Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars are a delightful mix of sweet caramel, rich chocolate, and salty pretzels, creating a treat that’s incredibly satisfying. Whether for parties or a quick dessert, these bars are sure to please. Here’s a look at the ingredients you’ll need to create this tasty treat.
INGREDIENTS
- Pretzels: 2 cups, crushed, providing a crunchy and salty base.
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup to make the smooth caramel layer.
- Brown Sugar: 1 cup, packed, for the sweet, gooey caramel flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: 1/2 teaspoon for added depth in the caramel layer.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips: 1 1/2 cups, melted on top for a rich chocolatey finish.
- Sea Salt: Optional, for sprinkling on top to enhance the sweet and salty contrast.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Step 2:
- Spread the crushed pretzels evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a base.
- Step 3:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cook, stirring constantly, until smooth and bubbling, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Step 4:
- Pour the caramel mixture over the pretzels in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly and golden brown.
- Step 5:
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot caramel layer. Allow them to soften, then spread them evenly over the caramel.
- Step 6:
- If desired, sprinkle sea salt over the melted chocolate layer for a sweet and salty contrast.
- Step 7:
- Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish at room temperature or in the refrigerator until the chocolate is set.
- Step 8:
- Once cooled and set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the dish. Transfer to a cutting board and cut into bars of your desired size.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the bars at room temperature for the best texture and flavor contrast.
- If you like a firmer chocolate layer, refrigerate the bars for about 15 minutes before serving.
- These bars are great as a party treat or as a snack for gatherings.
Helpful Notes
- For a stronger caramel flavor, let the brown sugar mixture bubble slightly longer, but be careful not to burn it.
- Try using dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor if desired.
- Crush the pretzels coarsely for a more noticeable crunch in each bite.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Ina Garten recommends adding a pinch of sea salt to chocolate desserts to bring out the sweetness.
- Pastry chef Dominique Ansel suggests layering flavors by adding a hint of vanilla to balance caramel and chocolate flavors.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- The sweet and salty combination is irresistible and satisfying.
- Easy to make with just a few ingredients, making it great for last-minute treats.
- The bars are versatile and can be customized with different chocolate or add-ins like nuts.
VARIATIONS
- Use white or dark chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate chips for a unique twist.
- Add crushed nuts, like almonds or pecans, to the caramel layer for added crunch and flavor.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle colored sugar or edible glitter on top of the chocolate layer before it sets.