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No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars

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These no-bake bars feature layers of crunchy pretzels and gooey caramel topped with smooth chocolate. They're the perfect sweet-salty treat that's surprisingly simple to make and requires no oven.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups mini pretzels lightly crushed (not powdered)
  • 1 cup salted butter melted (2 sticks)
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt plus extra for topping
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable oil

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Parchment paper
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Microwave-safe bowl

Method
 

  1. Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides.
  2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil, whisking constantly.
  3. Cook for 4-5 minutes until mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla bean paste and 1 teaspoon sea salt. Let cool for 5 minutes.
  5. Spread half of the crushed pretzels evenly in the prepared pan.
  6. Pour the caramel mixture over the pretzels.
  7. Sprinkle remaining pretzels on top and gently press them into the caramel.
  8. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil. Melt together until smooth.
  9. Pour melted chocolate over the pretzel-caramel layers.
  10. Sprinkle with remaining ½ teaspoon sea salt.
  11. Allow to set completely before cutting into bars.

Notes

Store bars in an airtight container. For variations, try using milk or dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet, or substitute graham crackers for pretzels. The caramel can be enhanced with a tablespoon of bourbon for an adult version. Coconut cream can replace heavy cream for a dairy-free option. The bars keep well for several days at room temperature.

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