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Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars

Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars - featured image
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These Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars combine buttery caramel, crunchy pretzels, and a touch of sea salt into an irresistibly easy and nostalgic treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (220g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 cups (about 120g) pretzels, roughly crushed
  • 1 cup (180g) caramel bits or soft caramel candies, chopped
  • Sea salt flakes for sprinkling (optional)
  • ½ cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until smooth and combined, about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
  3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in pure vanilla extract until creamy and glossy.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and fine sea salt.
  5. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon, folding gently until just combined.
  6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  7. Sprinkle roughly crushed pretzels evenly over the top, followed by chopped caramel bits. Press down lightly to embed them into the dough.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack, about 1 hour.
  10. If desired, drizzle melted semi-sweet chocolate chips over the top once cool and sprinkle with sea salt flakes.
  11. Use a sharp knife to slice into 12-16 squares, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat edges.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs and softened butter for best texture. Press pretzels and caramel lightly into dough to keep them in place. Cool bars completely before cutting to avoid stickiness. Optional chocolate drizzle and sea salt flakes add extra flavor. For gluten-free, substitute almond flour; for dairy-free, use vegan margarine and coconut caramel candies.

Nutrition

Keywords: salted caramel, pretzel bars, easy dessert, caramel bars, sweet and salty, potluck dessert, family treat

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/salted-caramel-pretzel-bars-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-irresistible-treats/