Description
This Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark is a deliciously sweet and salty treat combining crunchy pretzel sticks coated in rich homemade caramel, drizzled with melted semi-sweet chocolate, and sprinkled with sea salt. Perfect as a dessert or snack, this easy-to-make bark balances buttery caramel sweetness with a hint of saltiness and chocolate decadence.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel Coating
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Main
- 4 cups pretzel sticks (stick pretzels recommended)
Toppings
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for melting and drizzling)
- Sea salt (to taste, for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preparation: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, making sure it is large enough to hold the pretzels in a single layer.
- Make Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Allow it to boil for 3 minutes without stirring to develop the caramel.
- Add Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat, then carefully stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble up, so do this cautiously.
- Coat Pretzels: Place the pretzel sticks in a large bowl. Pour the hot caramel mixture over the pretzels and gently stir to coat them evenly.
- Spread Pretzels: Spread the coated pretzels in an even layer onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth.
- Drizzle Chocolate: Spoon or drizzle the melted chocolate evenly over the caramel-coated pretzels on the baking sheet.
- Add Sea Salt: Immediately sprinkle sea salt over the chocolate drizzle before it sets to enhance the flavor contrast.
- Chill to Set: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the bark is firm and set.
- Serve: Once set, break the bark into individual pieces and enjoy your salted caramel pretzel bark!
Notes
- For best texture, use stick pretzels instead of pretzel chips or twists.
- Be cautious when adding vanilla to hot caramel as the mixture bubbles vigorously.
- Ensure the caramel mixture is hot enough to coat the pretzels well but not burnt.
- You can store the bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Adjust the sea salt amount to your taste preference for saltiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: salted caramel, pretzel bark, caramel pretzels, chocolate drizzle, sweet and salty snack, easy dessert, no bake, party treat
