No Bake Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars

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No Bake Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars

These No Bake Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars combine creamy caramel, crunchy pretzels, and gooey chocolate for a delightful treat that requires no baking.

Prep Time15

Total Time3

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Easy, No-Bake

Servings: servings

Calories: 250kcal

Equipment

8x8-inch Square Baking Dish
Mixing Bowl
Small saucepan
Microwave-safe Bowl

Ingredients

Crust Ingredients

2 cups crushed pretzels Crushed finely (about 2 cups after crushing)
3/4 cup unsalted butter Melted and slightly cooled
1/4 cup granulated sugar

Caramel Layer Ingredients

1 cup caramel sauce Store-bought or homemade, warmed slightly
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter Room temperature

Chocolate Layer Ingredients

1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
1/4 cup heavy cream

Toppings

sea salt For sprinkling, as desired
additional crushed pretzels For topping, lightly crushed

Instructions

Prepare the Crust: Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy lifting. In a medium bowl combine 2 cups crushed pretzels, 3/4 cup melted unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. Mix until evenly moistened and press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to get an even, compact crust. Chill for 20 minutes to set.
Caramel Layer: In a small saucepan over low heat, warm 1 cup caramel sauce and 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, stirring constantly until smooth and fully combined. Do not let it boil; low heat keeps the texture silky. Immediately pour the caramel-peanut butter mixture over the chilled pretzel crust and spread evenly. Return to the refrigerator and chill for another 30 minutes so the caramel layer firms but remains soft.
Chocolate Layer: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips and 1/4 cup heavy cream. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and glossy. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer and use a spatula to spread into an even layer. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt and additional crushed pretzels for texture and presentation.
Final Chill: Chill the assembled bars for at least 2 hours, or until fully set. This makes slicing clean and easy.
Serve: To serve, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment overhang. Place on a cutting board and slice into squares with a sharp knife. For neater cuts, chill briefly between cutting portions.

Notes

Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Nutrition