These No-Bake Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars are a delightful treat that combines the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and rich flavors. The crunchy pretzels, gooey caramel, and smooth chocolate-peanut butter topping come together in a satisfying, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With only a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create these decadent bars in no time.
Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 1 cup caramel bits or soft caramels (about 30-35 pieces), unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- Sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)
This recipe features a simple combination of pantry staples that come together to create a satisfying, multi-layered dessert. The pretzels provide the perfect amount of saltiness to offset the rich sweetness of the caramel and chocolate, while the peanut butter gives the chocolate topping a creamy texture and nutty flavor. While the bars themselves require no baking, you’ll still need to take care during each step to ensure the layers set correctly and the flavors come through in perfect balance.
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Begin by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Make sure the paper hangs slightly over the edges of the pan to make it easier to lift the bars out later. This step is essential to prevent the bars from sticking to the pan and ensures an easy removal for cutting. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can use wax paper, but parchment is recommended because it’s more heat-resistant. The edges of the paper also give you leverage when you lift the bars out of the pan after they’ve set.
- Make the Pretzel Base: Take your crushed pretzels and evenly distribute them across the bottom of the prepared pan. The pretzels should cover the entire surface, creating a solid base layer that will provide texture and crunch. Press them down gently with your hands or the back of a spoon to ensure they’re firmly packed into the bottom of the pan. This step is important because it helps to prevent the pretzels from shifting or floating when the caramel is poured on top. If you prefer a finer texture, you can crush the pretzels more, but larger pieces will add a more noticeable crunch.
- Prepare the Caramel Layer:
