Introduction

These Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars are a perfect sweet treat for any time you crave a combination of salty, sweet, and creamy flavors. Easy to make without an oven, they offer a delightful mix of crunchy pretzel crust, rich caramel, and a fluffy topping.

A close-up of a dessert bar made of four layered squares on a white plate, placed on a white marbled texture surface. The bottom layer is a crunchy, golden brown crust. Above it is a thick, creamy white layer. The third layer is a glossy, rich caramel sauce that drips slightly down the sides. On top, each square is decorated with a swirl of smooth, white whipped cream, crowned by a small golden brown pretzel sprinkled with coarse white salt crystals. The scene is softly lit, giving the dessert a warm and inviting look. 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 the pretzel crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish to form an even crust layer.
Step 2: Drizzle the caramel sauce over the pretzel crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Sprinkle the sea salt on top of the caramel layer.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
Step 4: Spread the whipped cream mixture over the caramel layer in the baking dish, smoothing it out to create an even top layer.
Step 5: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the bars are firm and set.
Step 6: Once chilled, remove from the refrigerator. Cut into squares and serve your delightful salted caramel pretzel bars.

Tips & Variations

Use homemade caramel sauce for a richer flavor or try a salted caramel variety for an extra salty kick.
For added texture, sprinkle some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the caramel before adding the whipped cream.
If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the powdered sugar in the whipped cream topping.
Swap pretzel crumbs with graham cracker crumbs for a different but delicious crust flavor.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to enjoy again, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before serving. These bars do not freeze well due to the whipped cream topping.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a multi-layered dessert bar on a white rectangular plate, resting on a white marbled surface. The dessert has a crumbly, light brown crust as the first layer, topped by a thick, creamy white layer. Above this is a smooth, glossy caramel layer that slightly drips down the sides. On top, there are swirls of white whipped cream, each topped with a small, salted pretzel showing a shiny brown color with coarse white salt crystals. The focus is sharp on the front pretzel and cream, with a softly blurred background of warm light spots. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them up to two days in advance and keep them refrigerated, making them great for parties or gatherings.

What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?

Heavy cream is ideal for whipping, but you could try chilled coconut cream as a dairy-free alternative, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different.