Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars Recipe
Introduction
These Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars offer a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy in every bite. With a crunchy pretzel crust, gooey caramel layer, and creamy whipped topping, they’re an easy dessert to satisfy any sweet craving without turning on the oven.
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
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix pretzel crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until combined. Press firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish to form an even crust.
- Step 2: Drizzle caramel sauce evenly over the pretzel crust. Sprinkle sea salt on top of the caramel layer.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, whipping until stiff peaks form.
- Step 4: Spread the whipped cream over the caramel layer, smoothing to create an even top.
- Step 5: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
- Step 6: Remove from refrigerator, cut into squares, and serve.
Tips & Variations
- Press the pretzel crust firmly to help it hold together once set.
- Use high-quality or homemade caramel sauce for best flavor.
- Chill the bars fully to achieve the right texture for easy cutting.
- Add chopped nuts or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence and crunch.
Storage
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat is not necessary; serve chilled for best texture and flavor.
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 up to a day in advance. Just keep them refrigerated until ready to serve.
Can I substitute the pretzels with something else?
You can use crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs as a substitute, but the bars will lose their distinctive salty crunch.
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Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 9 to 12 bars 1x
Description
These Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars combine a crunchy pretzel crust, luscious salted caramel, and a creamy whipped topping to create a perfectly balanced dessert that satisfies sweet and salty cravings without baking. Ideal for easy preparation and impressive flavor, these bars are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Make the Creamy Topping: In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread the whipped cream mixture over the caramel layer in the baking dish, smoothing it out to create an even top layer.
- Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the bars are firm and set.
- Slice and Serve: Once chilled, remove from the refrigerator. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your delightful creation!
Notes
- Press the pretzel crust firmly to ensure the bars hold together well after chilling.
- Use a high-quality caramel sauce or make homemade caramel for the best flavor.
- Chill the bars for the full 2 hours or longer to firm up properly for easy slicing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For extra indulgence, serve with vanilla ice cream or drizzle chocolate sauce on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: No-Bake Dessert, Salted Caramel Bars, Pretzel Crust, Easy Dessert, Sweet and Salty, Quick Dessert
