Introduction

These Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars are the perfect combination of sweet and salty with a crunchy pretzel crust, smooth caramel, and a light creamy topping. They come together easily without the oven, making them an ideal treat for any occasion.

A close-up view of a square dessert with four visible layers: a crumbly light brown crust at the bottom, a thick white creamy layer above it, topped by a glossy caramel layer that drips slightly over the edges, and a final layer of fluffy white whipped cream swirled on top. On the whipped cream, there are whole pretzels covered in caramel and sprinkled with coarse white salt. The dessert is on a white plate sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups pretzel crumbs (crushed pretzels)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the pretzel crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish to form an even crust layer.
Step 2: Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the pretzel crust. Use a spatula to spread it smoothly, then sprinkle the sea salt on top of the caramel layer.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
Step 4: Spread the whipped cream mixture over the caramel layer in the baking dish, smoothing it out to create an even top layer.
Step 5: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are firm and set.
Step 6: Once chilled, remove from the refrigerator and cut into squares. Serve and enjoy your delightful no-bake salted caramel pretzel bars!

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, sprinkle some chopped pretzels or crushed nuts on the whipped cream layer before chilling.
If you prefer a less sweet caramel, reduce the caramel sauce by a quarter cup or use a salted caramel to double down on the salty flavor.
For a chocolate twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the caramel layer before adding the whipped cream topping.
Use gluten-free pretzels to make this dessert gluten-free.

Storage

Store the bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed chilled. To reheat slightly, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes, but avoid heating as the whipped cream topping may melt.

How to Serve

A square dessert bar with a three-layer stack sits on a white plate, resting on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a crumbly, light brown crust with a slightly rough texture. Above this is a thick, smooth white cream layer. The top layer is a glossy, rich caramel with some dripping over the edges. On top, there are white whipped cream swirls spread evenly, each topped with whole pretzels that have a glossy, golden brown color and are sprinkled with coarse white salt. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the caramel sauce from scratch?

Yes, homemade caramel sauce works wonderfully in this recipe and adds a richer flavor. Just ensure it is fully cooled before layering.

How long do the bars need to chill?

Chilling for at least 2 hours is necessary to allow the bars to set firmly and for flavors to meld together perfectly.

Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 73 reviews

These Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars combine a crunchy salty pretzel crust with a luscious salted caramel layer, topped with a light and creamy whipped topping. Perfect for an easy dessert that requires no baking, they offer a delightful balance of sweet and salty flavors with a smooth, airy finish.

Author: Dana
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pretzel Crust

2 cups pretzel crumbs (crushed pretzels)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Caramel Layer

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt

For the Creamy Topping

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Pretzel Crust: In a medium bowl, combine pretzel crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish to form an even layer.
Layer the Caramel: Drizzle the caramel sauce over the pretzel crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Sprinkle the sea salt on top of the caramel layer.
Make the Creamy Topping: In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
Assemble the Bars: Spread the whipped cream mixture over the caramel layer in the baking dish, smoothing it out to create an even top layer.
Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the bars are firm and set.
Slice and Serve: Once chilled, remove from the refrigerator. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your delightful creation!

Notes

You can use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience or make your own homemade caramel for a richer flavor.
Ensure the pretzel crumbs are finely crushed to create a uniform crust.
For a stronger salted caramel flavor, adjust the amount of sea salt sprinkled on top according to taste.
These bars must be kept refrigerated and are best enjoyed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
You can add chopped nuts or chocolate drizzle on top for extra texture and flavor.

Keywords: no-bake, salted caramel, pretzel bars, quick dessert, easy dessert, no-bake bars, caramel dessert, salty sweet bars