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- 2 cups pretzel sticks - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 3/4 cup caramel sauce - 1 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) - 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing) To make salted caramel pretzel bark, you need a few simple ingredients. The pretzel sticks give a nice crunch. The semi-sweet chocolate chips add sweetness and richness. Caramel sauce brings gooeyness and flavor. Sea salt balances the sweetness with a savory bite. You can add chopped nuts for extra crunch, but this is optional. Don't forget to grease your baking sheet with butter to prevent sticking. - Instead of pretzel sticks, you can use pretzel crisps or even popcorn. - For chocolate, try dark chocolate or white chocolate if you prefer. - You can make your own caramel sauce if you want a richer flavor. Use sugar, butter, and cream for a homemade touch. These substitutions will still give you a tasty treat. Choose what you like best! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step helps make everything bake evenly. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly grease it with butter to prevent sticking. 3. Spread the pretzel sticks evenly across the lined baking sheet. Make sure they form a single layer. This helps every pretzel get the caramel and chocolate. 1. In a small saucepan, warm the caramel sauce over medium heat. Stir gently until it becomes pourable. This will help it coat the pretzels well. 2. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them in 30-second intervals. Stir after each interval until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. 1. Drizzle the warm caramel evenly over the pretzel sticks. Make sure each one gets coated. 2. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel-coated pretzels. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. 3. Sprinkle sea salt over the chocolate and caramel layer. If you like, add chopped nuts for a nice crunch. 4. Bake the sheet in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. Watch for the chocolate to look shiny and slightly melted. 5. Let it cool at room temperature. After cooling, place it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to set. 6. Break the bark into pieces. Enjoy your salted caramel pretzel bark or store it in an airtight container. To get a smooth coating, pour the warm caramel carefully. Drizzle it over the pretzel sticks. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. This helps each pretzel get its share. For the chocolate, melt it in short bursts. Stir it well after each 30 seconds. This keeps the chocolate from burning. Bake the bark for just 8-10 minutes. You want the chocolate to shine and soften. Overbaking can make it hard and dry. Serve your salted caramel pretzel bark on a nice plate. Cut it into fun shapes. You can also layer it in a jar for a sweet gift. Wrap it in clear cellophane and tie with a ribbon. It looks great and makes a perfect treat for friends. Want to kick up the taste? Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the caramel. You can also mix in a splash of vanilla extract. For fun pairings, try adding dried fruit or coconut. Each bite will surprise your taste buds! Pro Tips Use Fresh Caramel Sauce: Make sure your caramel sauce is fresh and warm for easy drizzling. If it's too thick, heat it slightly to achieve the right consistency. Choose Quality Chocolate: The flavor of your bark depends significantly on the quality of chocolate you use. Opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for the best taste. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts. You can use walnuts, cashews, or even skip them altogether for a nut-free version. Storage Tips: Store your pretzel bark in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer shelf life, refrigerate and consume within two weeks for optimal freshness. {{image_2}} You can have fun with themed bark by changing flavors or toppings. For the holidays, add crushed peppermint to the top. This gives a fresh taste that pairs well with the sweet caramel. You can also use seasonal sprinkles to make it festive. Another option is to mix different pretzel types. Try using flavored pretzels or chocolate-covered ones. They add a new twist to the classic recipe. You can even use gluten-free pretzels if you want to make it suitable for everyone. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free pretzel brands. They taste great and work well in this recipe. You won't miss the regular pretzels at all. For vegan alternatives, use dairy-free chocolate chips and a vegan caramel sauce. Many stores sell these items today. This way, everyone can enjoy the bark without worry. You can make the bark even more special by adding dried fruits. Chopped dried cherries or cranberries add a sweet and tart flavor. They also give a nice chewy texture that contrasts with the crunch of the pretzels. Using flavored chocolate chips can also boost the taste. You might try mint, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate. Each option brings its own unique taste. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite flavor combos! To keep your salted caramel pretzel bark fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent air from making it soggy. Place the container in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight. A pantry or cupboard works well. Avoid humid areas, as moisture can harm the bark's texture. Salted caramel pretzel bark lasts about a week at room temperature. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. Wrap the pieces in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. The bark can stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to let it thaw at room temperature before serving. Check for changes in texture and smell. If the bark feels soft or sticky, it's time to toss it. If you notice any off smells or visible mold, do not eat it. Always trust your senses; if it seems off, it's better to be safe. Enjoy your sweet treat while it’s fresh! Yes, you can make salted caramel pretzel bark ahead of time. I recommend storing it in an airtight container. Let it cool completely before you store it. For the best taste, keep it at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it. It will stay fresh for about two weeks. Just remember to let it come back to room temperature before serving. To prevent chocolate from seizing, melt it gently. Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second bursts. Stir the chocolate often between each burst. If you notice the chocolate thickening, it may have gotten too hot. You can add a small amount of vegetable oil to help smooth it out. Always use dry utensils and bowls to avoid any moisture. Yes, you can use other nuts or skip them entirely. Almonds, pecans, or walnuts work well. If you are nut-free, just leave them out. The bark will still taste great without nuts. You can also add seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch. You can find pre-made salted caramel pretzel bark at many stores. Look for it in candy sections or gourmet shops. Online, check sites like Amazon or specialty food stores. Some local bakeries might also sell it. Always read reviews to find the best options. This blog post covered making salted caramel pretzel bark. You learned the key ingredients and how to substitute them. I detailed step-by-step instructions for prep, assembly, and baking. I shared tips for texture, presentation, and added flavors. You explored fun variations, from themed ideas to dietary adjustments. Finally, we discussed storage tips and safety signs for spoilage. You now have the tools to create delicious treats. Enjoy experimenting and sharing your yummy creations with family and friends.

Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark

A delicious treat combining salty pretzels, sweet caramel, and rich chocolate.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups pretzel sticks
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 3.75 cups caramel sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 0.5 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or pecans, optional)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Grease it lightly with butter.
  • Spread the pretzel sticks evenly across the lined baking sheet, creating a single layer.
  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, gently heat the caramel sauce until it’s warm and pourable.
  • Drizzle the warmed caramel sauce evenly over the pretzel sticks, ensuring they're well coated.
  • In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each session until fully melted and smooth.
  • Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel-coated pretzels, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover all the pretzels.
  • Sprinkle the sea salt over the chocolate and caramel layer, and if desired, top with chopped nuts for added crunch.
  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, just until the chocolate is shiny and slightly melted.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, place it in the refrigerator to set for about 30 minutes.
  • Once set, break the bark into pieces and serve or store in an airtight container.

Notes

Optional to add chopped nuts for extra crunch.
Keyword bark, caramel, chocolate, dessert, pretzel