Why You’ll Love Quick No‑Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars Recipe

These bars are perfect for busy days when you want a homemade dessert without the hassle of baking. The combination of salty pretzels, rich peanut butter, caramel‑like sweetness, and chocolate makes each bite incredibly satisfying. Plus, they chill in the fridge instead of baking, so cleanup is easier and the kitchen stays cool.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pretzel sticks
creamy peanut butter
light brown sugar
unsalted butter
vanilla extract
semi‑sweet chocolate chips
sea salt

Directions

Line an 8×8‑inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy lifting.
Crush the pretzel sticks in a large bowl until mostly broken into smaller pieces, but still with texture.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the peanut butter, brown sugar, and butter. Stir until everything is melted together and smooth.
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the crushed pretzels and mix until they are well coated.
Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish, spreading into an even layer.
Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave‑safe bowl in 30‑second increments, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
Pour the melted chocolate over the pretzel‑peanut butter layer and spread evenly.
Sprinkle sea salt on top to enhance the sweet and salty flavor.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate has set.
Lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment overhang and cut into squares.

Servings and timing

Makes about 16 bars
Prep time: ~15 minutes
Chilling time: ~1 hour
Total time: ~1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Peanut‑free version: Swap the peanut butter with sunflower seed or other nut‑free spread.
Extra crunch: Sprinkle crushed nuts or toffee bits over the chocolate layer before chilling.
Chocolate twist: After the semi‑sweet chocolate sets, drizzle melted white chocolate on top for extra sweetness.
Vegan option: Use plant‑based butter and dairy‑free chocolate chips.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to about 7 days.
You can also freeze the bars by wrapping them tightly and placing them in a freezer‑safe container for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

How long do these bars need to chill?

They should chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate layer is firm.

Can I make these nut‑free?

Yes — substitute peanut butter with a nut‑free spread like sunflower seed butter.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi‑sweet?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate gives a richer, slightly less sweet flavor.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes — you can make them a day ahead and store them chilled until serving.

Why is sea salt added on top?

The sea salt enhances the sweet flavors and creates a balanced sweet‑salty profile.

Can these be frozen?

Yes — wrap and freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw in the fridge.

What size pan should I use?

An 8×8‑inch pan works well, but similar sizes can be used.

Do I need a food processor to crush the pretzels?

No — you can crush pretzels by hand using a rolling pin or other heavy object.

Is it okay if the bars are a little soft after chilling?

If the bars are too soft, chill longer until the chocolate is fully set.

Can I add caramel sauce between layers?

You could add a layer of caramel sauce before the chocolate for extra caramel flavor.

Conclusion

These Quick No‑Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars are a delightful treat that brings together sweet, salty, and crunchy elements in an easy, no‑bake dessert. Whether you’re serving friends, family, or just craving something delicious, this recipe is both quick to make and satisfying to eat.

Quick No‑Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars

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These Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars are a perfect sweet and salty treat. Made with crunchy pretzels, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate, they’re easy to make and require no oven time!

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 24 bars
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

4 cups pretzels
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Flaky sea salt, for topping

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Instructions

Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and spread the pretzels evenly in the bottom.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring constantly until it starts to boil.
Let it boil for 3-4 minutes without stirring to create the caramel.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Immediately pour the caramel over the pretzels, spreading it evenly.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes (optional to help set the caramel).
Remove from oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips on top. Let sit for 2-3 minutes to melt.
Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the caramel layer.
Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour until set, then cut into bars.

Notes

You can customize with peanut butter chips or white chocolate chips.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Make sure to use parchment paper for easy removal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 210
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 160mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 20mg