The Best Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark

Isabella

🌟Life, Love, and Gastronomy 🍷

The Best Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark is the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the combination of sweet and salty flavors. This indulgent dessert blends crunchy pretzels with a gooey caramel layer, all topped with smooth, melted chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt. It’s perfect for snacking, holiday gifting, or adding a special touch to any party spread. Once you make it, you’ll find it impossible to resist! The salty pretzels paired with the rich caramel and velvety chocolate create a mouthwatering balance that is sure to please everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love how easy this recipe is to make and how impressive it looks when finished. The salty crunch of the pretzels contrasts perfectly with the rich, gooey caramel and the smooth, melty chocolate. Plus, the touch of sea salt on top elevates the flavors, giving it an irresistible balance of sweet and savory. It’s one of those recipes that always gets compliments, whether you serve it at a party or give it as a homemade gift. The best part is, it’s super quick to prepare, and the ingredients are simple, so I can whip it up whenever I need a delicious treat!

Ingredients

3 cups mini pretzels (or pretzel sticks)

1 cup unsalted butter

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1/4 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Spread the pretzels evenly across the prepared baking sheet, making sure they cover the surface in an even layer.

Make the Caramel:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar and sea salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring constantly. Once it reaches a boil, let it cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring, allowing the caramel to thicken and become bubbly.

Pour the Caramel:
Carefully pour the hot caramel over the pretzels, spreading it evenly to coat them in the sticky caramel layer. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, just until the caramel is bubbling and slightly golden. Be careful not to overcook it.

Add the Chocolate:
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot caramel-covered pretzels. Let the chocolate sit for a few minutes to soften, then use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the melted chocolate evenly over the caramel.

Sprinkle with Sea Salt:
Sprinkle a little extra sea salt over the melted chocolate layer for an added salty kick.

Chill to Set:
Let the bark cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, or until the chocolate and caramel have fully set.

Break into Pieces:
Once set, break the bark into pieces and enjoy! Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for longer shelf life.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling time)

Servings: 12 servings (2 pieces per serving)

Calories per Serving: 250 kcal

Variations

While I love this classic salted caramel pretzel bark, there are plenty of ways to make it your own. Here are a few variations I like to try:

Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts like pecans or almonds on top of the caramel layer before adding the chocolate for a delicious crunch.

White Chocolate: For a lighter taste, swap the semi-sweet chocolate for white chocolate chips.

Peanut Butter: Drizzle melted peanut butter over the chocolate for an extra layer of flavor.

Caramelized Pretzels: For an added twist, caramelize the pretzels first before layering them with the caramel sauce.

Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk or semi-sweet chocolate for a more intense chocolate flavor.

Storage/Reheating

To store this salted caramel pretzel bark, place it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about 1 week. If you prefer it to last longer, store it in the fridge, where it can keep for up to 2 weeks. To serve, you can let it come to room temperature for a few minutes, but it’s delicious cold, too!

Related Recipes:

FAQs

Can I use regular pretzels instead of mini pretzels?

Yes, you can! I prefer mini pretzels because they create a better balance of pretzel to caramel, but regular pretzels work just as well. Just break them into smaller pieces to ensure they’re well coated.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! This bark stores really well. I often make it a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container. The flavors even improve as it sits.

What kind of chocolate should I use?

I like using semi-sweet chocolate chips, but milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips also work wonderfully. Choose what suits your personal taste!

How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

To avoid burning the caramel, make sure to stir the mixture constantly while it’s heating up. Once it starts boiling, let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, keeping an eye on it. Just be sure not to overcook it!

Can I freeze the bark?

Yes, you can freeze it! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Conclusion

The Best Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark is a treat that’s hard to beat. With its combination of crunchy pretzels, buttery caramel, and smooth chocolate, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Whether I’m making it for a party, gifting it, or just indulging in a late-night snack, this bark always hits the spot. It’s simple, quick to prepare, and totally addictive. I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your household too!


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The Best Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark


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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
  • Yield: 12 servings (2 pieces per serving)
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Best Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark is the ultimate combination of salty and sweet! Featuring crispy pretzels, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, this bark is great for holiday gifting, parties, or satisfying your snack cravings. With a touch of sea salt sprinkled on top, every bite offers a delightful balance of flavors that everyone will love. Try this irresistible recipe for a quick and crowd-pleasing dessert!


Ingredients

3 cups mini pretzels (or pretzel sticks)

1 cup unsalted butter

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1/4 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Baking Sheet:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Spread the pretzels evenly across the prepared baking sheet, covering the surface in a single layer.
  2. Make the Caramel:
    In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and sea salt. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly. Once boiling, let it cook for 3-4 minutes, without stirring, until it thickens and becomes bubbly.
  3. Pour the Caramel:
    Carefully pour the hot caramel over the pretzels, ensuring an even coating. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, until the caramel is bubbling and golden (be careful not to overcook).
  4. Add the Chocolate:
    Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot caramel-covered pretzels. Let the chocolate soften for a few minutes, then use a spatula to spread it evenly over the caramel layer.
  5. Sprinkle with Sea Salt:
    Sprinkle a little extra sea salt on top of the melted chocolate for an added salty kick.
  6. Chill to Set:
    Allow the bark to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to fully set.
  7. Break into Pieces:
    Once the bark is set, break it into pieces. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for longer shelf life.

Notes

For a nutty twist, add chopped pecans or almonds on top of the caramel before adding the chocolate.

Swap semi-sweet chocolate for white chocolate chips for a different flavor.

Drizzle melted peanut butter over the chocolate for an extra layer of flavor.

To make the bark more intense, try using dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Snack
  • Method: Baking, No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12 servings (2 pieces per serving)
  • Calories: 250 kcal per serving (2 pieces)

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