Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pretzel Base:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring that the paper comes up the sides for easy removal later. Spread the mini pretzels evenly across the bottom of the baking dish, covering the entire surface. You can break some of the pretzels into smaller pieces to fill in the gaps.

2. Make the Caramel Topping:

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble. Allow it to simmer for about 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Once it’s thickened and slightly darker, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

3. Pour the Caramel:

Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the pretzels in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the caramel around and ensure all the pretzels are coated. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbling and the pretzels are slightly golden.

4. Add the Chocolate:

Remove the baking dish from the oven and immediately sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the hot caramel. Let the chocolate sit for 3-5 minutes to soften, then gently spread the melted chocolate evenly across the caramel layer with a spatula.

5. Cool and Set:

Allow the bars to cool for about 30 minutes at room temperature. Once the chocolate has set and hardened, transfer the baking dish to the fridge for at least 2 hours to fully chill and firm up.

6. Cut and Serve:

Once the bars are fully chilled, lift them out of the baking dish using the parchment paper. Cut into squares or rectangles, and if desired, sprinkle a little sea salt on top for that perfect sweet-and-salty finish.

Tips for the Best Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars:

• Pretzel Texture: Use mini pretzels for more even coverage, but if you prefer larger pretzels, feel free to break them into pieces to fit the dish.
• Chocolate Variety: While semi-sweet chocolate chips work great, you can experiment with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even a combination of different chocolate varieties.
• For Extra Crunch: Add crushed pretzels on top of the chocolate layer before chilling for extra texture and crunch.
• Add a Twist: Try sprinkling crushed nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for added richness and flavor.

Healthier Modifications (Optional):

• Whole-Wheat Pretzels: For a slightly healthier option, try using whole wheat pretzels for added fiber.
• Dark Chocolate: Swap in dark chocolate chips for a less sugary alternative and a rich, deep flavor.

Conclusion:

Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars are a treat you’ll want to make time and time again. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or indulging in a snack, their combination of crispy pretzels, buttery caramel, and smooth chocolate is a match made in heaven. They’re quick to prepare, easily customizable, and guaranteed to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Give them a try—these Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars are sure to become your go-to recipe for any occasion!