Chocolate Caramel Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars

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You’re in for a decadent treat! Here’s a long, indulgent, bakery-style recipe for Chocolate Caramel Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars — a layered dessert bar with a crunchy pretzel base, gooey caramel, rich peanut butter, and a smooth chocolate topping. This sweet-salty combo is irresistible and perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any day you want to impress.

Chocolate Caramel Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars

Yield: 16–20 bars

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Chill Time: 1–2 hours

Total Time: ~2.5 hours

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Ingredients

For the Pretzel Crust:

  • 2 ½ cups crushed pretzels (about 5–6 cups whole)
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt

For the Caramel Layer:

  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup corn syrup (or golden syrup)
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Peanut Butter Layer:

  • ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tbsp butter, softened
  • ⅓ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

For the Chocolate Topping:

  • 1 ½ cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
  • 2 tbsp peanut butter (for added silkiness)
  • Sea salt flakes, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pretzel Crust

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting.
  2. Crush the pretzels in a food processor or by hand in a sealed bag using a rolling pin. Measure 2 ½ firmly packed cups.
  3. Combine crust ingredients in a bowl: crushed pretzels, melted butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
  4. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a tight, even layer. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to flatten.
  5. Bake for 8–10 minutes until golden and slightly set. Let cool while you prepare the caramel.

Step 2: Cook the Caramel Layer

  1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine condensed milk, brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt.
  2. Stir constantly as the mixture begins to bubble. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently, stirring frequently, for 8–10 minutes until thickened and golden (soft-ball stage, ~235–240°F if using a thermometer).
  3. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla, and pour the caramel evenly over the pretzel crust.
  4. Chill for 20–30 minutes in the fridge until just set.

Step 3: Add the Peanut Butter Layer

  1. In a small bowl, beat together peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth and fluffy.
  2. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture over the cooled caramel and gently spread using an offset spatula or back of a spoon to avoid tearing the caramel layer.
  3. Return to the fridge to firm up while you prepare the chocolate.

Step 4: Make and Add the Chocolate Topping

  1. Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter together in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler) or in 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
  2. Pour and spread the melted chocolate evenly over the peanut butter layer.
  3. While still warm, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top if desired (totally recommended for balance!).

Step 5: Chill and Serve

  1. Refrigerate the entire pan for at least 1 hour until the bars are fully set and firm.
  2. Once chilled, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and place on a cutting board.
  3. Using a sharp knife, slice into 16–20 squares or bars. Wipe the knife between cuts for clean edges.

Storage Tips

  • Fridge: Keep in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
  • Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Variations & Additions

  • Crunch factor: Add chopped roasted peanuts or pretzel bits between layers.
  • Nut-free option: Use sunflower seed butter or cookie butter in place of peanut butter.
  • Espresso kick: Add ½ tsp instant espresso to the chocolate topping for depth.
  • Bourbon caramel: Stir 1 tbsp bourbon into the caramel off-heat for a grown-up twist.

Why You’ll Love These Bars

  • The perfect balance of salty, sweet, creamy, and crunchy.
  • A great make-ahead dessert that travels well and pleases a crowd.
  • Layers offer a gourmet feel without complicated techniques.
  • No mixer needed — just bowls, a saucepan, and a spatula!

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