Introduction
When a craving hits that demands the perfect balance of salty crunch and gooey sweetness, these Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars are the answer. This simple, three-layer wonder requires zero oven time and minimal effort, making it the ultimate dessert for busy schedules or hot summer days. Combining a buttery pretzel crust with a rich, stabilized salted caramel filling and a crunchy topping, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers maximum flavor with maximum speed. It’s the perfect marriage of classic candy bar indulgence and snack-time satisfaction.
Ingredients
- 3 cups (300g) Mini Pretzels (divided)
- ½ cup (113g or 1 stick) Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1 cup (240ml) High-Quality Caramel Sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup (120ml) Sweetened Condensed Milk
- ½ cup (60g) Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar)
- ¼ cup (40g) Milk or Dark Chocolate Chips (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Flaky Sea Salt (such as Maldon), for topping
Step-by-step Preparation
- Prepare the Crust (No Baking Required): Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. In a large bowl, crush 2 ½ cups of the pretzels until they resemble coarse crumbs (a food processor or Ziploc bag and rolling pin works well). Pour the melted butter over the crushed pretzels and mix until thoroughly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust layer. Place the pan in the freezer while preparing the filling.
- Whip the Caramel Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the caramel sauce, sweetened condensed milk, and powdered sugar. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. *Tip: The powdered sugar is essential here; it helps stabilize the caramel so the bars hold their shape when sliced.*
- Assemble and Top the Bars: Remove the pan from the freezer. Pour the caramel filling evenly over the chilled pretzel crust. Crush the remaining ½ cup of pretzels lightly and scatter them over the caramel layer. Sprinkle the chocolate chips (if using) and then generously finish with the flaky sea salt.
- Chill to Set (Chilling Time: 2-4 hours): Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or until the caramel layer is completely firm to the touch. Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and slice them into 16 squares.
Nutritional Information
These bars are a rich dessert designed for indulgence. Per serving (assuming 16 bars), the approximate calorie count is 320-350 calories. They are high in carbohydrates and sugars due to the caramel and condensed milk, providing quick energy. While they are not a health food, pretzels offer trace amounts of B vitamins and fiber, and the salt helps balance electrolytes. Enjoy them as an occasional treat.
Storage
Store the No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars in an airtight container. Due to the dairy content in the caramel filling, they must be refrigerated. They will maintain their best quality and texture for up to 5 to 7 days. These bars do not freeze well, as the pretzels can become soggy upon thawing. Serve chilled directly from the refrigerator for the cleanest cuts.
Conclusion
These no-bake bars are the epitome of simple elegance. For variations, consider swapping the chocolate chips for peanut butter chips, or adding a layer of white chocolate drizzle before the final salt sprinkle. They are perfect served alongside a strong cup of coffee or as a quick dessert at your next gathering. The combination of the snappy crunch and the chewy, sweet filling makes them utterly addictive and impossible to resist.