The Best Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark Recipe
This Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark combines the rich decadence of semi-sweet chocolate with the buttery sweetness of caramel and the salty crunch of pretzels. Finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, this easy no-bake treat offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal for snacking or gifting during the holidays.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling/set time)
- Yield: Approximately 24 pieces 1x
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: No-Bake, Drizzle, Chill
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Layer
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips (one whole bag)
Pretzels
- 8 oz pretzels (half of a 16-oz bag)
Caramel Layer
- 11 oz Kraft caramel (one whole bag)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
Finishing Touch
- Sea salt for sprinkling, preferably flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Melt Chocolate: Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
- Spread Chocolate Base: Spread about two-thirds of the melted chocolate evenly over the parchment paper-lined baking sheet, creating a layer about 1/4 inch thick.
- Add Pretzels: Scatter the pretzels over the melted chocolate layer, pressing them gently down to adhere but not worrying about perfect placement.
- Prepare Caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the Kraft caramel and heavy cream. Microwave for 2 minutes or until melted and smooth, stirring to combine.
- Drizzle Caramel: Evenly drizzle the melted caramel over the pretzels and chocolate layer, covering as much area as possible.
- Top with Remaining Chocolate: Drizzle the remaining melted chocolate over the caramel and pretzel layer in a decorative pattern.
- Sprinkle Sea Salt: Generously sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top to enhance the flavors with a salty crunch.
- Set the Bark: Chill the baking sheet in the refrigerator until the bark is fully set, about 1 to 2 hours. Alternatively, let it set at room temperature for approximately 2 hours if fridge space is limited.
- Serve: Once set, remove the bark from the parchment paper and cut or break into pieces for serving or gifting.
Notes
- If you prefer a softer caramel texture, increase the heavy cream to 3 tablespoons.
- The bark can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerated for up to two weeks.
- Use good quality semi-sweet chocolate for best flavor and texture.
- Flaky sea salt is recommended for optimal crunch and flavor contrast.
- Feel free to substitute pretzels with pretzel sticks or twists to vary the texture.
- For a nutty variation, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or almonds on top before setting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 1.5 oz)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 7 mg
Keywords: salted caramel pretzel bark, pretzel chocolate bark, caramel chocolate bark, no bake dessert, easy holiday treat, salted caramel recipe
