Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars combine a crunchy pretzel crust with a rich caramel layer and a light, creamy topping. Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without turning on the oven. They come together easily and make a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 cups pretzel crumbs (crushed pretzels)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the pretzel crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix well until evenly combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish to create an even crust layer.
2. Step 2: Drizzle the caramel sauce over the pretzel crust, then spread it evenly using a spatula. Sprinkle the sea salt evenly on top of the caramel layer.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
4. Step 4: Spread the whipped cream mixture evenly over the caramel layer, smoothing the top with a spatula.
5. Step 5: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to firm up.
6. Step 6: Once chilled and set, cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your no-bake salted caramel pretzel bars!

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, sprinkle some crushed pretzels on top of the whipped cream before chilling.
• Use homemade caramel sauce for a richer flavor, or opt for salted caramel to enhance the saltiness.
• For a chocolate twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the whipped cream layer before refrigerating.

Storage

Store the bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bars can be chilled longer but are best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture. To reheat, let the bars sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be prepared and refrigerated up to a day in advance, making them a convenient dessert option for gatherings or meal prep.

What can I use instead of pretzels for the crust?

If you prefer a different base, crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs work well as substitutes for the pretzel crust, though the salty flavor will be less pronounced.

Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 120 reviews

These Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars are the perfect blend of salty and sweet, featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, a luscious layer of salted caramel, and a light, creamy whipped topping. Easy to prepare without any baking, these bars make an ideal dessert for satisfying your sweet cravings, ready in just a few hours of chilling time.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings (about 9 bars) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pretzel Crust

• 2 cups pretzel crumbs (crushed pretzels)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Caramel Layer

• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Creamy Topping

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pretzel Crust: In a medium bowl, combine pretzel crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish to form an even layer.
2. Layer the Caramel: Drizzle the caramel sauce over the pretzel crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Sprinkle the sea salt on top of the caramel layer to enhance the flavors.
3. Make the Creamy Topping: In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract while continuing to whip until stiff peaks form, creating a fluffy and sweet whipped topping.
4. Assemble the Bars: Spread the whipped cream mixture evenly over the caramel layer in the baking dish, smoothing out the surface to create a neat top layer.
5. Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are firm and set, allowing all layers to meld together perfectly.
6. Slice and Serve: Once chilled, remove the dish from the refrigerator. Cut into squares and serve these delicious, no-bake bars. Enjoy your delightful creation!

Notes

• For a homemade caramel sauce, you can melt caramel candies with a little heavy cream for a smoother texture.
• Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness, especially since pretzels and caramel already have salt.
• Make sure to press the pretzel crust firmly to avoid it crumbling when slicing.
• Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for best freshness.
• You can substitute the caramel with chocolate sauce for a different flavor twist.

Keywords: no-bake dessert, salted caramel, pretzel bars, quick dessert, sweet and salty bars, easy dessert recipe