If you’re craving a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and crunchy, these Chocolate Caramel Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars are exactly what you need. They combine layers of creamy peanut butter, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate, all atop a crunchy pretzel crust. These bars are not only irresistibly delicious but also super easy to make, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need a sweet snack, these bars are sure to satisfy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it strikes that perfect balance between salty and sweet. The pretzel base adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, creamy peanut butter and the rich, gooey caramel. Then, the chocolate layer on top makes everything even more decadent. It’s the ultimate treat for anyone who loves that combination of flavors. Plus, they’re easy to make, and everyone loves them—making them perfect for parties, gatherings, or a sweet snack when you need a little pick-me-up.
Ingredients
2 cups mini pretzels, crushed
1 cup creamy peanut butter, divided
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped
2 tbsp heavy cream
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels and melted butter. Stir until the pretzels are fully coated.
Press the pretzel mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool completely.
While the pretzel base cools, in a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup of the peanut butter and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth and spreadable. Once the pretzel base is cool, spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the pretzel layer.
In a small saucepan, melt the caramel candies with heavy cream over medium heat, stirring frequently until smooth. Pour the caramel mixture over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with the remaining 1/2 cup peanut butter in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until completely smooth. Pour the chocolate mixture over the caramel layer and spread evenly.
Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours or until fully set. Once set, cut into squares and serve.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 16 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes (including refrigeration time)
Variations
Nutty Twist: If I’m feeling adventurous, I sometimes add chopped peanuts or pecans to the peanut butter mixture for an extra crunch.
Salted Caramel: For an extra pop of flavor, I sprinkle a tiny bit of sea salt on top of the caramel layer before adding the chocolate. It enhances the sweet and salty balance.
Chocolate Lovers: If I want to boost the chocolate flavor, I replace half of the semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate chips for a sweeter touch.
Storage/Reheating
I store these bars in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh. They should last for up to a week if kept properly chilled. I don’t recommend reheating these bars, as they are best enjoyed cold and firm, but if you want them a bit softer, you can leave them at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
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FAQs
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make these bars gluten-free, I simply use gluten-free pretzels in place of the regular mini pretzels.
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
I love creamy peanut butter for this recipe, but if you prefer a bit of texture, you can absolutely use chunky peanut butter instead.
What can I use if I don’t have caramel candies?
If I don’t have caramel candies, I can use store-bought caramel sauce or make my own homemade caramel sauce to drizzle over the peanut butter layer.
Can I freeze these bars for later?
Yes, these bars freeze wonderfully! I place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers and freeze for up to 3 months. When I want one, I just let it thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
Can I add other toppings to these bars?
Absolutely! I sometimes top these bars with crushed pretzels, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a sprinkle of chopped chocolate for an extra indulgence.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Caramel Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars are an irresistible treat that brings together the best flavors in one bite—salty, sweet, and crunchy. They’re perfect for sharing with friends, family, or just indulging in a little self-care. With easy-to-find ingredients and a simple process, I can make these bars anytime I need a satisfying dessert. Whether for a party or a quiet evening, these bars are sure to impress and disappear quickly.
📖 Recipe:
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Chocolate Caramel Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chocolate Caramel Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars combine salty pretzels, creamy peanut butter, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate in one decadent treat. They are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
2 cups mini pretzels, crushed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup creamy peanut butter, divided
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped
2 tbsp heavy cream
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels and melted butter. Stir until the pretzels are fully coated.
- Press the pretzel mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- While the pretzel base cools, in a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup of the peanut butter and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth and spreadable. Once the pretzel base is cool, spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the pretzel layer.
- In a small saucepan, melt the caramel candies with heavy cream over medium heat, stirring frequently until smooth. Pour the caramel mixture over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with the remaining 1/2 cup peanut butter in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until completely smooth. Pour the chocolate mixture over the caramel layer and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours or until fully set. Once set, cut into squares and serve.
Notes
For a nutty twist, add chopped peanuts or pecans to the peanut butter mixture.
For a salted caramel flavor, sprinkle a tiny bit of sea salt on top of the caramel layer before adding the chocolate.
For a richer chocolate taste, swap half of the semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate chips.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
These bars freeze well for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
