Description
A simple yet decadent no-bake dessert combining sweet and salty flavors, perfect for busy home cooks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk (or vegan alternative)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (or almond extract)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (dark chocolate for a healthier option)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pretzel Base: Crush the mini pretzels into coarse crumbs.
- Mix the Base Ingredients: Combine the crushed pretzels, cocoa powder, and melted butter in a bowl.
- Form the Base: Press the pretzel mixture into the bottom of a lined 9×9 inch baking dish.
- Cook the Caramel Mixture: In a saucepan, combine brown sugar and sweetened condensed milk over medium heat, stirring continuously until thickened.
- Add Vanilla and Salt: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt.
- Pour Caramel Over Pretzel Base: Spread the caramel mixture evenly over the pretzel base.
- Add the Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle chocolate chips on top and spread when slightly melted.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours until set.
- Cut and Serve: Lift the bars out and cut into squares or rectangles.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pretzels. Consider using nut butter instead of butter for added protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: no-bake dessert, salted caramel, pretzel bars, easy recipes, quick treats
