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Salted Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bars

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

Melt chocolate in bowl, pour half on lined pan. Add crushed pretzels, drizzle warm caramel on top. Cover with rest of chocolate, sprinkle salt and more pretzels. Let set in fridge bout hour. Makes quick sweet-salty bars that everyone loves.

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Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 11 May 2025 20:57:05 GMT
Close-up of a caramel-covered dessert topped with pretzel pieces. Pin it
Close-up of a caramel-covered dessert topped with pretzel pieces. | zestplate.com

Want a mind-blowing treat without much fuss? These salted chocolate and caramel pretzel bars bring together sweet, salty, and crunchy flavors in the most incredible way. With just four ingredients and zero baking required, you'll have a quick sweet that tastes like it came from an upscale confectionery!

What Makes These Bars Irresistible

These chocolate caramel treats hit that sweet-salty spot that makes you reach for another piece every time. And guess what? They're super simple to make. No fancy equipment or complicated steps needed—just a few basic ingredients that come together to create something wonderful.

Your Ingredient List

  • Chocolate Chips: 12 ounces semi-sweet - worth getting the premium kind, you'll taste the difference!
  • Mini Pretzels: 2 cups of twists - for that satisfying salty crunch
  • Caramel Bits: 1 bag (11 oz) Kraft bits, or regular unwrapped caramels work fine too
  • Sea Salt: A small sprinkle to finish with flair

How To Make Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bars

Prep Work
Cover your largest baking sheet with parchment paper. This will save you tons of cleanup later on!
Bottom Chocolate Base
Slowly melt 8 ounces of chocolate chips in the microwave, giving it a stir every 15 seconds until it's completely smooth. Spread this across your lined tray like you're creating a tasty foundation.
Add Your Pretzels
While the chocolate's still soft, sprinkle pretzels across the entire surface. Push them down gently so they stick to the chocolate layer.
Caramel Drizzle
Melt the caramel bits with a tiny bit of water until smooth and pourable. Pour this gooey mixture all over your pretzel layer.
Chocolate Topping
Melt your leftover chocolate and drizzle it all across the top. Finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt to make it look and taste fancy.
Cooling Time
Stick everything in the fridge until it's completely firm. Then snap or slice into pieces however you prefer!

The Secret To Their Deliciousness

The magic happens in the layers! You get smooth chocolate, crunchy pretzels, and sticky caramel all in one bite. Each mouthful gives you different textures and tastes. That little bit of salt on top really brings out all the flavors too.

Getting Chocolate Just Right

For the best looking bars, melt your chocolate carefully. Use short bursts in the microwave and stir often. If it starts getting lumpy or thick, adding a tiny drop of vegetable oil can help it stay smooth.

Making The Pretzel Layer Work

Don't stress about arranging your pretzels in a specific pattern. A random layout actually makes the bars look more appealing! Just make sure they're stuck firmly into the first chocolate layer.

Working With Caramel

Caramel can be a bit challenging, but here's a handy trick: add a small splash of water while you're melting it. This makes it easier to pour and stops it from getting too hard or sticky when it cools down.

A close-up view of chocolate brownies topped with a glossy caramel drizzle and pretzel pieces. Pin it
A close-up view of chocolate brownies topped with a glossy caramel drizzle and pretzel pieces. | zestplate.com

How To Enjoy And Store

You can keep these treats in a sealed container for about a week. Pop them in the fridge if your house is warm, or leave them out if you prefer them a bit softer. They're great for gatherings, handmade gifts, or when you're just craving something both sweet and salty!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Need different chocolate?

Any kind works good. Dark's less sweet. White looks nice. Mix kinds maybe. Fresh chips best.

→ How keep em good?

Box em up tight. Keep em cold. Good week tops. Stack with paper. If they last that long!

→ Want no wheat kind?

Rice pretzels work. Check they're good. Still gets crunchy. Read box careful. Worth finding right ones.

→ How long they last?

Week if kept cold. Box em up good. Don't leave warm. Fresh is better. Share em quick.

→ Adding more stuff?

Nuts work real nice. More salt maybe. Even coconut. Don't add too much. Keep it simple.

→ Getting too soft?

Keep em more cold. Less caramel maybe. Work quick when warm. Chill between steps. Patient helps lots.

→ Taking em places?

Keep em cold packed. Box with sides firm. Cut em smaller. Watch they don't melt. Worth the work.

→ Need em faster?

Freeze few minutes. Have stuff ready. Quick melt works. Still needs set time. Worth short wait.

→ Making big batch?

Double works fine. Need more space. Longer chill time. Keep stuff cold. Makes good gifts.

→ Want more salty?

Add good salt kind. More pretzels too. Sprinkle tops. Taste as you go. Can't fix too much.

→ Chocolate not smooth?

Melt it slower. Stir lots more. Strain lumps out. Fresh chips help. Don't get water in.

→ Caramel too hard?

Warm it more. Mix some cream. Work quick though. Watch it close. Easy fix warm.

Conclusion

Love these? Try chocolate pretzels next. Or make caramel brownies. Both got that sweet-salty kick.

Salted Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bars

Needed something sweet and crunchy after dinner. Found pretzels, chocolate and caramel in my pantry. Fifteen minutes later, these bars were chilling in the fridge. No oven needed, just pure snack satisfaction.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 15 Servings (15 pieces)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 12 ounce package semi-sweet chocolate chips, good quality.
02 8 ounces mini pretzel twists.
03 11 ounce bag Kraft Caramel Bits.
04 Sea salt for sprinkling.

Instructions

Step 01

Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.

Step 02

Gently melt 8 ounces of the chocolate chips in the microwave by heating on low and stirring every 15 seconds until smooth and velvety.

Step 03

Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the parchment-lined baking sheet. Immediately scatter the mini pretzel twists over the chocolate, allowing some overlap, and gently press them into the chocolate to secure.

Step 04

Place the caramel bits in a microwave-safe bowl, add 2 tablespoons of water, and melt according to the package instructions, heating on high for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth and drizzle this warm caramel over the pretzels, creating a sweet, sticky layer.

Step 05

Melt the remaining 4 ounces of chocolate chips and drizzle over the caramel layer. Finish by sprinkling sea salt across the top for a delightful contrast.

Step 06

Refrigerate the tray until the chocolate is firm and set, then cut or tear the bars into desired pieces and enjoy your delicious creation.

Notes

  1. These bars are best enjoyed within a few days of making, stored in an airtight container.
  2. Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate or sprinkle additional toppings like nuts.

Tools You'll Need

  • Cutting board.
  • Microwave-safe bowl.
  • Baking sheet.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Refrigerator.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Gluten.
  • Soy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 268
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 39 g
  • Protein: 3 g