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Sweet and Salty Caramel Pretzel Chocolate Bars

Featured in Irresistible Desserts.

Caramel Pretzel Bars are the perfect mix of sweet and salty flavors. With just a few simple ingredients, you'll create amazing layers of pretzels, homemade caramel, and chocolate. They're quick to make and perfect for parties or gifting.

Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:07:32 GMT
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A stack of three caramel-covered pretzel bars topped with a sprinkle of sea salt, surrounded by scattered pretzels on a wooden surface. Pin it
A stack of three caramel-covered pretzel bars topped with a sprinkle of sea salt, surrounded by scattered pretzels on a wooden surface. | cookingwithcasey.com

I've been making this Cherry Delight for years and it never disappoints. My grandmother first taught me this recipe and I've kept it exactly the same. It's a wonderful no-bake dessert with layers of buttery graham cracker crust topped with velvety cream cheese and sweet cherries. I love serving this at our family get-togethers because it's so easy to make and everyone always asks for seconds.

The Story Behind My Cherry Delight

There's something magical about this dessert. I think it's the way the cream cheese filling gets all fluffy and light while the cherry topping adds that perfect sweetness. My kids help me make it now and they love crushing the graham crackers. It's become our go-to dessert for summer parties because it's so refreshing and I don't have to turn on the oven.

Three stacked caramel bars with a crunchy pretzel base, topped with flaky sea salt, are surrounded by scattered pretzels on a wooden surface. Pin it
Three stacked caramel bars with a crunchy pretzel base, topped with flaky sea salt, are surrounded by scattered pretzels on a wooden surface. | cookingwithcasey.com

What You'll Need to Make It

  • For the Base: You'll need graham crackers crushed into crumbs, melted butter and regular sugar. I usually buy whole crackers and crush them myself.
  • For the Middle Layer: Grab cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla and heavy cream. Make sure the cream cheese is soft before starting.
  • For the Top: One can of cherry pie filling does the trick. I like using the premium kind with whole cherries.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different types of chocolate?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. White chocolate also works well as a drizzle on top.

→ How long do these bars stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, they stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. The texture remains best when kept cold.

→ Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, these bars freeze well for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer container with wax paper between layers.

→ Why did my caramel get too hard?

Cooking the caramel too long can make it too hard. Watch carefully and remove from heat after 3-4 minutes of boiling.

→ Can I add different toppings?

Absolutely! Try crushed nuts, toffee bits, or different types of sprinkles. Just add them while the chocolate is still soft.

Caramel Pretzel Bars

These bars combine crunchy pretzels, homemade caramel, and chocolate for the perfect sweet-salty treat. Easy to make and great for sharing.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Casey


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 20 Servings (20 bars)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 4 cups mini pretzels.
02 1 cup unsalted butter.
03 1 cup brown sugar, packed.
04 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
05 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips.
06 Flaky sea salt (optional).
07 Sprinkles (optional).
08 Chopped nuts (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 350°F.

Step 02

Line 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper.

Step 03

Layer pretzels on bottom of pan.

Step 04

Melt butter and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.

Step 05

Boil mixture for 3-4 minutes, stirring often.

Step 06

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

Step 07

Pour caramel over pretzels.

Step 08

Bake for 10 minutes until bubbly.

Step 09

Sprinkle chocolate chips over hot caramel.

Step 10

Let sit 2-3 minutes until chocolate melts.

Step 11

Spread chocolate evenly over pretzels.

Step 12

Add toppings if desired.

Step 13

Cool at room temperature.

Step 14

Chill in fridge for 1 hour.

Step 15

Cut into bars and serve.

Notes

  1. Keep refrigerated.
  2. Best served cold.
  3. Great for holiday gifts.
  4. Can be customized with different toppings.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13-inch baking pan.
  • Saucepan.
  • Parchment paper.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter, chocolate).
  • Wheat (pretzels).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 200
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 25 g
  • Protein: 2 g