Get ready to indulge in a delightful treat that will make your taste buds dance with joy! These Peanut Butter Caramel Pretzel Bars are the perfect blend of sweet and salty, combining crunchy pretzels, creamy peanut butter, and luscious caramel in every bite. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply craving a snack, this easy-to-follow recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds. With just 45 minutes of your time, you can whip up a batch of these irresistible bars that are sure to become a favorite in your household. Ready to satisfy your sweet tooth? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, mix crushed pretzels with melted butter and brown sugar until well combined and the mixture resembles a crumbly crust.
- Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even base layer. Use the back of a measuring cup or spatula to compact the crust.
- Bake the pretzel crust for 10-12 minutes until it becomes golden and slightly firm. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Warm the peanut butter in the microwave for 30-45 seconds until it becomes smooth and easily spreadable.
- Pour the warm peanut butter over the pretzel crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a consistent layer.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the peanut butter layer, using a knife to create a swirled pattern.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly across the surface of the bars.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, just until the chocolate chips begin to melt.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour, or refrigerate for faster setting.
- Once fully cooled and set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into 12 even squares.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for longer preservation.
Tips
- Crush Pretzels Evenly: For a consistent texture, use a food processor to crush the pretzels into fine crumbs. If you prefer a bit of crunch, you can leave some larger pieces for added texture.
- Butter Temperature: Make sure the butter is melted but not too hot when mixing with the pretzels and brown sugar. This ensures a well-combined crust without burning the sugar.
- Layering: When spreading the peanut butter, it helps to warm it slightly in the microwave to make it easier to spread. This will create a smooth layer over the pretzel base.
- Swirling Caramel: For a beautiful presentation, drizzle the caramel sauce in a zigzag pattern and use a knife to gently swirl it into the peanut butter layer without mixing too much.
- Cooling Time: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. If you're in a hurry, refrigerating them for about 30 minutes will help them set faster.
- Storage: Keep these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to prolong their freshness, store them in the fridge.
- Add Toppings: Feel free to customize your bars by adding chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra flavor boost!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 30mg
