Irresistible Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Sweet meets salty in this irresistible salted caramel pretzel bark that promises pure indulgence.

Crunchy pretzels create a perfect base for a decadent caramel layer that melts in your mouth.

The combination of rich chocolate and delicate sea salt elevates this simple treat to a gourmet experience.

Every bite delivers a symphony of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

Homemade desserts rarely come this easy or delicious.

The secret lies in layering quality ingredients with minimal effort.

Prepare to be the star of any gathering with this crowd-pleasing chocolate bark that disappears faster than you can slice it.

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark

• Chocolate Chips: Provides the smooth, rich foundation for the bark and creates a delectable chocolate layer.

• Pretzels: Adds a delightful crunch and salty contrast to the sweet chocolate and caramel.

• Caramels, Heavy Cream: Combines to create a silky, smooth caramel drizzle that adds richness and depth to the bark.
• Flakey Sea Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a perfect salty-sweet balance and provides a gourmet finishing touch.

How to Make Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to create a non-stick surface for easy preparation and cleanup.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate Smoothly

Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl using 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle until the chocolate becomes completely smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Create Chocolate Base

Pour two-thirds of the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet.

Spread it evenly using a spatula to form a thin, uniform layer.

Step 4: Add Pretzel Layer

Scatter pretzels across the melted chocolate.

Press them gently into the chocolate to ensure they stick well.

Don’t worry about perfect placement – a rustic look adds charm.

Step 5: Craft Caramel Drizzle

• Caramels
• Heavy cream

Microwave for about 2 minutes, stirring midway, until the mixture becomes completely smooth and pourable.

Step 6: Create Delicious Topping

Drizzle the caramel mixture evenly over the pretzel-covered chocolate.

Use the remaining melted chocolate to create a second drizzle layer on top of the caramel.

Step 7: Finish With Sea Salt

Sprinkle a pinch of flakey sea salt across the entire surface to enhance the flavor profile.

Step 8: Set and Serve

Chill the bark in the refrigerator for approximately one hour, or let it set at room temperature for two hours.

Once firm, cut into pieces using a sharp knife and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Pretzel Bark Results

• Microwave chocolate in short 30-second bursts, stirring between each interval to ensure smooth melting without scorching.
• Scatter pretzels casually over melted chocolate for an imperfect, artisanal look that adds homemade charm to the bark.
• Mix caramels with heavy cream to keep the caramel fluid and easily drizzlable, preventing clumping or hardening.
• Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top to create a delightful sweet-and-salty contrast that elevates the entire dessert.
• Set the bark in the refrigerator for one hour or at room temperature for two hours, depending on your available space and time constraints.

Storage and Reheating for Pretzel Bark

• Store bark in an airtight container between parchment paper layers. Keeps fresh for up to 7 days when chilled at 40°F or below. Seal container tightly to prevent moisture absorption.
• Wrap bark pieces individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Place bark in sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Best consumed within 3 days. Keep in cool, dry area to maintain crisp texture.
• Let bark sit in covered container at steady 70°F. Avoid humid environments. Consume within 48 hours for optimal taste and crunchiness.

Best Pairings for Salted Caramel Bark

• Savor Contrasting Wine Pairing: Bold red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon complement the sweet and salty bark, cutting through richness with their tannic structure and enhancing the caramel's deep flavors.
• Craft Cocktail Companion: Mix a classic Old Fashioned with bourbon, highlighting the caramel's sweetness and matching the bark's complex flavor profile through whiskey's warm, smooth undertones.
• Sweet Beverage Match: Cold brew coffee creates a delightful contrast, its slightly bitter notes balancing the bark's sugary elements while providing a refreshing counterpoint to the rich chocolate and caramel.
• Unexpected Flavor Harmony: Port wine offers a luscious, sweet experience that intensifies the dessert's caramel notes, creating a decadent pairing that elevates the entire tasting experience.

Creative Add-ins for Pretzel Bark Recipes

• Gluten-Free Pretzel Delight: Replace traditional pretzels with gluten-free pretzels or crispy rice cereal for a celiac-friendly version. Use dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut cream as alternatives to create a safe, delicious treat.
• Vegan Chocolate Bark: Swap milk chocolate chips with dairy-free dark chocolate. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and replace caramels with vegan caramel sauce made from dates and maple syrup. Sprinkle with coconut flakes for extra texture.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free chocolate chips and a monk fruit caramel sauce. Select dark chocolate with higher cocoa content to reduce overall sugar. Top with chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for added crunch and nutrition.
• Nutty Caramel Variation: Add chopped almonds, pecans, or macadamia nuts alongside pretzels for extra protein and crunch. Drizzle with almond butter caramel sauce for a rich, nutty flavor profile that elevates the traditional recipe.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the chocolate from burning when melting?

Use 30-second microwave increments and stir between each interval. This technique ensures even melting and prevents scorching.

• Can I use different types of chocolate?

Yes! Milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate work perfectly. Choose your favorite or mix different chocolate types for unique flavor combinations.

• What's the purpose of adding heavy cream to the caramel?

Heavy cream helps create a smoother, more fluid caramel that’s easier to drizzle and prevents the caramel from becoming too hard or sticky.

• Why add sea salt to this recipe?

Sea salt enhances the sweet caramel and chocolate flavors by creating a delicious sweet-salty contrast. It adds depth and balances the overall taste of the bark.

What Makes Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark So Addictive

• Super simple recipe requiring just a few basic ingredients and minimal kitchen skills, perfect for beginners or busy home cooks wanting a quick sweet treat.
• Creates an irresistible flavor combination that tantalizes taste buds with chocolate's richness, caramel's sweetness, and pretzels' satisfying crunch, guaranteed to please everyone.
• Ideal for casual gatherings, potlucks, movie nights, or homemade gifts, this bark offers maximum impact with minimal effort and looks impressively gourmet without complicated techniques.
• Adaptable recipe allowing easy customization with different chocolate types, optional nut additions, or creative toppings, making it a go-to dessert for spontaneous sweet cravings.

Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Salty-sweet caramel pretzel bark delights chocolate enthusiasts with its perfect blend of crunchy pretzels and rich, smooth caramel. Layers of indulgence melt together, creating a irresistible treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chocolate Base:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Pretzels:

• 8 ounces (227 grams) pretzels

Caramel and Finishing Ingredients:

• 11 ounces (312 grams) caramels
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) heavy cream
• Sea salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to ensure easy release and cleanup.
2. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl using 30-second intervals, stirring between each to prevent burning. Continue until chocolate becomes completely smooth and glossy.
3. Pour approximately two-thirds of the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly into a thin, uniform layer using a spatula.
4. Distribute pretzels across the chocolate surface, gently pressing them to ensure they adhere securely. Allow for a rustic, irregular arrangement.
5. Combine caramels and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 2 minutes, stirring midway, until the mixture becomes completely smooth and fluid.
6. Carefully drizzle the caramel mixture evenly over the pretzel-covered chocolate layer.
7. Use the remaining melted chocolate to create an artistic drizzle pattern across the caramel surface, enhancing both visual appeal and flavor complexity.
8. Sprinkle a delicate layer of flakey sea salt over the entire bark to elevate the taste profile.
9. Refrigerate for approximately 1 hour or allow to set at room temperature for 2 hours until completely firm.
10. Once set, use a sharp knife to cut the bark into irregular, bite-sized pieces for serving.

Notes

• Use a double boiler for more precise melting and to prevent chocolate from burning, ensuring a smooth, glossy finish every time.
• Break pretzels into smaller pieces for more even coverage and a better chocolate-to-pretzel ratio, creating a more balanced bite.
• Add a touch of butter to the caramel mixture for extra silkiness and prevent crystallization, resulting in a more luxurious drizzle.
• Swap regular chocolate for dairy-free chocolate and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream to make this treat vegan-friendly and inclusive.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 202
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg