No-Bake Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars

These No-Bake Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars are everything you want in a quick holiday treat crispy, salty, sweet, buttery, and unbelievably addictive. With a crunchy pretzel base, creamy stovetop caramel, and an optional chocolate layer that makes them downright irresistible, this recipe is perfect for Christmas parties, potlucks, movie nights, or last-minute dessert cravings. No oven, no fuss, maximum deliciousness!

Ingredients

• 4 cups mini pretzels, crushed (not powdered just broken into pieces)
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
• Optional but amazing: 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips or chopped chocolate for the topping

Instructions

1. Prepare the base

Line a 20 × 20 cm square pan with parchment paper.
Spread the crushed pretzels evenly across the bottom of the pan.

2. Make the no-bake caramel

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the brown sugar and stir until dissolved.
Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens and turns a rich caramel color.

3. Assemble the bars

Pour the hot caramel evenly over the pretzels, gently pressing down to help it adhere.
If using chocolate, sprinkle it over the hot caramel so it melts, then spread with a spatula.
Cool at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, then refrigerate for 1 hour to set fully.

4. Cut and enjoy

Lift from the pan, slice into bars or squares, and enjoy!
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Variations

• Salted Caramel Version
  Add a generous pinch of flaky sea salt on top before chilling for a gourmet sweet–salty finish.
• Nutty Crunch Bars
  Mix in chopped pecans, almonds, or peanuts with the pretzels for extra texture and flavor.
• Double Pretzel Layer
  Add an extra layer of pretzels on top of the caramel before adding chocolate for ultra-crunchy bars.
• White Chocolate Drizzle
  Melt white chocolate and drizzle over the top for a pretty holiday look.

Cooking Notes

• Keep the caramel moving constant stirring prevents burning and ensures smooth texture.
• The caramel will thicken noticeably; if it darkens too fast, lower the heat.
• For clean slices, chill fully and use a sharp knife dipped in hot water.
• Crushing pretzels by hand or in a bag gives the best textur not too fine, not too chunky.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve cold for a firmer, candy-bar texture or room temperature for a softer bite.
• Add them to Christmas cookie trays for the perfect mix of sweet, salty, and buttery.
• Wrap individually for easy party favors or edible gifts.
• Pair with hot cocoa, coffee, or a holiday movie marathon.

Tips

• Press pretzels down firmly so the caramel grabs onto them as it sets.
• Use high-quality chocolate if adding a topping it melts smoother and tastes richer.
• For a faster set, freeze for 20–25 minutes, then slice.
• Add a sprinkle of sea salt on the chocolate layer for extra depth and balance.

Prep Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• + Time: 1 hour chilling
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Bar approx.)

• Calories: ~230
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 13g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these without chocolate?
   Yes they’re delicious with or without the chocolate layer.
2. Why did my caramel separate?
   It may have heated too fast. Keep the heat on medium and stir constantly.
3. Can I use pretzel sticks instead of mini pretzels?
   Absolutely! Just break them into bite-sized pieces.
4. Do these freeze well?
   Yes freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Conclusion

These No-Bake Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars deliver the perfect blend of sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy all with just a few ingredients and no oven required. Easy, festive, and dangerously addictive, they’ll become your go-to holiday dessert and year-round party favorite. Enjoy every delicious bite!

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