No Bake Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars are a delightful treat that combines sweet and salty flavors. They are super easy to make and perfect for any occasion. You can whip them up in no time and satisfy your sweet tooth!
Why Make This Recipe
These bars are fantastic because they require no baking! You can enjoy a delicious dessert without turning on the oven. They are great for parties, game days, or just a cozy night at home with family. Plus, everyone loves the combination of pretzels, caramel, and chocolate!
How to Make No Bake Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars
Ingredients:
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
- Additional crushed pretzels, for topping
Directions:
- Prepare the Crust: Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish to form the crust. Chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to set.
- Caramel Layer: Gently warm the caramel sauce and peanut butter in a saucepan over low heat until smooth and well combined. Pour over the chilled crust and return to the refrigerator to chill for another 30 minutes, or until set.
- Chocolate Layer: Combine chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. Pour over the caramel layer. Sprinkle with sea salt and additional crushed pretzels.
- Chill: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until completely set.
- Serve: Lift out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang, cut into bars, and serve.
How to Serve No Bake Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars
Serve these bars chilled as a sweet treat after meals or as a snack during the day. They are great for sharing at gatherings, and you can even dress them up with extra toppings like whipped cream or chocolate drizzle!
How to Store No Bake Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars
Keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about a week. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.
Tips to Make No Bake Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars
- Use a food processor to crush pretzels quickly for a finer texture.
- Don’t skip chilling the layers! This helps them set properly.
- You can substitute the creamy peanut butter with almond butter for a different flavor.
Variation
Feel free to add nuts or other toppings like crushed candy bars or sprinkles for added crunch and flavor!
FAQs
1. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free pretzels in the recipe!
2. How long do these bars take to prepare?
They take about 15 minutes to prepare, but don’t forget the chilling time, which adds a few hours.
3. Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in an airtight container. They will last for about a month in the freezer.
No Bake Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars
Equipment
- 8x8-inch Square Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowl
- Saucepan
- Microwave-safe Bowl
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
Caramel Layer Ingredients
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Chocolate Layer Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Toppings
- sea salt, for sprinkling
- additional crushed pretzels, for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish to form the crust. Chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to set.
- Caramel Layer: Gently warm the caramel sauce and peanut butter in a saucepan over low heat until smooth and well combined. Pour over the chilled crust and return to the refrigerator to chill for another 30 minutes, or until set.
- Chocolate Layer: Combine chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. Pour over the caramel layer. Sprinkle with sea salt and additional crushed pretzels.
- Chill: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until completely set.
- Serve: Lift out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang, cut into bars, and serve.