Introduction

Sweet & Salty Bliss is a decadent treat that perfectly balances rich caramel, crunchy pretzels, and buttery blondie batter. These bars offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

The image shows four square dessert bars on a wooden board. Each bar has three visible layers: a dark brown crumbly base, a thick middle layer of light tan cake with a slightly grainy texture, and a glossy caramel topping that drips down the sides. The caramel layer is sprinkled with coarse salt crystals and small crunchy pieces. The background includes scattered pieces of the crunchy topping and pretzels on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), melted
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup crushed pretzels (plus extra for topping)
1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Flaky sea salt for finishing

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Gently fold in the crushed pretzels until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the batter. Spoon the remaining batter on top, then finish with the rest of the caramel sauce. Use a knife to swirl the caramel gently into the batter.
Step 7: Sprinkle extra crushed pretzels over the top and a generous pinch of flaky sea salt.
Step 8: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 9: Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before lifting them out onto a wire rack (if using parchment). Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Step 10: Serve as a delightful dessert or pack for a sweet snack on the go!

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, toast the pretzels lightly before crushing and folding them into the batter.
Swap caramel sauce with dulce de leche for a richer flavor.
Use salted butter for a slightly different salty-sweet balance.
Try adding chocolate chips along with the pretzels for an extra chocolatey twist.

Storage

Store Sweet & Salty Bliss blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week or freeze individually wrapped squares for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm briefly in the microwave or let come to room temperature before serving.

How to Serve

Nine square pieces of gooey chocolate brownies sit close together on a wooden board, each topped with a shiny layer of caramel sauce that drips slightly down the sides. The brownies have a rich, dark brown color with small cracks on the top surface and a dense, moist texture inside. Small bits of crunchy toffee are sprinkled evenly over the caramel, adding texture and color contrast. A few grains of coarse salt are visible on the board near the brownies. The background is softly blurred with warm light and green hints. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to keep the flavor balanced.

How do I make homemade caramel sauce?

To make caramel sauce, melt sugar over medium heat until it turns amber, then add butter and heavy cream while stirring constantly. Cook until smooth and slightly thickened. Allow to cool before using.