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Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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

Keywords: salted caramel, pretzel bark, no-bake dessert, sweet and salty snack, homemade candy, easy dessert