Ingredients
- 2 cups pretzels, crushed
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- Optional: Sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing the paper to overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- Layer the Pretzels:
- Spread the crushed pretzels evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
- Make the Caramel:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add the brown sugar and stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and begins to bubble, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour this caramel mixture evenly over the pretzel layer in the baking dish.
- Bake:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly and golden brown.
- Add Chocolate:
- Remove the dish from the oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot caramel.
- Wait a few minutes to let the chocolate soften, then spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Final Touches:
- If desired, sprinkle a little sea salt over the melted chocolate for a sweet and salty contrast.
- Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature or chill in the refrigerator until the chocolate sets.
- Cut and Serve:
- Lift the bars out of the dish using the overhanging parchment paper and transfer to a cutting board.
- Cut into bars of your desired size and enjoy!
Notes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Nutritional Information: Each bar approximately 220 kcal
Servings: Makes 12 bars
Feel free to include this recipe in your blog and share the joy of making these delectable Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars with your readers!