Introduction

Salted caramel pretzel bark is a delightful treat that combines crunchy pretzels, rich caramel, and a touch of sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. This easy-to-make snack is perfect for sharing or indulging anytime you crave something deliciously addictive.

The image shows two layered dessert squares stacked on a white marbled surface. Each square has a base layer of light brown, crunchy pretzel pieces with a rough texture. On top of the pretzels is a thick, smooth caramel layer that is golden brown and slightly shiny, oozing slightly at the edges. Above the caramel is a solid, dark chocolate layer with a smooth finish, decorated with thin dark chocolate drizzle lines running across the top. The squares are sprinkled with large, coarse white salt flakes that contrast with the darker layers. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups pretzel sticks (Use stick pretzels for best results)
1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 cup packed brown sugar (for sweet caramel flavor)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (white sugar for sweetness)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances the flavor)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted for drizzling)
Sea salt, to taste (for sprinkling on top)

Instructions

Step 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, making sure it is large enough to hold all pretzels in a single layer.
Step 2: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar, stirring continuously until the mixture comes to a boil. Let it boil for 3 minutes without stirring.
Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract, as the mixture will bubble up.
Step 4: Place the pretzel sticks in a large bowl and drizzle the caramel mixture over them. Gently stir to coat all the pretzels evenly.
Step 5: Spread the coated pretzels evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted.
Step 7: Use a spoon to drizzle the melted chocolate over the pretzel bark.
Step 8: Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle sea salt over the chocolate drizzles to add a touch of salty contrast.
Step 9: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or until the bark is fully set and firm.

Tips & Variations

For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or almonds over the bark before chilling.
Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer chocolate taste.
If you prefer softer caramel, reduce boiling time to 2 minutes.
Make sure to spread the pretzels in a single layer to allow even coating and setting.

Storage

Store the salted caramel pretzel bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep it crisp, avoid refrigeration after the bark has set. If your kitchen is warm, you can refrigerate it but allow the bark to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

How to Serve

The image shows two thick, stacked dessert bars on a white marbled surface, each bar with four visible layers. The bottom layer is a light, crispy-textured base that looks like thin crackers or biscuits. Above that is a smooth, golden caramel layer, oozing slightly around the edges. On top of the caramel is a rich milk chocolate layer, glossy and even. The chocolate has dark chocolate drizzle lines crossing diagonally and is sprinkled with large, white sea salt flakes, adding texture and contrast. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pretzel for this recipe?

Stick pretzels work best as they hold the caramel well and create a sturdy bark, but you can use pretzel twists or mini pretzels—just be aware the texture and coverage might vary.

How do I know when the caramel is ready for pouring?

The caramel is ready when it boils steadily for 3 minutes without stirring. It should look smooth and glossy. Boiling too long can make it too hard, while too short means it won’t set properly.

Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 111 reviews

This Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark is a delightful sweet and salty treat combining crunchy pretzels coated in rich homemade caramel, drizzled with melted semi-sweet chocolate, and finished with a sprinkle of sea salt. Perfect for snacking, gifting, or party platters, this easy no-bake recipe melds buttery caramel flavors with a satisfying pretzel crunch and a touch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: About 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Pretzel Bark Ingredients

4 cups pretzel sticks (Use stick pretzels for best results)
1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 cup packed brown sugar (for sweet caramel flavor)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (white sugar for sweetness)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances the flavor)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted for drizzling)
Sea salt to taste (for sprinkling on top)

Instructions

Preparation: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring it is large enough to hold all the pretzels in a single layer.
Make the Caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar, stirring continuously until the mixture comes to a boil. Allow it to boil for 3 minutes without stirring to develop the caramel flavor.
Add Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract, being cautious as the mixture may bubble up due to the addition.
Coat Pretzels: Place the pretzel sticks in a large bowl, then pour the hot caramel mixture over them. Gently stir to ensure the pretzels are evenly coated with the caramel.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the caramel-coated pretzels evenly onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer to allow for even setting.
Melt Chocolate: Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
Drizzle Chocolate: Use a spoon to drizzle the melted chocolate evenly over the caramel-coated pretzels on the baking sheet.
Sprinkle Sea Salt: Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle sea salt evenly over the chocolate drizzles to add a contrasting salty flavor.
Chill to Set: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill for about 30 minutes or until the caramel and chocolate layers are fully set and firm.

Notes

Use stick pretzels for better coverage and even caramel coating.
Be careful when adding vanilla to the hot caramel as it can bubble up aggressively.
The salted drizzle balances the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate perfectly.
Store the pretzel bark in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and crisp.
For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a vegan butter alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips.

Keywords: Salted caramel pretzel bark, caramel pretzel bark, easy dessert, chocolate pretzel bark, sweet and salty snack