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- 2 cups crushed pretzels - 1 cup graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - ½ cup brown sugar, packed - 1 cup sweetened condensed milk - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 teaspoon sea salt - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips The perfect balance of salty and sweet makes these bars a real treat. Here, I mix crushed pretzels and graham cracker crumbs for a crunchy base. The unsalted butter adds richness, while brown sugar brings a soft sweetness. Sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce create a creamy layer that ties everything together. Topping it off with sea salt and semi-sweet chocolate chips completes the flavor profile. - For a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free graham crackers. They work just as well and keep the bars tasty. - If you need an alternative to sweetened condensed milk, try coconut milk or almond milk mixed with a little sugar. - For dairy-free chocolate chips, brands like Enjoy Life offer great options without dairy. Making these swaps allows everyone to enjoy these bars, no matter their dietary needs. First, gather your ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of crushed pretzels, 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, and ½ cup of packed brown sugar. Mix these well until everything blends and looks like wet sand. This will be the base of your bars. Next, line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some paper hanging over the edges for easy removal later. Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. You want an even layer, so no spots are left out. Now it’s time for the caramel. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk and 1 cup of caramel sauce over medium heat. Stir this mixture until it heats through. Be careful not to let it boil. Once mixed and warm, pour the caramel over the crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. For a tasty touch, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sea salt over the caramel layer. Adjust the salt to fit your taste. For the final layer, melt 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth. When melted, pour the chocolate over the caramel. Spread it evenly with a spatula for full coverage. Once all layers are in place, refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours. This helps the bars set properly. When ready, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out. Cut them into squares or bars. Enjoy your delicious no-bake salted caramel pretzel bars! To create a great crust, mix crushed pretzels, graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar well. Aim for a texture that looks like wet sand. If it seems too dry, add a bit more melted butter. This helps the bars hold together better. When layering, press the crust firmly into the pan. Use your hands or a flat object to get it even. This way, the caramel layer sits nicely on top. To make your bars look stunning, drizzle them with extra caramel before serving. Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a pretty finish. You can serve them on a decorative plate or even cut them into fun shapes. This makes them more appealing for parties or gatherings. One common mistake is overmixing the crust. This can make it too hard. On the flip side, undermixing can lead to a crumbly crust. Also, make sure to let the bars set long enough in the fridge. If you cut them too soon, they may fall apart. {{image_2}} You can change up your No Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars with fun flavors. Adding nuts can give a nice crunch. Try chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty taste. You can also add sprinkles for a pop of color. Just mix them into the crust or on top. Switching up the chocolate is another great idea. Use milk chocolate or white chocolate instead of semi-sweet. Each will give a unique twist to your bars. You can even mix different chocolates for added fun. Think about seasonal flavors to make your bars special. In winter, you can use peppermint. Just crush peppermint candies and sprinkle them on top. It gives a fresh taste that fits the season. For fall, consider adding pumpkin spice to the caramel. Mix in one teaspoon for a warm, cozy flavor. You can also use crushed graham crackers with pumpkin pie spice in the crust for a fun twist. Making these bars vegan is easy. Replace the sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream. You can also use maple syrup or agave for the caramel. For gluten-free bars, swap out regular graham crackers for gluten-free ones. Ensure the pretzels are gluten-free too. Check labels to be sure. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats! To keep your No Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars fresh, store them in the refrigerator. Place the bars in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out or absorbing other smells. If you prefer, you can also cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This method protects the bars from freezer burn. In the fridge, these bars will stay fresh for about one week. If you freeze them, they can last up to three months. Watch for signs of spoilage. If you see any mold or if the bars smell off, it’s best to discard them. Also, if they feel dry or hard, they may not taste good anymore. Enjoy your treats while they are fresh and delicious! Yes, you can make these bars a day or two before you need them. Just follow these steps for easy prep: - Prepare the bars as instructed and let them chill. - Once set, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. - Store them in the fridge until you are ready to serve. - This will keep them fresh and tasty! If your caramel layer does not set properly, don’t worry. Here are some quick fixes: - Heat the caramel again on low heat. Stir it gently to combine. - Add a bit more sweetened condensed milk or caramel sauce and mix well. - Allow the mixture to cool slightly before pouring it back on the bars. - Chill it again to help it firm up. Absolutely! Making homemade caramel sauce is simple. Here’s a quick method: 1. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of water. 2. Cook on medium heat until the sugar dissolves and starts to turn golden. 3. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream slowly. 4. Add a pinch of sea salt for that perfect balance. 5. Let it cool before using it in your bars. This homemade sauce will add a special touch to your No Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars! In this blog post, we covered how to make delicious No Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars. You learned about the key ingredients, substitutions, and steps for preparing the crust and caramel layer. I shared tips and tricks to achieve the perfect texture and avoid common mistakes. You also discovered variations and storage tips to keep your bars fresh. Enjoy making these sweet treats. They are tasty and fun to customize. Happy baking!

No Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars

Indulge in these No Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars that combine the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors! Made with just a few simple ingredients, these delicious bars are quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Learn how to create this easy treat with a buttery pretzel crust, rich caramel, and a smooth chocolate topping. Click to discover the full recipe and bring a sweet delight to your dessert table!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups crushed pretzels

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

½ cup brown sugar, packed

1 cup sweetened condensed milk

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine crushed pretzels, graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar. Mix until ingredients are well combined and the mixture resembles wet sand.

    Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to create an even layer.

      In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce. Stir until the mixture is heated through and well combined (do not bring it to a boil).

        Pour the caramel mixture over the crust in the pan, spreading it evenly.

          Sprinkle the sea salt over the caramel layer, adjusting according to your taste preference.

            In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer and spread it evenly using a spatula.

              Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.

                Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or bars.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes | Servings: 16 bars

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the bars on a decorative plate and drizzle with additional caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt for a beautiful presentation.