Salted Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bars

Dive into a delightful blend of textures and flavors with these Salted Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bars. This recipe is a dream come true for those who love the heavenly combination of sweet and salty. Imagine a crunchy pretzel base, topped with a rich layer of smooth caramel, and finished with a glossy chocolate coating, all sprinkled with a dash of sea salt. These bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings and are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients

• For the Pretzel Base:
  • 2 cups pretzels, crushed into small pieces
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
• For the Caramel Layer:
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Chocolate Layer:
  • 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter
• Additional:
  • Sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined 9×13 inch baking pan.
   • Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool.
2. Make the Caramel Layer:
   • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, and corn syrup. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer.
   • Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
   • Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and pour over the cooled pretzel base. Let it set.
3. Prepare the Chocolate Layer:
   • Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil (or butter) in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler, stirring until smooth.
   • Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
4. Add the Finishing Touches:
   • Sprinkle sea salt over the chocolate layer while it’s still warm.
   • Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
5. Slice and Serve:
   • Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the lining. Cut into squares or bars.
   • Serve and enjoy the perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, salty, and chocolatey in every bite!

These Salted Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bars are not just a treat for your taste buds but also a visually appealing dessert that’s bound to impress. Whether for a party, a family gathering, or just as a special treat, these bars are the ideal choice for a decadent snack.