Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars are a salty-sweet dessert dream—perfect for parties, gifting, or just indulging at home. Here’s a simple, no-fuss recipe to make them:
🍬 Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars Recipe
Ingredients:
-
2 cups mini pretzels (slightly crushed)
-
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
-
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
-
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
1 ½ cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
-
Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
-
Make the base:
-
Spread the crushed pretzels evenly across the bottom of the pan.
-
-
Make caramel layer:
-
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together.
-
Stir constantly until the mixture starts bubbling. Let it boil for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
-
Remove from heat, stir in vanilla.
-
Pour this hot caramel mixture evenly over the pretzels.
-
-
Bake:
-
Bake for 10–12 minutes until bubbly and golden.
-
-
Add condensed milk layer:
-
Carefully pour the sweetened condensed milk over the hot caramel layer. Spread gently.
-
-
Bake again:
-
Return to oven and bake for another 10–12 minutes until the edges are golden and bubbly.
-
-
Chocolate time:
-
Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot top.
-
Let them sit for 2–3 minutes to melt, then gently spread with a spatula.
-
-
Optional: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a salted caramel vibe.
-
Cool completely, then chill in the fridge for 1–2 hours to set.
-
Cut into bars, serve, and enjoy!
Let me know if you want a no-bake version or want to customize it (e.g., with peanut butter or white chocolate).