Irresistible Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark Recipe

Sweet & Salty Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark Recipe for Snackers

Chocolate and salty-sweet combinations always hit the spot, especially when a salted caramel pretzel bark recipe promises pure deliciousness.

Crunchy pretzels create the perfect base for this irresistible treat.

Smooth caramel drizzled over rich chocolate delivers an unexpected flavor punch.

The layers of sweet and salty meld together in a dangerously addictive dessert.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean you can whip up this indulgent snack in no time.

Each bite offers a delightful crunch with a luxurious caramel finish.

This dessert will definitely become your new go-to sweet treat for any occasion.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes

Calories: 218 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients That Make Pretzel Bark a Sweet Favorite

For Sweet Base:
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Rich, smooth chocolate that creates the delectable foundation with a deep, balanced sweetness perfect for bark texture.
  • Pretzels: Crunchy, salty base that provides irresistible texture and contrasting flavor to the chocolate layer.
For Creamy Caramel Layer:
  • Kraft Caramel, Heavy Cream: Silky caramel mixture that delivers a luxurious, flowing consistency with enhanced richness and smooth mouthfeel.
For Finishing Touch:
  • Sea Salt: Sparkling crystals that elevate the entire dessert with a sophisticated flavor pop, balancing sweet and salty notes.

Serve Pretzel Bark at Parties or as Gifts

  • Sweet Gathering Companions: Pair this salted caramel pretzel bark with a cold glass of milk or hot coffee for a delightful flavor contrast that elevates the entire dessert experience.
  • Gifting Delights: Package small broken pieces in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic ribbons, making them perfect homemade gifts for holidays, birthdays, or spontaneous celebrations.
  • Party Platter Magic: Arrange bark pieces on a wooden serving board alongside other sweet treats like brownies or chocolate truffles, creating an eye-catching dessert display that will impress guests and encourage sharing.
  • Movie Night Munchies: Break bark into bite-sized chunks and serve during movie nights or game evenings as a crunchy, sweet snack that everyone will love munching on between film scenes or during competitive moments.

Save Bark Pieces and Keep Them Crisp

  • Quick Chill Strategy: Refrigerate the salted caramel pretzel bark in an airtight container for maximum freshness, keeping it cool and crisp for up to 7 days.
  • Temperature Control Technique: Store the bark at room temperature between 60-70°F to maintain its delicate chocolate and caramel texture without compromising flavor integrity.
  • Smart Separation Method: Layer pieces between parchment paper sheets when storing to prevent sticking and preserve the individual pretzel bark segments' unique crunch and design.
  • Freezing Flavor Lock: Wrap the bark tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy this delightful treat whenever a sweet craving strikes. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for optimal taste and texture.

Tools for Layering Caramel and Pretzel Just Right

  • Large Baking Sheet: Essential for creating and setting the bark evenly.
  • Parchment Paper: Crucial for easy removal and preventing sticking.
  • Microwave-Safe Bowls (2): Perfect for melting chocolate and caramel smoothly.
  • Spatula: Needed to spread chocolate and create an even base.
  • Measuring Cups: Helpful for precise ingredient measurements.
  • Sharp Knife: Used for cutting the bark into delectable pieces.
  • Microwave: Convenient for melting chocolate and caramel quickly.

Instructions for Building Salted Caramel Bark

  • Baking Sheet Preparation

Line a large sheet with parchment paper for easy bark removal and smooth chocolate setting.

  • Chocolate Foundation

Melt chocolate chips smoothly in microwave, stirring between short heating intervals to prevent burning.

  • Pretzel Layer

Arrange pretzels across melted chocolate, gently pressing them to create a crunchy base with perfect chocolate coverage.

  • Caramel Magic

Combine caramels and cream, heating until silky and pourable, creating a rich golden drizzle over pretzel landscape.

  • Chocolate Artistry

Create beautiful swirls and patterns by drizzling remaining melted chocolate across caramel-coated surface.

  • Salty Finishing Touch

Sprinkle delicate sea salt flakes to enhance flavor complexity, balancing sweet and savory notes.

  • Cooling and Setting

Allow bark to solidify at room temperature or refrigerate, transforming liquid layers into a crisp, delectable treat.

  • Serving Celebration

Break into irregular pieces, revealing stunning layers of chocolate, caramel, and pretzel, ready to delight taste buds.

Topping Options to Change Up the Crunch

  • Cooking Tips & Variations
  • Chocolate Magic: Experiment with different chocolate types like dark, milk, or white chocolate to create unique flavor profiles that match your mood or preference.
  • Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or peanuts over the bark for extra crunch and a delightful textural surprise.
  • Flavor Adventure: Swap out regular pretzels with chocolate-covered pretzels or add a dash of ground cinnamon or espresso powder for an unexpected flavor boost.
  • Make-Ahead Wonder: This bark can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, making it perfect for meal prep or unexpected guests.
  • Holiday Helper: Decorate the bark with seasonal sprinkles or crushed candy canes during holiday seasons to create festive variations that'll wow everyone at the party.
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Irresistible Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark Recipe

Irresistible Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark Recipe


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  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Homemade salted caramel pretzel bark blends sweet and salty flavors in a simple dessert that delights taste buds. Chocolate lovers can quickly create this irresistible treat by layering pretzels with caramel and melted chocolate for a quick indulgence you’ll crave.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 11 oz (312 g) Kraft caramel
  • 8 oz (227 g) pretzels
  • 2 tbsps (30 mL) heavy cream
  • sea salt (for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to facilitate easy removal and prevent sticking.
  2. Chocolate Base: Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring periodically until smooth, then spread approximately two-thirds onto the prepared sheet, creating an even foundation.
  3. Pretzel Layer: Carefully distribute pretzels across the molten chocolate, pressing gently to ensure secure adherence.
  4. Caramel Infusion: Combine caramels and heavy cream in a microwave-safe container, heating and stirring until achieving a uniform, glossy liquid.
  5. Caramel Drizzle: Gracefully pour the caramel over the pretzel-covered chocolate, aiming for comprehensive coverage.
  6. Final Embellishment: Swirl the remaining chocolate across the caramel layer, then sprinkle flaky sea salt to introduce a sophisticated savory contrast.
  7. Setting: Allow the bark to solidify by refrigerating or resting at room temperature until completely firm and set.
  8. Serving: Segment the bark into irregular, rustic pieces, creating an artisanal dessert perfect for sharing or personal enjoyment.

Notes

  • Prepare Parchment Properly: Use a baking sheet lined entirely with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure effortless removal of the bark.
  • Melt Chocolate Carefully: Microwave chocolate chips in short intervals, stirring frequently to avoid burning and achieve a smooth, glossy texture.
  • Manage Caramel Consistency: Heat caramels with cream slowly and stir consistently to create a uniform, silky caramel sauce without scorching.
  • Salt Strategically: Sprinkle flaky sea salt sparingly but evenly to enhance the sweet-savory balance and elevate the overall flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 218
  • Sugar: 23 g
  • Sodium: 260 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 8 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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