Go Back
Extreme close-up of the layers of Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars showing the crushed pretzel crust and amber caramel.

Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars: The Ultimate Salty-Sweet Dessert Recipe

These Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars feature a crunchy pretzel crust, a thick layer of creamy amber caramel, and a glossy dark chocolate drizzle topped with flaky sea salt. The perfect easy, indulgent, salty-sweet dessert square.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Recipe Ingredients
  • 2 1/2 cups salted pretzels coarsely crushed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter cubed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream room temperature
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips melted
  • 1 tbsp flaky sea salt for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 8x8 inch baking pan Lined with parchment paper
  • 1 Heavy-bottomed Saucepan For making the caramel

Method
 

Prepare the Crust
  1. Mix crushed pretzels and melted butter. Press into a lined 8x8 pan.
  2. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Cool completely.
Make the Caramel
  1. Melt sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until deep amber.
  2. Whisk in butter, then heavy cream. Simmer until thick and opaque.
  3. Pour over crust and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
Finish with Toppings
  1. Melt dark chocolate and drizzle messily over the chilled caramel.
  2. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and slice into squares.

Notes

Use a warm knife for clean slices.
Don't over-crush the pretzels; the texture is key.