Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies Irresistible Delight

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines sweet, salty, and crunchy, you’re in for a treat! In this post, I’ll show you how to make Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies. These brownies are rich and fudgy, topped with salty pretzels and drizzled with creamy caramel. It’s the perfect balance of flavors that you won’t resist. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and make your taste buds dance!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 1 cup unsalted butter

– 1 cup granulated sugar

– 1 cup packed brown sugar

– 4 large eggs

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1 cup all-purpose flour

– 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

– 1 cup pretzel pieces (plus extra for topping)

– 1 cup salted caramel sauce

– Sea salt flakes for garnish

For these Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies, I like to use simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavors.

The unsalted butter gives the brownies a rich taste. The granulated and brown sugars add sweetness and depth. Eggs help bind everything together, making the brownies fudgy.

I love using high-quality vanilla extract. It adds warmth to the flavor. The all-purpose flour and cocoa powder create a soft, chocolatey base. The small amounts of salt and baking powder enhance the taste and texture.

Pretzels bring a delightful crunch and salty contrast. You can use any pretzel type, but I recommend the classic shape for best results. The salted caramel sauce is the star here, adding a gooey sweetness. You can use store-bought or homemade for this recipe.

Finally, sea salt flakes provide a finishing touch. They enhance the flavor and look great on top.

Preparation Time and Servings

– Prep Time: 20 minutes

– Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

– Total Time: 1 hour

– Servings: 12-16 squares

This recipe is easy to follow and quick to prepare. In just one hour, you can have 12 to 16 delicious brownie squares. Perfect for sharing with friends or family!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare

– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

– Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan with grease and parchment paper.

Melt the Butter and Combine Sugars

– Melt 1 cup of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan.

– Stir in 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of brown sugar until smooth.

Mix in Eggs and Vanilla

– Cool the sugar mixture slightly before adding 4 large eggs.

– Incorporate the eggs one at a time, then mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

– Whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder.

– Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.

Add Pretzels and Layer

– Gently fold in 1 cup of pretzel pieces.

– Layer half of the brownie batter in the prepared pan, then drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce over it.

Bake and Cool

– Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.

– Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting and garnishing.

Following these simple steps will lead you to a sweet treat that’s hard to resist. Enjoy making your salted caramel pretzel brownies!

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Perfect Texture

To get the right texture in your brownies, choose fudgy or cakey. For fudgy brownies, use more fat and less flour. This gives them a rich, moist center. For cakey brownies, add more flour and a little baking powder. This makes them light and fluffy.

Do not overmix your batter. Mixing too much adds air, which makes brownies cake-like. Stir until just combined for a dense, fudgy treat.

Enhancements for Flavor

You can add extra chocolate chips or nuts for more flavor. Chocolate chips melt and create gooey pockets. Nuts add crunch and depth. Both choices make your brownies even better.

Using homemade salted caramel can elevate your brownies. It is often fresher and has a more robust taste. Store-bought salted caramel is quicker but can be just as good. Choose based on your time and taste.

Presentation Suggestions

For a great look, serve brownies on a decorative platter. Arrange pretzels around the brownies for fun texture. This adds a rustic touch.

Drizzle extra salted caramel over the top. It creates a beautiful shine and enhances flavor. The visual appeal makes them hard to resist. These simple steps will wow your guests!

Variations

Flavor Combinations

You can boost these brownies by adding nuts or chocolate. Try using walnuts, pecans, or even hazelnuts for a crunchy bite. Dark, milk, or white chocolate pieces can add a rich twist. Want something different? Experiment with flavored caramel sauces, like vanilla or chocolate. These small changes can create a unique treat each time.

Dietary Adjustments

For a gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour. Both work well and taste great. If you’re looking for vegan brownies, replace eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute instead of regular butter. These adjustments keep the spirit of the recipe while catering to dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The ice cream melts into the warm brownie, creating a delicious blend. Pair these brownies with coffee for a rich dessert experience. They also go well with dessert wines, offering a sweet and salty contrast. Enjoy them in any way you like!

Storage Info

How to Store Brownies

To keep your salted caramel pretzel brownies fresh, pack them well. Use an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Store in the fridge for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them. Wrap brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating Instructions

To enjoy your brownies warm, heat them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place brownies on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds. This keeps them soft and gooey. Just be careful not to overheat, or they may become tough. Enjoy the warm, melted caramel and chocolate flavors!

FAQs

What makes salted caramel brownies unique?

Salted caramel brownies stand out due to their rich flavors and textures. The deep chocolate taste combines with sweet and salty caramel. The pretzels add a crunchy bite, creating a fun contrast. This mix of smooth, creamy, and crunchy is what makes each bite exciting. You get sweetness from the caramel, saltiness from the pretzels, and fudgy goodness from the brownies. It’s a delightful treat that satisfies many cravings at once.

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these brownies ahead of time. Bake them a day or two early. After cooling, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store them at room temperature for a couple of days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Just slice them first for easy serving later. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature. This way, they stay fresh and tasty, ready for any occasion.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

To check if your brownies are done, look for a few key signs. When you insert a toothpick in the center, it should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. The edges will pull away slightly from the pan, and the top will look set and shiny. If you see cracks on the surface, that’s a good sign too. Remember, overbaking can make them dry, so keep an eye on them as they bake.

Can I use different types of pretzels?

Absolutely! You can use various pretzel types to mix things up. Try different shapes, like pretzel sticks or rounds. You can also choose pretzels with different flavors, like cheese or chocolate-covered. The key is to keep the amount similar to one cup. This way, you will still get that crunch and salty flavor boost in your brownies.

What if I don’t have salted caramel sauce?

If you don’t have salted caramel sauce, don’t worry! You can make your own easily. Simply melt sugar in a pan until it turns golden. Then add butter and cream, whisking until smooth. For a quick fix, use store-bought caramel sauce and mix in a pinch of sea salt. This will give you that sweet and salty flavor without any hassle.

In summary, you now have a clear guide to making salted caramel brownies. We covered ingredients, preparation, baking, and storage. The right methods ensure a rich texture and flavor. You can experiment with variations to make these treats your own. Enjoy serving them warm or with a scoop of ice cream. These brownies are sure to impress your friends and family!

- 1 cup unsalted butter - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1 cup pretzel pieces (plus extra for topping) - 1 cup salted caramel sauce - Sea salt flakes for garnish For these Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies, I like to use simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavors. The unsalted butter gives the brownies a rich taste. The granulated and brown sugars add sweetness and depth. Eggs help bind everything together, making the brownies fudgy. I love using high-quality vanilla extract. It adds warmth to the flavor. The all-purpose flour and cocoa powder create a soft, chocolatey base. The small amounts of salt and baking powder enhance the taste and texture. Pretzels bring a delightful crunch and salty contrast. You can use any pretzel type, but I recommend the classic shape for best results. The salted caramel sauce is the star here, adding a gooey sweetness. You can use store-bought or homemade for this recipe. Finally, sea salt flakes provide a finishing touch. They enhance the flavor and look great on top. - Prep Time: 20 minutes - Cook Time: 25-30 minutes - Total Time: 1 hour - Servings: 12-16 squares This recipe is easy to follow and quick to prepare. In just one hour, you can have 12 to 16 delicious brownie squares. Perfect for sharing with friends or family! Don't forget to check out the Full Recipe for specific instructions. - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan with grease and parchment paper. - Melt 1 cup of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan. - Stir in 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of brown sugar until smooth. - Cool the sugar mixture slightly before adding 4 large eggs. - Incorporate the eggs one at a time, then mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. - Whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. - Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. - Gently fold in 1 cup of pretzel pieces. - Layer half of the brownie batter in the prepared pan, then drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce over it. - Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. - Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting and garnishing. Following these simple steps will lead you to a sweet treat that’s hard to resist. Enjoy making your salted caramel pretzel brownies! For the full recipe, check the ingredients and instructions above. To get the right texture in your brownies, choose fudgy or cakey. For fudgy brownies, use more fat and less flour. This gives them a rich, moist center. For cakey brownies, add more flour and a little baking powder. This makes them light and fluffy. Do not overmix your batter. Mixing too much adds air, which makes brownies cake-like. Stir until just combined for a dense, fudgy treat. You can add extra chocolate chips or nuts for more flavor. Chocolate chips melt and create gooey pockets. Nuts add crunch and depth. Both choices make your brownies even better. Using homemade salted caramel can elevate your brownies. It is often fresher and has a more robust taste. Store-bought salted caramel is quicker but can be just as good. Choose based on your time and taste. For a great look, serve brownies on a decorative platter. Arrange pretzels around the brownies for fun texture. This adds a rustic touch. Drizzle extra salted caramel over the top. It creates a beautiful shine and enhances flavor. The visual appeal makes them hard to resist. These simple steps will wow your guests! {{image_4}} You can boost these brownies by adding nuts or chocolate. Try using walnuts, pecans, or even hazelnuts for a crunchy bite. Dark, milk, or white chocolate pieces can add a rich twist. Want something different? Experiment with flavored caramel sauces, like vanilla or chocolate. These small changes can create a unique treat each time. For a gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour. Both work well and taste great. If you're looking for vegan brownies, replace eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute instead of regular butter. These adjustments keep the spirit of the recipe while catering to dietary needs. Serve these brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The ice cream melts into the warm brownie, creating a delicious blend. Pair these brownies with coffee for a rich dessert experience. They also go well with dessert wines, offering a sweet and salty contrast. Enjoy them in any way you like! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep your salted caramel pretzel brownies fresh, pack them well. Use an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Store in the fridge for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them. Wrap brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy your brownies warm, heat them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place brownies on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds. This keeps them soft and gooey. Just be careful not to overheat, or they may become tough. Enjoy the warm, melted caramel and chocolate flavors! Salted caramel brownies stand out due to their rich flavors and textures. The deep chocolate taste combines with sweet and salty caramel. The pretzels add a crunchy bite, creating a fun contrast. This mix of smooth, creamy, and crunchy is what makes each bite exciting. You get sweetness from the caramel, saltiness from the pretzels, and fudgy goodness from the brownies. It’s a delightful treat that satisfies many cravings at once. Yes, you can make these brownies ahead of time. Bake them a day or two early. After cooling, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store them at room temperature for a couple of days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Just slice them first for easy serving later. When you're ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature. This way, they stay fresh and tasty, ready for any occasion. To check if your brownies are done, look for a few key signs. When you insert a toothpick in the center, it should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. The edges will pull away slightly from the pan, and the top will look set and shiny. If you see cracks on the surface, that's a good sign too. Remember, overbaking can make them dry, so keep an eye on them as they bake. Absolutely! You can use various pretzel types to mix things up. Try different shapes, like pretzel sticks or rounds. You can also choose pretzels with different flavors, like cheese or chocolate-covered. The key is to keep the amount similar to one cup. This way, you will still get that crunch and salty flavor boost in your brownies. If you don’t have salted caramel sauce, don’t worry! You can make your own easily. Simply melt sugar in a pan until it turns golden. Then add butter and cream, whisking until smooth. For a quick fix, use store-bought caramel sauce and mix in a pinch of sea salt. This will give you that sweet and salty flavor without any hassle. For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. In summary, you now have a clear guide to making salted caramel brownies. We covered ingredients, preparation, baking, and storage. The right methods ensure a rich texture and flavor. You can experiment with variations to make these treats your own. Enjoy serving them warm or with a scoop of ice cream. These brownies are sure to impress your friends and family!

Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies

Indulge in the ultimate treat with these Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies! This delicious recipe combines rich chocolate brownies with a unique salty pretzel crunch and sweet caramel drizzle. Perfect for any occasion, these fudgy brownies are easy to make and sure to impress. Ready to satisfy your cravings?

Ingredients
  

1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup pretzel pieces (plus extra for topping)

1 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Sea salt flakes for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by greasing it and lining it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

    Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir frequently until completely melted. Once melted, remove the pan from heat and add in the granulated and brown sugars. Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

      Add Eggs and Vanilla: Allow the buttery sugar mixture to cool slightly (about 5 minutes). Then, whisk in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Finish by stirring in the vanilla extract until smooth.

        Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder until evenly distributed. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Take care not to overmix.

          Incorporate Pretzels: Carefully fold the pretzel pieces into the brownie batter using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly dispersed throughout the mixture.

            Pour and Prepare: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer. Then, drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce over this layer of batter.

              Layering: Gently spoon the remaining brownie batter on top of the first layer, smoothing it out carefully to avoid mixing it with the caramel below. Drizzle the rest of the salted caramel sauce over the top layer of batter. With a knife or toothpick, create a swirl effect by lightly dragging it through both the caramel and brownie layers for a marbled finish.

                Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter. Be cautious not to overbake to ensure the brownies remain fudgy.

                  Cool and Cut: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. When cool, lift the brownies out using the parchment overhang and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into squares to serve.

                    Garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle additional pretzel pieces and a few sea salt flakes on top of the brownies to enhance their flavor and provide a delightful crunch.

                      - Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12-16 squares

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the brownies on a decorative platter with additional pretzels arranged around them for a fun, rustic touch. Consider drizzling extra salted caramel over individual servings for a luscious presentation.

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