Go Back
- 2 cups pretzel rods, broken into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup granulated sugar - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1/4 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - Optional: flaked sea salt for garnish Using quality chocolate is key. It makes the bark taste rich and smooth. I recommend semi-sweet chocolate chips, as they melt nicely and balance well with the sweet caramel. When picking pretzels, choose rods that are sturdy. They hold up better under the warm caramel. Look for pretzels that are not too salty, as you will add sea salt later. This way, your bark won't be too salty and will keep that perfect sweet and salty mix. For the full recipe, check out the details above. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key to getting the perfect bark. Next, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some edges hanging over the sides. This makes it easier to lift the bark out later on. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Heat this mixture over medium heat. Stir it constantly. You want the sugar to melt and turn a golden color, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning. Once the sugar has melted, slowly add in 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Expect some bubbling, and keep stirring. After that, mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This adds a lovely aroma and flavor to the caramel. Now, evenly spread the broken pretzel pieces on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure they are in a single layer. This allows for proper coverage with caramel. Next, pour the warm caramel over the pretzels. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Every pretzel should get a good coat of caramel. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the caramel is bubbly and darkened slightly. Once done, take it out and let it cool for about 10 minutes. While the pretzel-caramel mixture cools, melt 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Put them in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each. This method keeps the chocolate smooth. After the caramel pretzel base has cooled slightly, drizzle the melted chocolate over it. Use a spatula or knife to spread it out. This ensures that every bite is chocolatey. Finally, sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt over the chocolate layer. This adds the perfect salty touch to your sweet bark. Let your creation cool completely for about 30 minutes. You can also speed things up by refrigerating it for 15 minutes. Once set, lift the bark out using the parchment paper overhang. Break it into pieces for serving. For the full recipe, check out the complete details! To make great caramel, watch your sugar closely. Here are some key tips: - Avoiding burnt sugar: Use medium heat and stir often. If the sugar gets too hot, it will burn. This can ruin your caramel. If you see dark brown spots, it’s too late. - Checking for the right color: The best caramel has a golden amber color. Aim for this shade before adding cream. This color means your sugar is ready for the next step. You can make your bark even more fun! Here are some ideas: - Adding nuts or dried fruit: Try adding chopped nuts like almonds or peanuts. Dried fruit like cranberries or cherries works well, too. These add flavor and texture. - Infusing flavors in the chocolate: Want to change the chocolate taste? Mix in a little cinnamon or espresso powder. This gives your bark a special twist. Presentation matters. Here are some serving ideas: - Presentation ideas for gatherings: Serve your Sweet & Salty Caramel Pretzel Bark on a pretty platter. You can also use a clear jar for an eye-catching display. - Pairing recommendations with snacks or drinks: This sweet treat pairs well with coffee or milk. You can also serve it with salty snacks for a fun mix. {{image_4}} To make your pretzel bark even better, add nuts! Almonds or peanuts work great. They add a nice crunch. Simply chop them up and mix them in with the pretzels. You can also sprinkle them on top before the chocolate sets. This adds flavor and texture. Plus, nuts are healthy! They give your bark a new twist that everyone will love. Want to spice things up? Add cayenne or chili powder to your caramel! Just a pinch can make a big difference. The heat balances the sweet and salty flavors. It gives your bark a fun kick. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can always add more if you like it hot! You can change the bark for the holidays, too! For Christmas, try adding peppermint extract. This gives a fresh, minty flavor. You can also crush peppermint candies and sprinkle them on top. For fall, add cinnamon to the caramel. It gives a cozy, warm taste. Get creative with your flavors, and make it your own! To keep your salted caramel pretzel bark fresh, use an airtight container. This helps keep moisture away. It also prevents the bark from becoming stale. Choose a container that fits the size of your bark. If you don’t have one, wrap the bark tightly in plastic wrap. Then place it in a zip-top bag. This method works well too. You can store your bark at room temperature for about one week. If you keep it in the fridge, it can last up to two weeks. Just remember, the colder it gets, the firmer the chocolate will be. This might change the texture a bit. For best taste, enjoy it within a week! To freeze your salted caramel pretzel bark, follow these steps. First, cut the bark into pieces. Then, place the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until solid. After that, move the pieces to an airtight container or a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. When you want to enjoy it, take it out and let it thaw at room temperature. This keeps the flavors fresh and delightful! Yes, you can use dark chocolate! It adds a rich flavor to the bark. Dark chocolate pairs well with the sweet caramel and salty pretzels. Just choose a dark chocolate you enjoy. Melt it the same way as semi-sweet. The process stays the same, so don't worry. No pretzel rods? No problem! You can use pretzel twists or even pretzel sticks. Just break them into smaller pieces. Any crunchy pretzel will work well in this recipe. You can also try using potato chips for a fun twist. To prevent seizing, melt chocolate slowly. Use a microwave in short bursts. Stir often to keep it smooth. If you’re using a double boiler, ensure no water gets into the chocolate. If it does seize, add a small amount of vegetable oil to help smooth it out. Yes, you can make this bark gluten-free! Use gluten-free pretzels. Many brands offer tasty gluten-free options. Check the labels to ensure they are safe for your diet. You can also substitute with rice crackers for a different crunch. Absolutely! You can add flavors to the caramel for extra fun. Try adding a pinch of sea salt or a splash of bourbon. Vanilla extract is great, but you can also use almond extract for a twist. Just be careful with strong flavors; a little goes a long way. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe! This blog explores making delicious pretzel bark, showcasing key ingredients like quality chocolate and pretzels. The step-by-step guide helps you create the perfect treat, while tips improve your technique. Variations let you customize your bark to suit any taste or season. Store it well for lasting enjoyment, and remember, you can adapt flavors and ingredients. Making pretzel bark is fun and easy, and it offers a tasty snack for any occasion. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark

Indulge in the perfect treat with this Sweet & Salty Caramel Pretzel Bark recipe! This delicious dessert combines crunchy pretzels, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. In just a few simple steps, you can make an irresistible snack that’s ideal for sharing at parties or enjoying on your own. Click through to discover how to whip up this easy and satisfying treat that everyone will love!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups pretzel rods, broken into bite-sized pieces

1 cup granulated sugar

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Optional: flaked sea salt for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring you leave some edges hanging over the sides for easy removal of the bark later on.

    Evenly distribute the broken pretzel pieces onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, forming a single, even layer to ensure uniform coverage with the caramel.

      In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and unsalted butter. Stir the mixture continuously, allowing the sugar to melt and reach a golden caramel color, which will take about 5-7 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

        Once the sugar has melted and become a golden amber, carefully introduce the heavy cream into the saucepan. Expect some bubbling as you mix it in. Stir until the caramel is smooth and well combined. Remove the saucepan from heat and add in the vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.

          Generously pour the warm caramel sauce over the layer of pretzel pieces. Utilize a spatula to ensure the caramel is evenly spread, allowing for every pretzel to be coated.

            Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly and appears slightly darkened. When your kitchen fills with a delightful aroma, it’s ready! Remove the bark from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes.

              While the pretzel-caramel mixture is cooling, melt the chocolate chips. Place them in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-second intervals. Stir between each interval until the chocolate is fully melted and silky smooth.

                Once the caramel pretzel base has cooled slightly, drizzle the melted chocolate evenly over the top. Feel free to use a spatula or knife to spread it out, ensuring each bite has a chocolatey layer.

                  Finish by sprinkling the sea salt over the chocolate layer, providing a perfect sweet and salty balance to your bark.

                    Allow your sweet and salty creation to cool completely. This can be done at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or you can speed things up by refrigerating it for 15 minutes.

                      Once fully set, gently lift the bark out of the baking sheet using the parchment paper overhang. Break the bark into irregular pieces for serving.

                        Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 1 hr | 12 servings

                          - Presentation Tips: Serve your Sweet & Salty Caramel Pretzel Bark on a decorative platter or in a clear jar. For an added touch, sprinkle some flaked sea salt on top right before serving to enhance the visual appeal and flavor burst!