No Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars

No Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars
No Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars

No Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars Recipe is one of the easiest desserts you can make at home. These bars taste sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy all at the same time.

The caramel melts in your mouth, and the pretzels give a perfect crunch. You do not need an oven. You only need a few simple ingredients and a little time. This No Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars Recipe is great for parties, snacks, or a quick treat. It is also fun for kids because the ingredients are simple and easy to mix.

If you love caramel and chocolate, this recipe will become your new favorite. You will learn how to make No Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars with simple steps and helpful tips.

The Secret Behind This Delicious

The secret behind this delicious dessert is the perfect balance of flavors. The caramel adds sweet and buttery richness. The pretzels add a salty crunch that cuts the sweetness.

The chocolate adds a smooth texture that makes everything taste complete. The second secret is using fresh pretzels. Fresh pretzels stay crunchy and do not become soft. Another secret is letting the bars chill long enough so they hold their shape.

These small steps make a big difference and create perfect No Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars every time.

No Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars
No Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars

Recipe Card Info

  • Recipe Name: No Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars
  • Servings: 12
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 0 mins
  • Total Time: 2 hours (chilling)
  • Course: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American
  • Calories: 280 kcal per serving

Equipment List

  • 8×8-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Measuring cups
  • Rubber spatula

Ingredients You Need for No Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars Recipe

  • 3 cups pretzels, crushed
  • 1 cup salted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 ½ cups chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter
  • Extra pretzels for topping
  • Extra sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan

Line your baking pan with parchment paper. Make sure the edges hang out for easy lifting later.

2. Crush the Pretzels

Place pretzels in a zip bag. Crush them lightly with a rolling pin until you have small chunks.

3. Add Pretzels to the Pan

Spread crushed pretzels evenly in the baking pan. Press them gently to create a base layer.

4. Melt the Butter

Add salted butter to a small saucepan. Heat on medium-low until fully melted and smooth.

5. Add Brown Sugar

Add brown sugar to the melted butter. Stir until the sugar dissolves and becomes a thick mixture.

6. Add Condensed Milk

Pour sweetened condensed milk into the pot. Stir well until everything is fully mixed.

7. Cook the Caramel

Cook on low heat for six minutes. Stir constantly until the caramel becomes thick and golden.

8. Add Vanilla

Remove the caramel from heat. Add vanilla extract and sea salt. Stir until smooth and fragrant.

9. Pour Caramel Over Pretzels

Pour the hot caramel mixture over the crushed pretzels. Spread evenly using a spatula.

10. Let the Caramel Set

Allow the caramel layer to cool for fifteen minutes. This helps the pretzels stay crunchy.

11. Melt the Chocolate

Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in short intervals until melted.

12. Stir the Chocolate

Stir the melted chocolate until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps before pouring.

13. Add Chocolate Layer

Pour the chocolate evenly over the cooled caramel. Spread smoothly with a spatula.

14. Add Pretzel Topping

Place extra pretzels gently on top. Add a few chunks for texture and crunch.

15. Add Sea Salt

Sprinkle a small amount of sea salt over the chocolate layer. This adds flavor balance.

16. Chill the Bars

Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least two hours. The bars must become firm.

17. Remove from Pan

Lift the chilled block using the parchment edges. Put it on a cutting board.

18. Cut into Bars

Cut into small or medium bars. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts.

19. Serve Fresh

Enjoy the bars fresh. They taste best when chilled but slightly softened.

20. Store Extras

Put leftover bars in an airtight container. Keep them chilled for the best texture.

Expert Tips & Variations

  • Use fresh pretzels: Old pretzels become soft and lose the crispy texture.
  • Do not overcook caramel: Too much heat can burn it or make it too hard.
  • Use thick pretzels: Pretzel rods or thick twists create a better crunch.
  • Make it peanut butter flavored: Add two tablespoons of peanut butter to the caramel.
  • Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans on top for extra crunch.
  • Use dark chocolate: If you like less sweetness, replace milk chocolate with dark chocolate.
  • Add marshmallows: Mix mini marshmallows into the caramel for a chewy texture.
No Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars
No Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars

Nutrition Information

NutrientAmount
Calories280 kcal
Carbohydrates32g
Protein2g
Fat16g
Sodium210mg
Sugar22g

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve these bars at parties or family gatherings.
  • Pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet treat.
  • Serve with vanilla ice cream for a rich dessert.
  • Add them to holiday cookie trays or gift boxes.
  • Enjoy them with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.

Storage & Reheating Tips

  • Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge.
  • They stay fresh for up to one week.
  • Do not leave them out for too long because the caramel may soften.
  • You do not need to reheat them.
  • If the chocolate becomes too hard, let the bar sit at room temperature for five minutes before eating.

FAQs About No Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars Recipe

1. Why are my bars too soft?

The bars may turn soft if the caramel was not cooked long enough or if the bars did not chill fully. Caramel needs enough time to thicken and harden. Always chill for at least two hours before cutting.

2. Can I use store-bought caramel?

Yes, you can, but homemade caramel tastes richer and holds the bars together better. If using store-bought caramel, choose a thick version to avoid runny bars.

3. Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, you can freeze them for up to two months. Wrap each bar in parchment paper before freezing. Thaw in the fridge when ready to eat, and they will taste fresh again.

4. Why did my chocolate layer crack?

Chocolate cracks when the layer is too thick or when the bars are too cold. Let the bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting to prevent cracking.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pretzels. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free. The taste and texture will still be delicious and crunchy.

Conclusion

No Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars are one of the easiest and most delicious treats you can make. They require no oven, use simple ingredients, and take very little work.

This recipe shows you how to make No Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars in easy steps anyone can follow. The mix of sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy flavors makes these bars perfect for any occasion.

They are great for parties, snacks, or quick desserts. Once you try them, they will become a favorite in your home. Enjoy every bite of this sweet and crunchy treat.

No Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars

No Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars

No Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars Recipe is one of the easiest desserts you can make at home. These bars taste sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy all at the same time.
Prep Time 15 minutes
2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups pretzels crushed
  • 1 cup salted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 ½ cups chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter
  • Extra pretzels for topping
  • Extra sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions
 

Prepare the Pan

  • Line your baking pan with parchment paper. Make sure the edges hang out for easy lifting later.

Crush the Pretzels

  • Place pretzels in a zip bag. Crush them lightly with a rolling pin until you have small chunks.

Add Pretzels to the Pan

  • Spread crushed pretzels evenly in the baking pan. Press them gently to create a base layer.

Melt the Butter

  • Add salted butter to a small saucepan. Heat on medium-low until fully melted and smooth.

Add Brown Sugar

  • Add brown sugar to the melted butter. Stir until the sugar dissolves and becomes a thick mixture.

Add Condensed Milk

  • Pour sweetened condensed milk into the pot. Stir well until everything is fully mixed.

Cook the Caramel

  • Cook on low heat for six minutes. Stir constantly until the caramel becomes thick and golden.

Add Vanilla

  • Remove the caramel from heat. Add vanilla extract and sea salt. Stir until smooth and fragrant.

Pour Caramel Over Pretzels

  • Pour the hot caramel mixture over the crushed pretzels. Spread evenly using a spatula.

Let the Caramel Set

  • Allow the caramel layer to cool for fifteen minutes. This helps the pretzels stay crunchy.

Melt the Chocolate

  • Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in short intervals until melted.

Stir the Chocolate

  • Stir the melted chocolate until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps before pouring.

Add Chocolate Layer

  • Pour the chocolate evenly over the cooled caramel. Spread smoothly with a spatula.

Add Pretzel Topping

  • Place extra pretzels gently on top. Add a few chunks for texture and crunch.

Add Sea Salt

  • Sprinkle a small amount of sea salt over the chocolate layer. This adds flavor balance.
  • Chill the Bars
  • Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least two hours. The bars must become firm.

Remove from Pan

  • Lift the chilled block using the parchment edges. Put it on a cutting board.

Cut into Bars

  • Cut into small or medium bars. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts.

Serve Fresh

  • Enjoy the bars fresh. They taste best when chilled but slightly softened.

Store Extras

  • Put leftover bars in an airtight container. Keep them chilled for the best texture.

Notes

  • Use fresh pretzels: Old pretzels become soft and lose the crispy texture.
  • Do not overcook caramel: Too much heat can burn it or make it too hard.
  • Use thick pretzels: Pretzel rods or thick twists create a better crunch.
  • Make it peanut butter flavored: Add two tablespoons of peanut butter to the caramel.
  • Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans on top for extra crunch.
  • Use dark chocolate: If you like less sweetness, replace milk chocolate with dark chocolate.
  • Add marshmallows: Mix mini marshmallows into the caramel for a chewy texture.
Keyword No Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars

Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.