No Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Craving something sweet, salty, and impossibly easy to make? These No Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars hit that perfect balance with rich layers of silky caramel, crunchy pretzels, and decadent chocolate. They’re a dreamy bite of texture and taste that requires zero oven time.

Whether you’re prepping a quick dessert for a party or need a satisfying snack on hand, this no-bake treat is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of buttery caramel and crisp pretzels wrapped in smooth chocolate is pure magic. And the best part? You can whip it all up in under 20 minutes.

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To get started on your No Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars, you only need a handful of basic tools:

• Microwave-Safe Bowl: Essential for melting the chocolate evenly and efficiently.
• Small Saucepan: This helps control the heat while preparing the caramel so it doesn’t burn.
• Rubber Spatula: Ideal for smooth layering and scraping every bit of gooey caramel from your saucepan.
• 8×8 or 9×9-inch Baking Dish: Use this as your mold. Lining it with parchment paper makes removing the bars hassle-free.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Each tool plays a key role in ensuring that the textures are perfect, and that nothing sticks or scorches along the way.

---

Ingredients for the No Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars

• Mini Pretzels: These form the crunchy base layer and provide the essential salty contrast to all the sweet.
• Soft Caramels: You’ll melt these down to form that chewy, buttery middle layer. Their smooth consistency is key.
• Heavy Cream: Just a splash helps the caramels melt evenly into a pourable consistency.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: They give the bars a deep chocolate layer without overwhelming the caramel.
• Flaky Sea Salt: A few sprinkles on top amplify the contrast and highlight every bite.

---

How To Make the No Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Dish

Line your square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars later.

Step 2: Make the Pretzel Base

Arrange a tight single layer of mini pretzels across the bottom of the pan. Break pieces as needed to fill in the gaps.

Step 3: Melt the Caramel

In a small saucepan, combine unwrapped soft caramels and heavy cream. Stir over medium-low heat until completely melted and smooth. Immediately pour over the pretzel layer and spread with a spatula.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate Layer

Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring in between. Once melted and glossy, pour over the caramel and gently spread to the edges.

Step 5: Finish with Sea Salt

While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle flaky sea salt generously over the top. Press a few whole pretzels on top for decoration if you’d like.

Step 6: Chill and Slice

Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour or until fully set. Use the parchment overhang to lift them out and slice into squares or bars.

---

Serving and Storing These Gooey Bars

Once set, these bars are ready to serve straight from the fridge for a firmer bite, or at room temperature if you prefer a softer texture. They’re perfect for dessert trays, lunchboxes, or casual gifting.

To store them, keep the bars in an airtight container layered with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking. Refrigeration is best if you’re storing them for more than a day or two, and they can be frozen for up to one month. Just allow a few minutes at room temperature before enjoying.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do the bars take to set?

About 1 hour in the fridge will firm them up nicely. If you’re in a hurry, the freezer will do the job in 20-30 minutes.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Yes! Dark chocolate gives the bars a richer flavor. Just make sure to taste the balance with the caramel and salt so it doesn’t overpower.

What type of caramels should I use?

Soft, individually wrapped caramels like Kraft or Werther’s work best. Avoid hard or chewy caramels that don’t melt smoothly.

Can I add nuts or toppings?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans or peanuts add a great crunch. You could also drizzle white chocolate or add toffee bits for flair.

How long will they stay fresh?

They’ll keep in the fridge for up to a week. For best flavor and texture, enjoy within 3 to 5 days.

Do these bars travel well?

They do! Keep them chilled in a cooler if you’re taking them to an event, especially in warmer weather.

---

Want More No Bake Dessert Ideas?

You might also like the No Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe, a creamy and nostalgic treat layered with Nilla wafers.

Or try the Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries, which are simple yet stunning crowd-pleasers.

For chocolate lovers, the Decadent Chocolate S’mores Cupcakes deliver a gooey center and crunchy graham crust.

You could also explore the Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars, a layered no-bake dessert that pairs two beloved flavors.

For even more sweet ideas, follow my daily recipe updates on Pinterest at LadyPlate.

---

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dessert boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you use dark chocolate or add nuts? Did you double the caramel layer? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others make it their own.

---

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?