Description
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
Line a 20 × 20 cm square pan with parchment paper.
Spread the crushed pretzels evenly across the bottom of the pan.
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.
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.
Lift from the pan, slice into bars or squares, and enjoy!
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Candy, No-Bake
- Method: No-Bake, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: no-bake dessert, caramel pretzel bars, Christmas crack bars, pretzel caramel squares, holiday treats