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- 2 cups mini pretzels - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 cup caramel bits - 1 tablespoon heavy cream - Sea salt, for sprinkling - ½ cup crushed nuts (such as pecans or almonds) - Baking sheet - Parchment paper - Small saucepan - Microwave-safe bowl - Spatula To make Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark, you need some easy-to-find items. The main star is mini pretzels, which add a great crunch. You will also use semi-sweet chocolate chips. They melt beautifully and make a rich layer. Caramel bits bring that sweet flavor we all love. A bit of heavy cream helps make the caramel smooth and creamy. For a special touch, consider adding sea salt. It enhances the sweet and salty mix. Crushed nuts like pecans or almonds add more texture and flavor. They are not required but are a fun option. Before you start, gather your kitchen tools. A baking sheet will hold your pretzels. Parchment paper keeps everything from sticking. You will need a small saucepan to melt the caramel. A microwave-safe bowl helps you melt the chocolate chips. Finally, a spatula is great for spreading the melted caramel and chocolate. These ingredients and tools make it simple to create this sweet treat. Each item plays a key role in making your bark a hit! - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. First, I love getting the oven ready. This step warms it up nicely. Lining the baking sheet makes clean-up a breeze later. - Spread mini pretzels on the baking sheet. Next, take your mini pretzels and spread them out on the lined sheet. Make sure they cover the sheet evenly. This helps every pretzel get coated in that sweet caramel. - Combine caramel and heavy cream. - Pour and spread caramel over pretzels. - Bake for 10 minutes. Now, let’s melt the caramel! In a small saucepan, mix the caramel bits with heavy cream. Heat it over low. Stir until it's smooth, which should take about 5 minutes. Once melted, pour the warm caramel over the pretzels. Spread it out with a spatula for an even coat. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes. The caramel will bubble and turn golden. - Melt chocolate chips in the microwave. - Drizzle melted chocolate over baked pretzels. While the pretzels bake, it’s time for the chocolate! Put your chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them in 30-second bursts. Stir after each interval until smooth. Once the pretzels are done, drizzle that melted chocolate over them. You can use a spatula if you want to spread it out. - Add sea salt and optional crushed nuts. Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle sea salt on top. If you like crunch, add crushed nuts now. Pecans and almonds work great here. - Cool at room temperature and refrigerate. - Break into pieces for serving. Let the bark cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, pop it in the fridge for another 30 minutes to firm up. Once it’s set, break it into pieces. Enjoy that salty-sweet treat! To make smooth caramel, use low heat. Stir the caramel bits and heavy cream often. This keeps the mix from burning. Heat until everything melts together, about five minutes. For the chocolate, melt it in short bursts. Use a microwave-safe bowl and stir every thirty seconds. This keeps it from clumping. Drizzle the chocolate right after baking the pretzels. Timing is key here. If you wait too long, the caramel may harden. You can add fun toppings for extra flavor! Consider using colorful sprinkles for a treat that pops. Crushed nuts, like pecans or almonds, add crunch too. Try a mix of both for a fun twist. You could also add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne to spice things up. This will make your bark even more exciting! This bark pairs well with ice cream or coffee. Serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy match. The cold ice cream balances the sweet and salty flavors. If you enjoy coffee, a cup of strong brew makes a great match. The richness of the coffee enhances the taste of the bark. Enjoy it during game nights or with friends for a sweet treat everyone will love! {{image_4}} You can switch things up with the chocolate. Dark chocolate adds a rich taste. It contrasts well with the sweet caramel. Semi-sweet chocolate works too. It gives a balanced sweetness. When it comes to caramel, consider flavored options. Sea salt caramel has a nice twist. This adds extra depth to the bark. You can even try chocolate caramel for a double chocolate treat. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free pretzels. Many brands now offer tasty choices. They will work just like regular pretzels in the recipe. For a vegan version, swap the chocolate chips with dairy-free ones. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. This keeps the recipe creamy and delicious without animal products. You can make this bark special for holidays. Use festive sprinkles to match the season. Red and green for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter. These tiny touches can make your treat pop. You can even add themed toppings for birthdays or special events. To keep your salted caramel pretzel bark fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure the container is sealed tightly. This will prevent air from making it stale. Place the container in a cool, dry spot in your kitchen. The ideal room temperature should be around 68°F to 72°F (20°C to 22°C). Avoid areas near the stove or direct sunlight, as heat can ruin the bark. When stored properly, your bark will stay fresh for about two weeks. After this time, it may lose its crispness and flavor. If you notice any changes in texture or taste, it’s best to toss it out. Keeping the bark sealed helps maintain its delightful salty-sweet balance for longer. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, cut the bark into pieces. Then, layer the pieces between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. This prevents them from sticking together. Seal the container tightly and place it in the freezer. The bark can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving. You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option. Both will add some creaminess. If you want a non-dairy choice, try coconut milk or almond milk. These options change the flavor a bit but still work well. Yes, you can use regular-sized pretzels. However, it will change the texture. Mini pretzels fit better in each bite. They also hold the caramel and chocolate better. Regular pretzels might be too crunchy and salty. To balance sweetness, add more salt. This helps cut through the sugar. You can also use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet. Mixing in unsweetened nuts can add flavor without more sugar. Yes, you can use chocolate bars. Just chop them into small pieces. Melt them in the microwave like the chips. Stir often to avoid burning. This method gives you a smooth, rich chocolate layer. Absolutely! This bark looks great and tastes amazing. To package, break it into pieces and place them in a box. You can also wrap it in clear cellophane. Add a ribbon for a lovely touch. This treat recipe uses simple, tasty ingredients. You start with mini pretzels, caramel, and chocolate. You learn how to melt and mix them perfectly. Optional touches like sea salt and nuts add flavor. You can switch ingredients for different tastes or dietary needs. It’s easy to store and can last a while. Enjoy making it for yourself or as a gift. This snack brings joy to everyone who tries it. So, gather your tools and enjoy the process!

Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark

Indulge in the ultimate salty-sweet pretzel bliss bark with this easy recipe! Combine crunchy mini pretzels, smooth caramel, and rich chocolate for a heavenly treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With simple instructions, you'll create a delicious snack that everyone will love. Don't wait—click through now to explore this delightful recipe and bring a touch of sweet and salty joy to your next gathering!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups mini pretzels

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup caramel bits

1 tablespoon heavy cream

Sea salt, for sprinkling

Optional: ½ cup crushed nuts (such as pecans or almonds)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

    Arrange the Pretzels: Evenly spread the mini pretzels across the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they cover the entire surface without overlapping too much.

      Melt the Caramel: In a small saucepan, combine the caramel bits and heavy cream. Heat over low flame, stirring frequently until the mixture is smooth and fully melted, which should take about 5 minutes.

        Coat the Pretzels: Once melted, pour the warm caramel over the arranged pretzels. Use a spatula to spread the caramel evenly, making sure each pretzel gets a lovely coating.

          Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly and slightly golden.

            Melt the Chocolate: While the pretzels are baking, prepare to melt the chocolate chips. Place them in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.

              Drizzle the Chocolate: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel-coated pretzels. Feel free to use a spatula to help spread the chocolate evenly if desired.

                Add Finishing Touches: Before the chocolate begins to set, sprinkle a generous amount of sea salt on top. If you’re using crushed nuts, scatter them evenly over the surface for added crunch and flavor.

                  Cool and Set: Allow the bark to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. After that, transfer it to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to fully set and harden.

                    Break into Pieces: Once the bark is firm, break it into pieces of your desired size and enjoy the delightful balance of salty and sweet flavors!

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: About 16