Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark

The world of desserts is vast and varied, but few flavor combinations are as universally beloved as that of salty and sweet. This delicious juxtaposition tantalizes the taste buds and creates an indulgent experience that keeps dessert lovers coming back for more. Among the myriad of salty-sweet treats, salted caramel pretzel bark stands out as a true crowd-pleaser. This delightful confection combines the rich, buttery notes of caramel with the satisfying crunch of pretzels, all enveloped in luscious chocolate. It's a perfect harmony of flavors and textures, making it an ideal snack for various occasions.

Indulge in the perfect balance of salty and sweet with homemade salted caramel pretzel bark. This easy-to-make treat combines crunchy pretzels, rich chocolate, and luscious caramel for a dessert that's sure to impress. Ideal for gatherings, gifts, or cozy nights in, this bark is a delicious crowd-pleaser that showcases a delightful interplay of flavors and textures. Follow our simple guide to create your own batch of this irresistible snack and enjoy every decadent bite!

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Ingredients

2 cups pretzel rods, broken into large pieces

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup milk chocolate chips

1 cup soft caramel candies

1/4 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or pecans)

Instructions

Prepare the Baking Sheet:

Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring some paper hangs over the edges for easy lifting later. Set this aside as you prepare the other components.

Melt the Chocolates:

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolates have melted into a smooth mixture. Be cautious to avoid overheating, as burnt chocolate can lose its creamy texture.

Spread the Chocolate Layer:

Pour the melted chocolate blend into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom with a spatula. Gently tap the dish on the counter to eliminate any air bubbles. Place the dish in the refrigerator for approximately 15-20 minutes to let the chocolate set.

Prepare the Caramel:

In a small saucepan, combine the soft caramel candies with the heavy cream. Heat this mixture over low heat, stirring continuously until the caramels melt completely and yield a smooth consistency. Once melted, remove from heat and mix in the vanilla extract and a teaspoon of sea salt.

Assemble the Bark:

After the chocolate layer has set, remove it from the refrigerator. Evenly sprinkle the broken pretzel pieces over the chocolate layer, applying gentle pressure to ensure they adhere. Pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over the pretzels, ensuring all pieces are coated with caramel.

Finish with More Chocolate:

If there is any remaining melted chocolate, briefly return it to the microwave to warm it slightly. Drizzle or pour this chocolate over the caramel pretzel layer, and with the help of a spatula, create a lovely marbled effect by swirling the layers together.

Add Extra Salt & Optional Nuts:

Top the bark with an additional sprinkle of sea salt for an enhanced flavor contrast. If you wish to add nuts for extra crunch, generously scatter them over the bark at this stage.

Chill and Set:

Refrigerate the assembled bark for at least 1 hour to allow it to set firmly.

Cut and Serve:

Once fully set, lift the bark out of the dish using the parchment overhang. Cut or break into pieces of your desired size, making sure to create a variety of shapes for an appealing presentation.

Store:

Store the salted caramel pretzel bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer freshness, keep it in the refrigerator.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 1 hour 30 minutes | Makes 12-16 pieces.

Enjoy your delectable salty-sweet creation!