No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pretzel sticks
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
Directions:
- Begin by preparing an 8×8 inch square baking pan. Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pretzel sticks and graham cracker crumbs. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Pour the melted butter into the pretzel and graham cracker mixture. Add the brown sugar and mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Press it down firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan to create a solid base. Use the back of a measuring cup or your hands to ensure it is packed tightly.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and half of the caramel sauce. Stir continuously until the mixture is heated through and well combined, about 3-5 minutes. Do not bring it to a boil.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the pressed pretzel base in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the caramel layer. Allow the chocolate chips to sit for a minute to soften, then gently press them into the caramel with the spatula.
- Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the chocolate chips, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Finish by sprinkling a generous amount of sea salt over the top.
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 3 hours or until fully set. Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
- Cut into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife. Serve and enjoy your no-bake salted caramel pretzel bars