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- 2 cups mini pretzels - 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark) - 1 cup soft caramel candies, unwrapped - 1/4 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon sea salt - 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, can use pecans or almonds) You will need these tasty ingredients to make your salted caramel pretzel bark. Each one adds to the sweet and salty mix. The mini pretzels give a nice crunch. The chocolate chips melt into a rich layer. Soft caramel candies create a gooey center. Heavy cream helps the caramel blend smoothly. Sea salt adds that perfect touch. If you like, use chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor. Gather these items before you start. This way, you will have all you need to make this delightful treat. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a sheet that is about 9x13 inches. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This makes it easy to lift the bark out later. Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for baking the pretzels. Spread the mini pretzels in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake them for about 5 minutes. This will make them crunchier and more enjoyable to eat. For the caramel sauce, grab a small saucepan. Combine the unwrapped soft caramel candies with heavy cream. Heat this mixture over medium heat. Stir it continuously until it is smooth and melted. Remove it from the heat as soon as it is ready. Now, take a medium microwave-safe bowl. Place the chocolate chips in the bowl. Microwave the chips in 30-second intervals. Stir after each interval until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Pour the smooth caramel over the baked pretzels. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Then drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel layer. You can use the spatula to create a nice marbled effect. Once assembled, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator. Chill it for about 1 hour. This will help the chocolate and caramel set firmly. After chilling, lift the bark out using the overhang from the parchment paper. Break it into pieces of your desired size. Enjoy your sweet and salty treat! To get the best salted caramel pretzel bark, focus on two main things: the pretzels and the caramel. - Ensuring pretzels are baked correctly: Bake the mini pretzels at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This step makes them crunchy and enhances their flavor. If you skip this, the bark may feel soft and chewy. - Tips for creamy caramel consistency: Combine soft caramel candies with heavy cream in a saucepan. Stir over medium heat until smooth. If it clumps, lower the heat and keep stirring. A creamy caramel helps the bark stick together better. Melting chocolate can be tricky. Here are some tips to keep everything smooth. - Avoiding burnt chocolate while melting: Use a microwave-safe bowl and melt chocolate in 30-second intervals. Stir well between each round. This method prevents burning. - Alternatives to microwaving: If you prefer, use a double boiler. Fill a pot with a bit of water and place a heat-safe bowl on top. As the water simmers, it gently melts the chocolate without burning. Your salted caramel pretzel bark deserves a great presentation. - Creative ways to present the bark: Use a decorative platter and arrange broken pieces nicely. Drizzle extra melted chocolate on top or sprinkle more sea salt for a visual treat. - Pairing with beverages or snacks: This bark works well with coffee or hot chocolate. It also pairs nicely with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun dessert. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh chocolate and caramel for the best flavor and texture. Stale ingredients can affect the overall taste of your bark. Chill for Perfect Texture: Ensure that you chill the bark long enough to set properly. This will give you a nice, firm texture that is easy to break into pieces. Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different nuts or toppings like crushed pretzels or sea salt caramel for added crunch and flavor variations. Storage Tips: Store the bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. {{image_4}} You can boost the flavor of your salted caramel pretzel bark easily. Adding extracts like vanilla or almond gives a new twist. Just a teaspoon can make a big difference! You can also try different types of chocolate. Dark chocolate adds depth, while milk chocolate offers sweetness. Both options work great in this recipe. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free pretzels. They taste just as good and keep the same crunch. For a vegan version, swap regular chocolate and caramel for dairy-free types. Many brands offer tasty vegan options that melt well. Enjoy the treat without worry! Sprinkle alternative nuts or seeds on top for extra crunch. Try sunflower seeds or pistachios for a fun twist. You can also use crushed candies or colorful sprinkles. They add a festive look and taste. Experiment with what you have on hand! To keep your salted caramel pretzel bark fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture out. Moisture can make the bark soggy and less tasty. Place parchment paper between layers if you stack them. This prevents sticking. Avoid placing the container near heat sources. Heat can melt the chocolate and caramel. Keep it in a cool and dry place. A pantry or cupboard works well. When stored properly, your bark lasts about two weeks. After that, it may lose its crunch and flavor. Check for signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or has a strange texture, it’s best to toss it. If you see any mold, do not eat it. Always trust your senses. Keeping an eye on your bark will help you enjoy it at its best! Yes, you can use store-bought caramel. It saves time. Look for caramel sauce in a bottle. Just warm it slightly to make it easier to spread. You can also choose caramel candies that melt easily. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, try coconut cream. It works well and adds a nice flavor. You can also use almond milk mixed with a bit of flour. This makes a creamy texture without dairy. You can make this bark ahead of time. Just prepare it as usual and let it chill. Once set, store it in an airtight container. Keep it in a cool place to stay fresh. It stays good for up to a week. This recipe combines mini pretzels, chocolate, and caramel for a sweet treat. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step baking instructions, and tips for perfect texture and serving. You can also mix things up with different flavors, toppings, and dietary options. Proper storage keeps your creation fresh and tasty. Remember, making this bark is simple and fun. Get creative, enjoy the process, and share your delicious results!

Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark

A delicious treat combining crunchy pretzels, smooth caramel, and rich chocolate, topped with sea salt.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 20
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups mini pretzels
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
  • 1 cup soft caramel candies, unwrapped
  • 1 4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 4 cup chopped nuts (optional, can use pecans or almonds)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Baking Sheet: Start by lining a baking sheet (approximately 9x13 inches) with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the edges. This will make it easier to lift the bark out later.
  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pretzels.
  • Bake the Pretzels: Spread the mini pretzels out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes. This step enhances their crunchiness for a better texture.
  • Make the Caramel Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the unwrapped soft caramel candies and heavy cream. Continuously stir the mixture until it becomes completely smooth and melted, then remove it from the heat.
  • Melt the Chocolate: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, place the chocolate chips. Microwave them in 30-second intervals, stirring well in-between, until they are fully melted and silky smooth.
  • Assemble the Bark: Pour the smooth caramel mixture evenly over the baked pretzels, using a spatula to ensure thorough coverage. Then, drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel layer and use the spatula to create a swirled, marbled effect for an attractive finish.
  • Top and Sprinkle: If you choose to use chopped nuts, sprinkle them evenly across the chocolate layer to add texture and flavor. Lastly, finish it off by sprinkling sea salt generously over the entire surface to achieve that perfect balance of sweet and salty.
  • Chill and Set: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for approximately 1 hour, or until both the chocolate and caramel layers are firm to the touch.
  • Break and Serve: Once set, carefully lift the bark out of the baking sheet using the parchment paper's overhang. Break the bark into pieces of your desired size to serve.

Notes

For an eye-catching display, serve on a decorative platter and drizzle extra melted chocolate on top.
Keyword bark, caramel, dessert, pretzel