Description
Make these easy, no-bake bars featuring a crunchy pretzel base, rich homemade salted caramel, and a chocolate topping. They require no oven time and set quickly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups mini pretzels, lightly crushed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt, plus extra for sprinkling
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for smooth topping)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
- Place the crushed pretzels in a large bowl. Set aside.
- Make the caramel layer: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Stir constantly until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring constantly, for exactly 5 minutes. Do not overcook.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and the sweetened condensed milk until fully combined. The mixture will thicken slightly.
- Pour the hot caramel mixture over the crushed pretzels. Stir quickly until the pretzels are evenly coated.
- Press the pretzel mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan. Place the pan in the refrigerator while you prepare the topping.
- Make the chocolate topping: Place the chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until smooth and fully melted.
- Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the chilled pretzel layer. Sprinkle immediately with extra coarse sea salt.
- Return the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate layer is completely firm.
- Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into 16 squares before serving.
Notes
- For a cleaner cut, let the bars sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- If you prefer a darker caramel flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 30
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 30