Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars

These Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars are the perfect combination of salty, sweet, and crunchy. With a buttery pretzel base, gooey caramel layer, and rich chocolate topping, they’re dangerously addictive and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re gifting them or serving them at a party, these bars are sure to disappear in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Sweet & Salty : The perfect balance of caramel, chocolate, and crunchy pretzels.
• Easy to Make : Just a few simple steps and minimal ingredients for maximum flavor.
• Customizable : Add sea salt for extra flair or swap chocolate chips for dark or white chocolate.

📝 Ingredients (Makes 16–20 bars):

• 2 cups pretzels , crushed 🥨
• 1 cup unsalted butter 🧈
• 1 cup brown sugar , packed 🍯
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌸
• 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips 🍫
• Sea salt , for sprinkling (optional) 🧂

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare 🥨

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
3. Spread the crushed pretzels evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pressing them down slightly to form a solid base.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Layer 🍯

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the brown sugar and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and starts to bubble, about 2–3 minutes.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake 🔥

1. Pour the caramel mixture over the pretzels in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate Layer 🍫

1. Remove the dish from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot caramel layer.
2. Let the chocolate chips sit for 2–3 minutes to soften, then use a spatula to spread them into an even layer.
3. If desired, sprinkle sea salt over the melted chocolate for a sweet-and-salty contrast.

Step 5: Cool and Set ⏳

1. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature or place them in the refrigerator to speed up the setting process.
2. Once the chocolate is firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the baking dish and transfer them to a cutting board.

Step 6: Cut and Serve 🎉

1. Cut into bars of your desired size.
2. Enjoy the irresistible combination of crunchy, gooey, and chocolatey goodness!

💡 Tips for Success:

• Crushing Pretzels : Use a food processor or place pretzels in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin for even pieces.
• Chocolate Variations : Swap semisweet chocolate chips for dark, milk, or white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
• Storage : Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

⏰ Time Breakdown:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 12 minutes
• Cooling/Set Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes

📊 Nutritional Information (Per Bar, Makes 20):

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 12g

These Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars are the ultimate sweet-and-salty treat that’s impossible to resist. With their crunchy pretzel base, gooey caramel middle, and rich chocolate topping, they’re a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Whip up a batch, share with friends—or not—and savor every bite of this addictive delight!