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To make the salted caramel pretzel bark, gather the following ingredients: - 2 cups pretzel sticks - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 1/4 cup light corn syrup - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as pecans or walnuts) These ingredients create a perfect blend of sweet and salty. The pretzel sticks give the bark a nice crunch. The caramel adds sweetness, while the chocolate brings richness. Nuts can add extra flavor and texture if you like. Each ingredient plays a key role in making this treat so special. Keep everything ready, and let’s get cooking! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to stop sticking. This makes clean-up easy. 3. Arrange 2 cups of pretzel sticks on the baking sheet. Lay them flat and close together. 1. In a medium saucepan, mix together 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, 1/4 cup of light corn syrup, and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. 2. Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts and sugar dissolves. 3. Bring the mix to a rolling boil while stirring. You want it to bubble but not burn. 4. Cook for about 2-3 minutes. Look for a rich, golden-brown color. This shows the caramel is ready. 1. Carefully pour the caramel over the arranged pretzels. Make sure to cover them evenly. Use a spatula to help spread it if needed. 2. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. This lets the caramel soak into the pretzels. 3. Once done, take the baking sheet out and sprinkle 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips over the hot caramel pretzels. 4. Let the chocolate sit for 2 minutes to soften. Then, use a spatula to spread it evenly. 5. If you want, sprinkle 1/2 cup of chopped nuts and some extra sea salt on top for flavor. 6. Let the bark cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, chill it in the fridge for about an hour. 7. Once it’s hard, break the bark into pieces. Enjoy your salted caramel pretzel bark! To get smooth caramel, you need to mix it well. Stir constantly while it heats. This avoids burning and gives a nice texture. The caramel should be a rich golden-brown color. If it looks too dark, it may taste bitter. For even chocolate melting, sprinkle the chips right after baking. Let them sit for a couple of minutes. This way, the heat from the caramel melts the chocolate perfectly. After it softens, use a spatula to spread it evenly. This creates a smooth layer. To present your pretzel bark, use a colorful platter. Cut the bark into irregular pieces. This gives it a homemade look. Lightly sprinkle some sea salt on top for a nice finish. For drinks, serve it with hot chocolate or coffee. The warmth of these drinks complements the sweet and salty bark. You can also offer dips like creamy caramel or chocolate sauce. These add extra fun to your treat! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh pretzels and high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor and texture in your bark. Don’t Overcook the Caramel: Be mindful of the caramel's color; once it starts turning golden-brown, remove it from the heat to prevent burning. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or vanilla to the caramel for a unique twist on traditional flavors. Storage Tips: Store the bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain its crunchy texture. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your salted caramel pretzel bark quite easily. Try different types of chocolate. Dark chocolate gives a rich taste. White chocolate adds a sweet, creamy layer. Both choices can make your bark unique. You can also add spices for a fun twist. A pinch of cinnamon can warm up the flavor. If you like heat, add a bit of chili powder. This spice will surprise your taste buds. These simple changes can elevate your sweet treat. If you need a gluten-free option, swap pretzel sticks for gluten-free pretzels. Many brands offer tasty gluten-free snacks. You won’t lose the crunch or flavor. To cut down on sugar or calories, consider using sugar substitutes. You can find many options in stores today. Just check the package for the right amount to use. These changes will help you enjoy your treat without worry. To keep your pretzel bark fresh, store it in an airtight container. This will prevent moisture from ruining the crunchy texture. I recommend using a glass or plastic container with a tight seal. If you made a large batch, you can layer pieces between sheets of parchment paper. This helps avoid sticking. At room temperature, your pretzel bark will last about 5 days. Keep it in a cool, dry place. If you store it in the fridge, it can last up to 2 weeks. The cold can help it stay fresh longer. Just remember to let it come back to room temperature before serving. This way, it will be nice and crunchy again. Can I use other types of nuts? Yes! You can use many different nuts. Pecans and walnuts work well. Almonds or peanuts also add a nice crunch. Choose what you love best. Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make this treat a day or two ahead. Just store it in an airtight container. Keep it cool to maintain its crispy texture. How do I fix a grainy caramel sauce? Grainy caramel often comes from sugar crystals. If this happens, heat it gently and stir. If needed, add a splash of water. This helps smooth it out. Always stir well while cooking. This keeps your caramel nice and creamy. In this blog post, I shared a tasty recipe for salted caramel pretzel bark. We covered ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for perfecting your treat. You learned how to customize flavors and store your bark for freshness. This snack is fun and easy to make, and you can adjust it to fit your taste. Don't hesitate to try out new ideas and flavors. Enjoy making your pretzel bark and sharing it with friends!

Sweet & Salty Caramel Pretzel Bark

A delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors with crunchy pretzels, rich caramel, and melted chocolate.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups pretzel sticks
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Arrange the pretzel sticks on the prepared baking sheet in an even layer, ensuring that all the pretzels are flat and touching.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, light corn syrup, and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until the butter has melted and the sugar is fully dissolved.
  • Bring the mixture to a rolling boil while stirring constantly. Continue to cook for about 2-3 minutes or until the caramel reaches a rich, golden-brown color.
  • Remove the caramel sauce from heat and carefully pour it over the arranged pretzels, ensuring an even distribution over all surfaces. Use a spatula to gently spread the caramel if needed.
  • Bake the pretzel mixture in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, allowing the caramel to bubble and infuse into the pretzels.
  • Take the baking sheet out of the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot caramel pretzels. Let the chocolate sit for about 2 minutes to soften, then use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly across the surface.
  • If desired, sprinkle the chopped nuts and extra sea salt equally over the melted chocolate for added texture and flavor.
  • Cool the bark at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes. Then, move it to the refrigerator and let it chill for around an hour to allow it to set thoroughly.
  • Once hardened, break the bark into irregular pieces, suitable for serving.

Notes

Serve the pretzel bark pieces on a vibrant serving platter and give a delicate dusting of sea salt on top for an eye-catching finish.
Keyword bark, caramel, dessert, pretzel