No-Bake Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars
Decadent layers of sweetness and crunch come together in these no-bake bars featuring salty pretzels, smooth caramel, and rich chocolate.
Ingredients
For the crust and caramel layer
- 2 cups pretzels, crushed Use gluten-free pretzels for a gluten-free option.
- 1 cup unsalted butter Can use salted butter, but reduce added salt.
- 1 cup brown sugar Light or dark brown sugar can be used.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Optional: add a dash of cinnamon for extra flavor.
For the chocolate layer
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips Can substitute with dark chocolate chips.
- 1/2 cup peanut butter Almond butter can be used as a substitution.
Instructions
Preparation
- Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Place pretzels in a resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin or your hands.
- Spread crushed pretzels evenly in the prepared dish.
Caramel Layer
- In a saucepan, melt unsalted butter and add brown sugar. Stir continuously over medium heat until smooth and bubbly.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the pretzel layer and spread evenly.
- Allow to cool slightly.
Chocolate Layer
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips with peanut butter in short bursts, stirring in between until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cooled caramel layer and smooth it out with a spatula.
Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
- Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
For optimal freshness, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can freeze them before cutting for later enjoyment. Consider adding sea salt on top for flavor enhancement.