If there’s one treat that hits all the right notes, it’s salted caramel pretzel bark. This sweet and salty snack has it all—crunchy pretzels, rich caramel, velvety chocolate, and a hint of flaky sea salt to tie it all together. Perfect for holiday gifting, parties, or a late-night indulgence, this bark is ridiculously easy to make yet tastes like something straight out of a gourmet shop. The best part? You won’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Get ready to make a treat so good, you’ll have to resist eating it all in one sitting!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this deliciously addictive bark:
- 2 cups mini pretzels (enough to cover your baking sheet)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but adds depth to the caramel)
- Flaky sea salt (for the perfect finishing touch)
That’s it! Just six simple ingredients come together to create magic.
Instructions
Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have your salted caramel pretzel bark ready in no time!
Step 1: Prep Your Base
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil (this makes cleanup a breeze). Arrange the mini pretzels in a single layer, close together. You want enough pretzels to form a solid base, but don’t overlap them too much.
Step 2: Make the Caramel
Place the butter and brown sugar in a medium saucepan and melt them together over medium heat. Stir constantly so the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture becomes smooth. Once it starts to bubble, allow it to cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring. You’re looking for a golden, thick consistency. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract if using.
Step 3: Caramel-Coat the Pretzels
Carefully pour the hot caramel mixture over the pretzels. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, ensuring every pretzel gets coated. Work quickly because caramel sets fast. Place the baking sheet into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes. This step helps the caramel settle and bind to the pretzels perfectly.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate
After removing the baking sheet from the oven, sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot caramel layer. Wait about 2-3 minutes; the residual heat will melt the chocolate. Once the chips are shiny and soft, spread the chocolate into an even layer with a spatula or knife.
Step 5: Sprinkle Sea Salt
Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle flaky sea salt generously over the top. This step is key to balancing the sweetness and adding a delightfully salty crunch.
Step 6: Chill and Break
Pop your baking sheet into the fridge (or freezer if you’re in a hurry) for at least 1 hour. Once everything is firm, remove the bark from the sheet and break it into pieces of your desired size. Pro tip: irregular, jagged edges make the bark even more charming!
Tips for Customization
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize to suit your cravings. Here are a few ideas:
- Add nuts for extra crunch. Chopped pecans, almonds, or peanuts work beautifully.
- Drizzle white chocolate over the top for a stunning, two-tone effect.
- Include dried fruit like cranberries or cherries for a tart, chewy contrast.
- Try flavored pretzels, such as cinnamon or garlic (trust us, the sweet-salty combo can work with surprising flavors!).
Storage
Store the bark in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks; this keeps the caramel firm and fresh. If you’re making it ahead for gifting, pack the bark pieces into clear cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon. Just be warned, whoever receives it will probably ask for more!
Why You’ll Love This Treat
From the satisfying crunch of pretzels to the velvety smoothness of chocolate and buttery caramel, every bite of salted caramel pretzel bark is an explosion of flavor and texture. It’s simple yet impressive, indulgent but not overly fussy. Once you’ve made this recipe, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite that everyone raves about.
Now it’s your turn! Gather your ingredients and prepare to wow your taste buds. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll wonder how something this easy could taste so incredible!
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