Introduction

These Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars are the perfect treat for anyone craving a sweet and salty combination. Easy to make and no oven required, they feature a crunchy pretzel crust, gooey caramel, and a light creamy topping. They’re sure to satisfy your dessert cravings in no time.

The image shows a close-up of individual dessert bars arranged on a white rectangular plate. Each bar has four visible layers: the bottom layer is a thick, crumbly golden-brown crust, above it is a smooth, creamy white layer, then a glossy caramel layer that drips slightly down the sides, and the top layer has a swirl of fluffy white whipped cream. Each swirl is topped with a small, shiny brown pretzel sprinkled with coarse sea salt. The background has soft, warm lighting with blurred shapes, and the dessert sits on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups pretzel crumbs (crushed pretzels)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine pretzel crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined.
Step 2: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish to form an even crust layer.
Step 3: Drizzle caramel sauce over the pretzel crust and spread evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle sea salt on top.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, whipping until stiff peaks form.
Step 5: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the caramel layer in the baking dish.
Step 6: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm and set.
Step 7: After chilling, cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

Use homemade caramel sauce for a richer flavor or add a pinch of cinnamon to the crust for a warm spice note.
Press the pretzel crust firmly to prevent the bars from falling apart when sliced.
For an extra touch, sprinkle crushed pretzels on top of the whipped cream before chilling.
Replace the heavy cream topping with mascarpone cheese whipped with a bit of sugar for a tangier finish.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, you can let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. These bars do not freeze well as the creamy topping may separate upon thawing.

How to Serve

A square dessert with four visible layers sits on a white plate over a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a crumbly, golden-brown crust. Above this is a thick white creamy layer that looks smooth and soft. The third layer is a glossy, rich caramel that drips slightly down the sides. On top, there are white whipped cream swirls with three small, brown pretzels arranged on the cream, sprinkled with coarse white salt. The focus is close, showing the texture of each layer and decoration clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the butter with a vegan alternative, use a dairy-free caramel sauce, and replace the heavy cream with coconut cream whipped to stiff peaks.

How do I crush pretzels easily?

Place pretzels in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin or heavy pan to crush them evenly. You can also pulse them a few times in a food processor, but be careful not to over-process into powder.