Name: Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups pretzel crumbs (crushed pretzels); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Introduction

These Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars combine sweet and salty flavors with a delightful crunch. They’re perfect for a simple dessert that comes together in minutes without using the oven.

The image shows a close-up of a dessert square with four layers on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a crumbly light brown crust, topped by a thick creamy white layer. Above that is a glossy caramel layer that covers the dessert edges and drips slightly on the plate. On top, there are swirls of white whipped cream evenly spread, each swirl decorated with a shiny caramel-coated pretzel sprinkled with coarse sea salt. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups pretzel crumbs (crushed pretzels)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine pretzel crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish to form an even layer.
Step 2: Drizzle the caramel sauce over the pretzel crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Sprinkle the sea salt on top of the caramel layer.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
Step 4: Spread the whipped cream mixture over the caramel layer in the baking dish, smoothing it out to create an even top layer.
Step 5: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the bars are firm and set.
Step 6: Once chilled, remove from the refrigerator. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

Use homemade caramel sauce for a richer flavor, or choose a high-quality store-bought brand to save time.
For an extra crunch, sprinkle chopped pretzels or nuts on top before chilling.
Adjust the sea salt to taste, adding more for a pronounced salty-sweet contrast.
To make this dessert nut-free, ensure the pretzels and caramel are processed in nut-free facilities.

Storage

Store the bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat is not necessary, as they are best enjoyed chilled and firm. If you prefer a softer texture, leave the bars at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

A close-up of a square slice of dessert on a white plate set on a white marbled texture. The dessert has four layers: a crumbly light brown base, a thick white creamy layer, a glossy caramel layer dripping slightly on the edges, and on top, swirls of white whipped cream. The whipped cream is decorated with whole pretzels that are coated in caramel and sprinkled with coarse salt crystals, adding texture and shine to the top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be prepared and refrigerated up to 24 hours before serving. This allows the layers to set perfectly and makes for easy entertaining.

What can I use instead of pretzels?

If you prefer, crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits can be used in place of pretzels for a different flavor and texture.