Description
These Chocolate Caramel Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars are a decadent no-bake dessert combining salty, sweet, and creamy flavors. With a crunchy pretzel base, a rich caramel layer, and a smooth chocolate peanut butter topping, they are perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Pretzel Base
- 2 cups mini pretzels, crushed (plus extra whole pretzels for topping)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Caramel Layer
- 1 (11 oz) bag soft caramels, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Chocolate Topping
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Pretzel Base: Line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, granulated sugar, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until evenly combined, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Chill in the freezer for 15 minutes to set.
- Make the Caramel Layer: Place the unwrapped soft caramels and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the caramel is fully melted and smooth. Pour the caramel over the chilled pretzel base and spread evenly. Return the pan to the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the caramel layer to set.
- Prepare the Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate chips and peanut butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until smooth and combined. Pour the chocolate mixture over the set caramel layer and spread it evenly. If desired, gently press a few whole pretzels on top for decoration.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until completely firm. This allows all layers to set properly and makes slicing easier.
- Slice and Serve: Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan. Run a sharp knife under hot water, dry it, then slice the bars into 16 squares for serving.
Notes
- For easier slicing, warm the knife under hot water and dry it before cutting to get clean edges.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, freeze the bars and thaw before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
