Choco-Carmel Crunch Pretzel Bark

$To make Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bark, you need a few simple items. Here’s what you’ll gather: - 2 cups mini pretzels - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 cup caramel candies (unwrapped) - 2 tablespoons heavy cream - Sea salt (to taste) - Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds) These ingredients blend sweet, salty, and crunchy flavors. The mini pretzels give that perfect crunch. The semi-sweet chocolate and caramel create a smooth, rich layer. You can add nuts for extra texture, but it’s not necessary. This mix of flavors makes each bite exciting! If you want to make it your own, think about using different nuts or even adding a hint of vanilla to the caramel. The choice is yours! Each time you make it, you can try new ideas. Enjoy the process of creating this delicious treat! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for melting the caramel. While it heats, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. The paper keeps the bark from sticking and makes cleanup easy. Spread 2 cups of mini pretzels evenly on the sheet. Make sure they form a single layer. This helps every pretzel get coated in caramel and chocolate. Next, let’s melt the caramel. Take 1 cup of unwrapped caramel candies and place them in a small saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Set the saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth. Be patient! This may take a few minutes. Once melted, remove it from the heat. This caramel will create a gooey layer on the pretzels. Now, pour the melted caramel over the pretzels. Make sure to coat them evenly so each bite is sweet. Bake the pretzel-caramel mix in the oven for about 5 minutes. You want the caramel bubbly and warm. While it bakes, melt the chocolate. Take 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and put them in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave them in 30-second intervals. Stir in between each interval until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. When the pretzels are ready, carefully pour the melted chocolate over the warm caramel. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. For a touch of flavor, sprinkle sea salt and any chopped nuts on top. Press them gently into the chocolate. Finally, let the bark cool. You can leave it at room temperature or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. Once set, break into pieces and enjoy the delicious mix of salty and sweet! To get a smooth melt, use low heat. Melt the caramel candies with heavy cream, stirring constantly. This keeps the caramel from burning. For the chocolate, melt it in short bursts. Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds. Stir after each burst until it's smooth. This method helps you avoid clumps. When pouring the caramel over the pretzels, do it slowly. Make sure all the pretzels get a good coat. Use a spatula to spread the caramel if needed. After adding the chocolate, spread it evenly with the spatula. If you want, you can add nuts after pouring the chocolate. Press them in gently for a balanced bite. To cool the bark, let it sit at room temperature first. If you’re in a hurry, put it in the fridge. It only takes about 30 minutes to set up. Cut the bark into pieces after it cools. Use a sharp knife or your hands to break it apart into fun shapes. - Recommended serving sizes: - Aim for 12 pieces for sharing. - Each piece is a satisfying treat, perfect for snacks or parties. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh caramel candies and chocolate chips for the best flavor and texture in your bark. Control the Saltiness: Be careful with the amount of sea salt you sprinkle on top; a little goes a long way to enhance the sweetness! Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the pretzels while they bake; you want the caramel bubbly but not burnt. Storage Tips: Store the pretzel bark in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it crunchy and fresh. {{image_2}} If you want nut-free options, skip the chopped nuts. You can use seeds instead. Pumpkin or sunflower seeds add crunch without nuts. They also provide a nice flavor boost. To elevate the taste, consider adding vanilla. A teaspoon of pure vanilla extract works wonders. It adds warmth and enhances the caramel depth. You can also try a pinch of cinnamon for a spicy kick. You can swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate. Dark chocolate gives a rich flavor, while milk chocolate adds sweetness. For a fun twist, use white chocolate! Melt it the same way and drizzle over the bark. Make your treat festive for the holidays! Add colored sprinkles or crushed candy canes for Christmas. Use pastel sprinkles for Easter. You can even shape the bark into hearts for Valentine’s Day. Each season brings a new chance to be creative! To keep Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bark fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This method keeps it safe from air and moisture. When stored properly, this bark lasts about two weeks at room temperature. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. The texture and taste stay great for several months when frozen. To freeze Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bark, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. You don’t need to reheat the bark, but if you want it warm, place it in the oven at a low setting. Heat it for just a few minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid melting the chocolate. Enjoy it fresh and warm for a cozy treat! Yes, you can use different pretzels. Try regular, chocolate-covered, or even sticks. Each type adds a unique taste and crunch. Just keep the amount the same. To make it gluten-free, choose gluten-free pretzels. Many brands offer tasty options. Always check the label to ensure they meet your needs. You can use half-and-half in place of heavy cream. Coconut cream is another option for a dairy-free version. Both will work well in your caramel. - Can I use other kinds of chocolate? Yes! You can try milk chocolate or dark chocolate. Each type gives a different flavor. Choose what you like best for your bark. - How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to a week. If you need more time, place them in the fridge for longer freshness. In this blog post, we explored the simple steps to make Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bark. We covered ingredients, instructions, tips, and different variations you can try. Remember, it’s all about the balance of sweet and salty. My final thoughts: this treat is easy to customize for any occasion. Whether you want nuts or those fun holiday flavors, you can make it your own. Enjoy making and sharing your tasty creation!$

Choco-Carmel Crunch Pretzel Bark

A deliciously sweet and salty treat made with pretzels, chocolate, and caramel.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 45

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups mini pretzels
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup caramel candies (unwrapped)
2 tablespoons heavy cream
to taste sea salt
0.5 cup chopped nuts (optional, like pecans or almonds)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Spread the mini pretzels evenly on the prepared baking sheet, creating a single layer.
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the caramel candies with heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat.
Pour the melted caramel over the pretzels, ensuring they are evenly covered.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes, just until the caramel is bubbly and slightly warmed.
Meanwhile, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted and smooth.
Carefully pour the melted chocolate over the warm caramel pretzels and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Sprinkle with sea salt and any optional chopped nuts for added texture, pressing them gently into the chocolate.
Let the bark cool at room temperature or refrigerate for about 30 minutes until set.
Once set, break into pieces and enjoy!

Notes

For extra crunch, add your favorite chopped nuts.

Keyword bark, caramel, chocolate, pretzel