Salted Chocolate and Caramel Pretzel Bars? Yes, please — I’m totally hooked! There’s something magical about the way rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and a sprinkle of sea salt come together. It’s the kind of flavor combo that feels both indulgent and perfectly balanced. These Salted Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bars are seriously the easiest homemade treat you’ll make that tastes like a fancy candy bar. What I love most? Only FOUR simple ingredients and zero need for candy thermometers or fancy gear. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these bars are basically foolproof — and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to try them.
How to Make Chocolate and Caramel Pretzel Bars
First things first, melt your chocolate — and please, use good-quality chocolate chips! I’m a big fan of Ghirardelli for melting because they’re rich and smooth, but honestly, if you have a couple of Hershey’s chocolate bars lying around, those work just fine too. Once your chocolate is silky and melted, spread it out on a piece of parchment paper. Don’t stress about making it perfect or even — that rustic look is part of the charm.
Next, toss on a handful of pretzels. They don’t have to be in a neat little row or anything — just scatter them around so every bite gets that salty crunch. Now for the best part: generously drizzle the warm, melted caramel over the pretzels. This is what holds everything together and gives the bars their signature gooey, sweet contrast. For the caramel, I swear by Kraft Caramel Bits — no unwrapping mess, and they melt to the perfect smoothness. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can totally make your own caramel from scratch, and I can share my favorite homemade caramel recipe anytime!
Once the caramel is on, pour a little more melted chocolate over the top, then sprinkle everything with a pinch of flaky sea salt. That salty-sweet combo? Absolute perfection.
These bars are basically foolproof and insanely addictive. I took them to my husband’s office cookie exchange last Christmas, and let me tell you, they were a total hit. Everyone was raving about them, and honestly, it’s a little embarrassing how easy they are to make — but I’ll keep that between us. 😉
They’re also fantastic for Valentine’s Day or honestly anytime you want a little treat that feels fancy but takes minutes. You don’t need a special reason—just a craving for something sweet and a touch of care.
Enjoy every gooey, crunchy bite!
Tips for Success
Choose Quality Chocolate: Using good-quality semi-sweet chocolate like Ghirardelli makes a noticeable difference in flavor and smoothness. It melts more evenly and gives your bars a rich, glossy finish.
Melt Chocolate Slowly: Whether you use a microwave or double boiler, melt the chocolate gently on low heat. Stir frequently to avoid burning or seizing, which can ruin the texture.
Work Quickly but Carefully: Once you spread the melted chocolate, add the pretzels right away while it’s still soft. Press them lightly so they stick, but don’t press too hard or the chocolate may thin out too much.
Even Caramel Distribution: When melting the caramel bits, add a little water to help them melt smoothly and stir thoroughly. Drizzle the caramel evenly over the pretzels to get that perfect balance of gooey caramel in every bite.
Sea Salt Sprinkle: Don’t skip the sea salt! It enhances the flavors by balancing sweetness and adds a delightful crunch. Sprinkle it just after drizzling the chocolate so it sticks well.
Chill Properly: Refrigerate the bars until they’re fully hardened—this usually takes at least 30 minutes. This step ensures they hold their shape and make clean cuts.
Cut with Care: Use a sharp knife to cut the bars or tear them apart gently for a rustic look. If the bars are very cold, allow them to rest at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting to prevent them from cracking.
Salted Chocolate and Caramel Pretzel Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips I recommend Ghirardelli – melts smooth and tastes amazing.
- 8 ounces of mini pretzel twists, which is about half of a standard 16-ounce bag.
- 11 oz Kraft Caramel Bits Or use homemade caramel if you have the time—both work beautifully.
- Flaky sea salt For sprinkling on top—don’t skip it, that salty crunch makes all the difference!
Instructions
Prepare your pan:
- Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
Melt the base chocolate:
- Place 8 ounces of chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl.
- Warm the chocolate in the microwave on a low power setting, stirring every 15 seconds until it’s fully melted and has a smooth, glossy texture.
Create the base layer:
- Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly.
- Use a spatula to smooth it out evenly into a thin layer.
Add the pretzels:
- As long as the chocolate remains warm, arrange the pretzel twists over it.
- It's perfectly okay if the pretzels overlap a bit—gently press them into the chocolate so they stick well.
Melt the caramel:
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, mix together the caramel bits and 2 tablespoons of water.
- Microwave on high for about 2 minutes (or follow package directions).
- Stir until smooth.
Drizzle the caramel:
- Ladle or drizzle the warm caramel generously over the pretzels, ensuring they are well coated.
Add the top chocolate drizzle:
- Melt the remaining 4 ounces of chocolate chips using the same method as before.
- Pour the melted chocolate gently over the caramel layer, letting it flow evenly to cover the surface smoothly.
Finish with sea salt:
- While the topping is still warm, lightly dust the surface with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
Chill until set:
- Place the tray in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm.
Break and serve:
- Once set, cut into bars or break apart into pieces.
- Keep refrigerated or store in a cool spot until you’re ready to eat.
Now it’s your turn! Have you tried making these Salted Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bars, or do you have your own twist on this sweet and salty combo? Drop a comment below and let me know how yours turned out—or share any fun variations you love. I’m always excited to hear your delicious ideas!
