No-Bake Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars are a perfect blend of salty and sweet, combining the crunch of pretzels with the gooey richness of caramel and chocolate. This recipe offers a delicious treat that requires no baking, making it a quick and easy option for busy days or unexpected guests. Whether you’re looking for a festive dessert or a simple snack, these bars are sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 3 cups mini pretzels, coarsely crushed
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
• Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling (optional)

Preparation

• Step 1: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring there’s an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
• Step 2: Distribute the crushed pretzels evenly across the bottom of the pan to form a solid base.
• Step 3: In a medium saucepan, heat the sweetened condensed milk, butter, and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously until smooth and starting to bubble. Keep cooking for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
• Step 4: Pour the caramel mixture over the crushed pretzels, using a spatula to spread it evenly.
• Step 5: Drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, smoothing it out with a spatula. Optionally, sprinkle sea salt flakes on top for added flavor.
• Step 6: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours or until the chocolate is firm and the layers have set.
• Step 7: Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and serve.

Variations

• White Chocolate Version: Substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate for a different taste.
• Nutty Add-in: Mix in chopped nuts like pecans or almonds into the caramel layer for extra crunch.

Cooking Note

To ensure even layers, make sure the caramel mixture is smooth and well combined before pouring it over the pretzels.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these bars as a dessert at holiday parties or as a special treat during movie nights. They pair wonderfully with coffee or a glass of cold milk.

Tips

• Chill the bars overnight for the best texture and flavor development.
• Keep the bars refrigerated until ready to serve to maintain their shape and consistency.

Prep Time

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time

• 5 minutes (for the caramel mixture)

Total Time

• About 2 hours and 20 minutes (including chilling)

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 4g
• Sodium: 250mg

FAQs

1. How long can I store these bars?
   • They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
2. Can I freeze the bars?
   • Yes, they freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Conclusion

These No-Bake Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars are not only easy to make but also irresistibly delicious. They strike the perfect balance between salty and sweet, with a delightful texture that’s sure to please any palate. Ideal for any occasion, they’re a hassle-free treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

No-Bake Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars

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• Author: recipes
• Total Time: About 2 hours and 20 minutes

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 cups mini pretzels, coarsely crushed
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
• Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling (optional)

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Instructions

• Step 1: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring there’s an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
• Step 2: Distribute the crushed pretzels evenly across the bottom of the pan to form a solid base.
• Step 3: In a medium saucepan, heat the sweetened condensed milk, butter, and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously until smooth and starting to bubble. Keep cooking for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
• Step 4: Pour the caramel mixture over the crushed pretzels, using a spatula to spread it evenly.
• Step 5: Drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, smoothing it out with a spatula. Optionally, sprinkle sea salt flakes on top for added flavor.
• Step 6: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours or until the chocolate is firm and the layers have set.
• Step 7: Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and serve.

Variations

• White Chocolate Version: Substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate for a different taste.
• Nutty Add-in: Mix in chopped nuts like pecans or almonds into the caramel layer for extra crunch.

Notes

 

To ensure even layers, make sure the caramel mixture is smooth and well combined before pouring it over the pretzels.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these bars as a dessert at holiday parties or as a special treat during movie nights. They pair wonderfully with coffee or a glass of cold milk.

Tips

• Chill the bars overnight for the best texture and flavor development.
• Keep the bars refrigerated until ready to serve to maintain their shape and consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes (for the caramel mixture)

Nutrition

• Calories: 300
• Sodium: 250mg
• Protein: 4g