Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars Recipe
Introduction
If you’re craving a sweet treat that combines salty, creamy, and crunchy all in one, these Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars are perfect. Easy to make with no oven required, they come together with a crunchy pretzel crust, a luscious caramel layer, and a light whipped topping.
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, combine the pretzel crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish to form an even crust layer.
- Step 2: Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the pretzel crust. Spread gently with a spatula and sprinkle the sea salt evenly on top of the caramel layer.
- 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.
- Step 4: Spread the whipped cream mixture evenly over the caramel layer, smoothing the surface with a spatula for a neat top layer.
- Step 5: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are firm and set.
- Step 6: Once chilled, remove from the refrigerator and cut into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Press the pretzel crust firmly to help it hold together once set.
- Use high-quality caramel sauce, or homemade caramel if you have time, for the best flavor.
- Allow the bars to chill fully to ensure they are easy to cut and hold their shape.
- Top with chopped nuts, sprinkles, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra texture and flavor.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. When ready to enjoy, simply remove from the fridge and serve cold. These bars taste best chilled, so reheating is not necessary.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of topping instead of whipped cream?
Yes, you can substitute the whipped cream with a cream cheese frosting or even yogurt for a tangier, thicker layer. Just keep in mind it may change the overall texture.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pretzels to make the crust safe for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing any crunch or flavor.
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Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 bars 1x
Description
These Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars offer a perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors with a crunchy pretzel crust, luscious caramel, and a light, creamy topping. Easy to prepare without any baking, they make an irresistible dessert that’s great for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Pretzel Crust
- 2 cups pretzel crumbs (crushed pretzels)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Caramel Layer
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
For the 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 it holds together properly when set.
- Use high-quality caramel sauce for the best taste; homemade caramel works excellently if available.
- Chill the bars for the full recommended time to achieve the perfect texture that’s easy to cut.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Serve with ice cream or coffee to elevate the dessert experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: no-bake dessert, salted caramel bars, pretzel crust, caramel dessert, creamy topping, easy dessert recipe, sweet and salty bars
