Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors with these irresistible No Bake Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars! This easy-to-follow recipe promises a delicious treat that requires minimal effort and time. Perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings or impressing guests at any gathering, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 11.5 oz bag of Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Chips
- 11 oz bag of Kraft Caramel Bits
- ½ Cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips
- 8 oz of Mini Twist Pretzels
Directions:
- Begin by preparing a small glass bowl and add the Hershey chocolate chips to it, reserving about ¼ cup of chips for later use.
- Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 20-second intervals until fully melted and smooth.
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and spread the melted chocolate evenly onto it.
- Arrange the mini twist pretzels on top of the melted chocolate, allowing them to overlap as desired.
- In another bowl, combine the Kraft caramel bits with 2 tablespoons of water. Microwave the mixture for 1 ½ to 2 minutes until the caramel is melted and smooth.
- Drizzle the melted caramel over the pretzels, ensuring even coverage. Allow the bars to cool.
- Once cooled, melt the reserved ¼ cup of chocolate chips in the microwave and drizzle it over the cooled caramel layer.
- Repeat the process with the Reese’s peanut butter chips, melting them and drizzling over the bars.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Tips:
- When melting chocolate or caramel in the microwave, be sure to use short intervals to prevent overheating and burning.
- For added flavor, consider sprinkling sea salt over the caramel layer before it cools completely.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate chips or add toppings like chopped nuts for variety.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, these No Bake Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars offer a delightful harmony of flavors and textures that are bound to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these bars are quick, easy, and utterly delicious. Enjoy the perfect blend of sweet caramel, creamy chocolate, and crunchy pretzels in every bite!
- Can I use different types of chocolate chips in this recipe?
- Absolutely! While the recipe calls for Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Chips, you can experiment with various types of chocolate chips to suit your taste preferences. Dark chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, or even white chocolate chips can be substituted for a different flavor profile. Feel free to get creative and mix different types of chocolate for a unique twist on the recipe.
- How should I store these No Bake Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars?
- To maintain freshness and prevent the bars from becoming too soft or sticky, it’s best to store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer the bars between sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as this can cause the caramel to harden excessively and make the bars difficult to bite into. Properly stored, these bars should last for several days, although they are so delicious, they may not last that long!
- Can I make these bars ahead of time for a party or event?
- Yes, these bars are perfect for making ahead of time for parties, potlucks, or special occasions. Since they require no baking, you can prepare them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container until ready to serve. In fact, allowing the bars to sit for a few hours or overnight after assembly can help the flavors meld together even more, resulting in an even more decadent treat. Just be sure to keep them in a cool, dry place until it’s time to enjoy them.
- I don’t have access to Kraft Caramel Bits. Can I use regular caramels instead?
- Yes, you can use regular caramels instead of Kraft Caramel Bits. Simply unwrap the individual caramels and place them in a microwave-safe bowl with a tablespoon or two of water. Microwave the caramels in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until they are fully melted and smooth. Be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Once melted, drizzle the caramel over the pretzels as directed in the recipe. While Kraft Caramel Bits are convenient, regular caramels can be used as a suitable alternative with equally delicious results.
No Bake Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars!
These Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars are the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and crunchy. With layers of buttery caramel, crunchy pretzels, and a chocolate topping, they’re a highly addictive treat that’s easy to make and perfect for snacking or sharing. These bars are ideal for parties, holidays, or whenever you need a delicious pick-me-up!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking and No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
-
For the Base Layer:
- 4 cups mini pretzels, coarsely broken
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
-
For the Topping:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Sea salt flakes (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal. -
Make the Caramel Layer:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring until the mixture is fully combined and begins to bubble. Let it boil for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly and takes on a caramel color. -
Assemble the Bars:
Arrange the broken pretzels in an even layer in the prepared pan. Pour the hot caramel mixture over the pretzels, spreading it evenly to cover as much of the pretzel layer as possible. -
Bake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, until the caramel is bubbly and the pretzels are set in the caramel. -
Add the Chocolate Topping:
Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the top. Let them sit for a few minutes to melt, then spread the chocolate into a smooth layer with a spatula. -
Garnish and Chill:
Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top of the chocolate layer if desired. Place the pan in the refrigerator to cool completely for at least 1 hour, until the chocolate is firm. -
Cut and Serve:
Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares or bars. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of crushed toffee bits or chopped nuts on top of the chocolate layer.
- Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.