor and smoothness.
- Chill before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months and thawed before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg