The Art of Ultimate Caramel Pretzel Crack Bar Perfection

Perfect Crust Foundation Mastery

Master the technique of creating a firm, golden crust that supports all layers perfectly.

Caramel Cooking Excellence

Learn the skill of cooking caramel to ideal consistency while preventing burning or crystallization.

Chocolate Melting Perfection

Perfect the method of achieving smooth, glossy chocolate that sets beautifully.

Layer Assembly Technique

Master the art of building layers for optimal texture and structural integrity.

Cutting and Presentation Strategy

Learn professional techniques for clean cuts and attractive presentation.

Sweet & Salty Perfection Secrets for Ultimate Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars

Caramel Timing: Pour caramel while hot over pretzels to ensure proper adhesion and distribution.

Pretzel Size: Break pretzels into bite-sized pieces but not too small to maintain crunch.

Chocolate Quality: Use good quality chocolate chips for smooth, rich chocolate layer.

Temperature Control: Let each layer cool slightly before adding next to prevent mixing.

Clean Cuts: Use sharp knife and wipe clean between cuts for neat, professional squares.

Storage Wisdom: Store in cool, dry place to maintain optimal texture and prevent melting.

Ultimate Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars with Sea Salt Finish

Name: Ultimate Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars with Sea Salt Finish
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 24 bars
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Graham Crust:; 2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/2 cup melted butter; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; For the Pretzel Layer:; 4 cups mini pretzels, roughly broken; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon butter, melted; For the Caramel Base:; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup butter; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; For the Chocolate Topping:; 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; For the Finishing Touch:; 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt; 1/4 cup chopped pretzels; 2 tablespoons caramel sauce drizzle; For the Pan Preparation:; Parchment paper; Cooking spray; 9x13 inch baking pan; For the Binding Agent:; 2 tablespoons corn syrup

Irresistible caramel pretzel crack bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, crunchy pretzel layer, rich gooey caramel, and decadent chocolate topping finished with sea salt. These addictive sweet and salty bars combine the perfect crunch of pretzels with luxurious caramel and smooth chocolate, creating an unforgettable dessert experience that elevates the classic crack bar to extraordinary heights perfect for parties, potlucks, or any time you crave the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy textures.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

25 Minutes

Total Time

45 Minutes

Chef

RUY

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Graham Crust:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/2 cup melted butter

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Pretzel Layer:

4 cups mini pretzels, roughly broken

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon butter, melted

For the Caramel Base:

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Chocolate Topping:

12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/4 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Finishing Touch:

1 teaspoon flaky sea salt

1/4 cup chopped pretzels

2 tablespoons caramel sauce drizzle

For the Pan Preparation:

Parchment paper

Cooking spray

9x13 inch baking pan

For the Binding Agent:

2 tablespoons corn syrup

1 tablespoon glucose syrup (optional)

For the Texture Enhancement:

1/2 cup toasted pecans, chopped (optional)

1/4 cup toffee bits

For Special Equipment:

Heavy-bottomed saucepan

Candy thermometer

Offset spatula

Wire cooling rack

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F and line 9x13 pan with parchment paper.

Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt for crust.

Press crust mixture firmly into bottom of prepared pan.

Bake crust for 10 minutes until lightly golden and set.

Meanwhile, toss broken pretzels with brown sugar and melted butter.

Spread seasoned pretzels evenly over the baked crust layer.

Return to oven for 8-10 minutes until pretzels are lightly toasted.

For caramel, combine brown sugar, butter, and cream in heavy saucepan.

Cook caramel mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.

Remove caramel from heat and stir in vanilla and salt.

Pour hot caramel evenly over the pretzel layer immediately.

Allow caramel to set for 15 minutes at room temperature.

Melt chocolate chips with cream and butter in double boiler.

Stir chocolate mixture until smooth and glossy, add vanilla.

Pour melted chocolate over caramel layer, spreading evenly with offset spatula.

Sprinkle flaky sea salt and chopped pretzels over chocolate while warm.

Add toffee bits and toasted pecans if using for extra texture.

Drizzle additional caramel sauce decoratively over the top layer.

Refrigerate bars for at least 2 hours until completely set.

Use parchment paper to lift bars from pan before cutting.

Cut into 24 squares using sharp knife, wiping between cuts.

Store covered at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Serve at room temperature for best texture and flavor.

Can be frozen for up to 3 months for longer storage.

Perfect for parties, potlucks, or special occasion dessert tables.

Ultimate Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars with Sea Salt Finish

RUY

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Ultimate Caramel Pretzel Crack Bar Perfection

Ultimate Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars with Sea Salt Finish

Ingredients

Instructions