Treat yourself to the delightful combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy with our No-Bake Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars! This easy-to-make dessert is a heavenly medley of Hershey’s Milk Chocolate, Kraft Caramel Bits, Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips, and Mini Twist Pretzels. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in a pinch, these bars require no baking, making them a quick and irresistible treat for any occasion. Let’s embark on the journey of creating these delectable bars that promise to be a hit with friends and family alike.
Ingredients:
- 11.5 oz bag of Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Chips
- 11 oz bag of Kraft Caramel Bits
- ½ Cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips
- 8 oz of Mini Twist Pretzels
Directions:
- Prepare Chocolate Base:
In a small glass bowl, melt Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Chips in the microwave in 20-second intervals until fully melted. Reserve about ¼ cup of chips for later use. - Spread Chocolate on Sheet:
Spread the melted chocolate on a parchment-lined cookie sheet, creating a smooth base. - Arrange Pretzels:
Place Mini Twist Pretzels on top of the melted chocolate, allowing them to overlap for a satisfying crunch. - Melt and Drizzle Caramel:
In a separate bowl, combine Kraft Caramel Bits with 2 tablespoons of water. Melt in the microwave for 1 ½ to 2 minutes. Drizzle and spread the melted caramel over the pretzels. Let it cool. - Drizzle with Chocolate and Peanut Butter:
Melt the reserved ¼ cup of chocolate chips in the microwave and drizzle over the cooled caramel. Repeat the process with Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips. - Cool and Enjoy:
Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares. Indulge in the deliciousness of No-Bake Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars!
Tips:
- Customize the bars by adding chopped nuts, sea salt, or sprinkles on top for extra flair.
- Store these bars in the refrigerator for a refreshing chilled treat.
- Experiment with different chocolate and caramel varieties for unique flavor combinations.
Conclusion:
Savor the sweet and salty symphony of flavors in our No-Bake Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars. This quick and easy recipe guarantees a delightful treat that effortlessly combines the richness of chocolate, the creaminess of caramel, and the crunch of pretzels. Whip up a batch to share or keep them all to yourself; either way, these bars are bound to become a go-to favorite for your sweet cravings.
PrintNo Bake Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars
Sweet, salty, and irresistibly crunchy, these no-bake caramel pretzel crack bars are the perfect easy dessert. With layers of crushed pretzels, gooey caramel, and a chocolate topping, they’re a crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
-
For the Pretzel Base:
- 2 1/2 cups crushed pretzels (coarsely crushed, not finely ground)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
-
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup caramel candies (or caramel bits)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
-
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or butter (optional, for smooth melting)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pretzel Base:
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until fully combined.
- Press the pretzel mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking dish. Place it in the freezer for 10 minutes to set.
-
Make the Caramel Layer:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel candies and heavy cream. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth.
- Pour the caramel over the pretzel base, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Return to the freezer for another 10 minutes.
-
Prepare the Chocolate Topping:
- Melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil or butter (if using) in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer and spread it evenly.
-
Chill and Slice:
- Place the bars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to fully set. Once firm, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the dish. Slice into squares or bars and serve.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the chocolate layer before it sets.
- You can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate, depending on your preference.