Description
Make these easy, no-bake bars featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, a chewy salted caramel center, and a rich chocolate topping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups crushed pretzels
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening
- Flaked sea salt, for topping
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
- Combine the crushed pretzels, 1/2 cup melted butter, and granulated sugar in a bowl. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Place the crust in the freezer while you prepare the caramel.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, and 1/2 cup butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly and reaches a light caramel color, about 5 to 7 minutes. Do not let it burn.
- Remove the caramel from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Pour the warm caramel evenly over the chilled pretzel crust. Return the pan to the freezer for 30 minutes to allow the caramel to set slightly.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the set caramel layer. Spread it evenly.
- Immediately sprinkle the top generously with flaked sea salt.
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is firm.
- Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into 16 squares before serving.
Notes
- For a firmer crust, press it into the pan using the bottom of a measuring cup.
- If you prefer a thicker caramel layer, you can use a store-bought caramel sauce, but reduce the cooking time significantly.
- Chill the bars completely before cutting to get clean slices.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 17
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 35