Chocolate Caramel Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars

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Introduction

These Chocolate Caramel Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars combine sweet, salty, and crunchy elements into an irresistible layered dessert. Featuring a pretzel crust, creamy peanut butter filling, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate topping, these bars offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an impressive treat that’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or indulgent snacking. The salty pretzel base contrasts beautifully with the sweet layers, while the peanut butter adds richness that complements both the caramel and chocolate.

Ingredients

Pretzel Crust

  • 2 cups mini pretzels, crushed (about 4 cups whole pretzels)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter

Peanut Butter Layer

  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1¼ cups powdered sugar

Caramel Layer

  • 1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped (about 25 pieces)
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream

Chocolate Topping

  • 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
  2. Crush pretzels into small pieces (some texture should remain).
  3. Mix crushed pretzels with melted butter and ½ cup peanut butter until combined.
  4. Press firmly into prepared pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then cool completely.

2. Make the Peanut Butter Layer

  1. Mix remaining ½ cup peanut butter with powdered sugar until smooth.
  2. Spread evenly over cooled crust. Chill 15 minutes to set.

3. Create the Caramel Layer

  1. Combine caramels and cream in microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until smooth (about 2 minutes total).
  3. Pour over peanut butter layer, spreading evenly. Chill 20 minutes.

4. Add Chocolate Topping

  1. Melt chocolate chips in microwave (45 seconds, then stir, repeating as needed).
  2. Spread over caramel layer.
  3. Optional: Sprinkle with crushed pretzels or sea salt before chocolate sets.

5. Chill and Serve

  1. Refrigerate at least 2 hours until fully set.
  2. Cut into squares with a hot knife for clean edges.

Tips for Success

✔ Use parchment paper for easy removal
✔ Don’t overbake the crust – it should be just set
✔ For cleaner cuts, wipe knife between slices
✔ Store in airtight container in fridge up to 1 week

Variations

  • Substitute milk or dark chocolate for semi-sweet
  • Add chopped peanuts between layers
  • Use salted caramel for extra contrast
  • Replace peanut butter with almond or sunflower butter for allergies

These decadent bars offer the perfect combination of sweet and salty flavors with satisfying textures in every bite. The layers hold together well, making them ideal for gifting or serving at gatherings. For best results, allow proper chilling time between layers to ensure clean slicing.

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