No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars

why make this recipe

No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars are a great treat for those who love a mix of sweet and salty. These bars are easy to make and do not require any baking, making them perfect for hot days or when you need a quick dessert. The combination of the crunchy pretzel crust, smooth caramel, and fluffy whipped cream is sure to please everyone.

how to make No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars

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

Directions :

Follow these simple steps to create your No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the bars are firm and set.

6. Slice and Serve: Once chilled, remove from the refrigerator. Cut into squares and serve.

how to serve No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars

These bars are best served cold. You can plate them nice and neat or just put them on a tray for a casual display. Consider adding a sprinkle of extra sea salt or drizzling some caramel on top for extra flair!

how to store No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just be sure to wrap them well to avoid freezer burn.

tips to make No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars

• Make sure to press the pretzel crust down well so it holds together when cutting the bars.
• Use a high-quality caramel sauce for the best flavor.
• Chill the bars long enough to allow them to firm up properly, making them easier to cut and serve.

variation

You can add toppings such as chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of chocolate over the whipped cream for a different twist. You could also experiment with flavored whipped cream by adding a bit of cocoa powder or flavored extracts.

FAQs

1. Can I make these bars dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free butter and coconut cream for the whipped topping to make them dairy-free.

2. What can I use instead of pretzel crumbs?
You can use graham cracker crumbs or crushed cookies if you prefer a different flavor.

3. How long do these bars need to chill?
They should chill for at least 2 hours, but letting them sit longer will help them firm up even more.

No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars

Delicious no-bake bars featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, smooth caramel, and fluffy whipped cream, perfect for hot days or quick desserts.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12 bars

Calories 250 kcal

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

 

Preparation

• 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.

Layering

• 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.

Making the 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.

Assembling

• Spread the whipped cream mixture over the caramel layer in the baking dish, smoothing it out to create an even top layer.

Chilling

• Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the bars are firm and set.

Serving

• Once chilled, remove from the refrigerator. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Serve bars cold. Optional toppings include extra sea salt or additional caramel drizzled on top. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about a week or freeze for up to a month, ensuring they are well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn. Press the pretzel crust down firmly for easier slicing, and use high-quality caramel sauce for best flavor.

Keyword Easy Dessert, No-Bake Bars, Pretzel Dessert, Quick Treat, Salted Caramel