Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark
Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark is a delightful treat combining crunchy salted pretzels, rich homemade salted caramel, and smooth melted chocolate. This no-bake recipe comes together quickly, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors with a crunchy and gooey texture. Ideal for snacking, gifting, or as a festive dessert addition.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 pieces 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Contains gluten
Base
- 4 cups crunchy salted pretzels
Salted Caramel
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Chocolate Layer
- 1 1/2 cups milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips or melting wafers
Toppings
- Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling
- Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Arrange the Pretzels: Spread the crunchy salted pretzels evenly across the lined baking sheet, creating a solid layer that will hold your caramel and chocolate.
- Make the Salted Caramel: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a rich, golden caramel. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract if using.
- Pour Caramel Over Pretzels: Evenly drizzle the warm salted caramel over the pretzels, ensuring they are well coated but still visible beneath the caramel layer.
- Melt and Spread Chocolate: Gently melt the chocolate chips or wafers using a microwave in short bursts or a double boiler. Pour or drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel layer and use a spatula to spread it evenly to cover the surface.
- Sprinkle Sea Salt and Chill: Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top to enhance the salty contrast and texture. Place the tray in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour until the bark is firm.
- Break Into Pieces: Once set, break the bark into irregular pieces and serve immediately or package for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Use quality ingredients: Using better chocolate and caramel will yield a richer, more satisfying bark.
- Don’t skip the salt: The contrast of salt with sweetness is essential to this recipe’s flavor profile.
- Spread evenly: Ensure pretzels and toppings are distributed uniformly for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Temperature matters: Allow the caramel to cool slightly before pouring to prevent melting the pretzels.
- Chill thoroughly: Give sufficient chilling time for the bark to set firmly, making it easier to break.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 1/24th of recipe)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: salted caramel, pretzel bark, no-bake dessert, sweet and salty snack, homemade candy, easy dessert