Description
A quick and easy sweet-and-salty snack made with crunchy pretzels, gooey caramel, rich chocolate, and flaky sea salt. Perfect for game day or any last-minute gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (200g) mini pretzels or pretzel twists
- 11 ounces (310g) soft caramels, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (175g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon (5g) flaky sea salt, plus more for garnish
- Optional: 1/4 cup (30g) crushed pretzels for extra crunch
- Optional: 1/4 cup (40g) white chocolate chips for drizzle
Instructions
- Line a 13×18-inch baking sheet with parchment paper, letting it hang over the edges. Spread 4 cups of mini pretzels in an even layer on the pan.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels, heavy cream, and butter. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until completely smooth (about 2-3 minutes total).
- Pour the melted caramel over the pretzels and use a silicone spatula to spread it evenly, coating all pretzels. Work quickly as caramel sets fast.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until smooth and glossy. Pour over the caramel layer and spread gently, leaving some swirls if desired.
- Sprinkle the flaky sea salt evenly over the chocolate. Add optional toppings like crushed pretzels or white chocolate drizzle now.
- Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until completely firm (2 hours recommended).
- Once set, lift the bark out using the parchment paper. Place on a cutting board and cut into irregular pieces with a sharp knife. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Notes
For best results, use fresh crunchy pretzels and work quickly when spreading caramel. If caramel thickens, reheat in microwave for 10 seconds. For a dairy-free version, use vegan caramels and dairy-free chocolate chips. The bark tastes even better after sitting overnight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 ounces (about 4 pi
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 280
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: salted caramel, pretzel bark, football bark, game day snack, sweet and salty, easy dessert, no-bake