Description
These Chocolate Caramel Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars combine salty, sweet, and creamy flavors into a delightful no-bake treat with a crunchy pretzel base, smooth peanut butter layer, gooey caramel, and a rich chocolate topping. Perfect as a snack or dessert, they are easy to prepare and require chilling to set.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 2 cups mini pretzels, crushed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Peanut Butter Layer
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
Caramel Layer
- 1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
Chocolate Topping
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars later.
- Make pretzel base: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed mini pretzels with the melted butter, stirring until all pretzels are fully coated with butter.
- Bake the base: Press the pretzel mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a firm base layer. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
- Prepare peanut butter layer: While the pretzel base cools, mix 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter with the powdered sugar in a medium bowl until smooth and spreadable. Once the base has cooled, spread this peanut butter mixture evenly over it.
- Make caramel layer: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the caramel candies with heavy cream, stirring frequently until the mixture is completely smooth. Pour this warm caramel mixture evenly over the peanut butter layer and spread gently.
- Prepare chocolate topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup peanut butter and the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until the mixture is fully melted and smooth. Pour this chocolate mixture over the caramel layer and spread evenly.
- Set and serve: Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 2 hours or until fully set. Once firm, lift the bars out using the parchment paper, cut into 16 squares, and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the pretzel base is completely cool before spreading the peanut butter layer to prevent melting and mixing of layers.
- You can substitute salted butter if you prefer a slightly saltier base.
- For easier cutting, warm the knife slightly before slicing the bars.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To soften caramel candies faster, chop them into small pieces before melting.
