Go Back
- 2 cups pretzel sticks - 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips - 1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped - 2 tablespoons heavy cream - Sea salt, for sprinkling - Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (e.g., pecans or almonds) For this Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bark, the main ingredients make it special. The pretzel sticks give a nice crunch. The semisweet chocolate chips add a rich flavor. The caramel candies create a sweet layer that binds everything nicely. The heavy cream is key for melting the caramel. It helps the caramel become smooth and easy to pour. A sprinkle of sea salt brings out the sweetness. If you want a nutty flavor, add chopped nuts. Pecans or almonds work great. These simple ingredients combine to create a treat that is hard to resist. Each bite has a mix of sweet, salty, and crunchy. You can make this bark for any occasion. It’s perfect for sharing or enjoying yourself! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Make sure the paper extends over the edges for easy removal later. - Spread 2 cups of pretzel sticks evenly on the baking sheet. Form a single layer. - Bake the pretzels for 5 minutes. This will make them crisp and boost their flavor. - In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of caramel candies and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. - Heat the mixture in the microwave in 30-second increments. Stir between each heating until the caramel is smooth. Be careful not to overheat it. - Take the warm pretzels from the oven. Immediately pour the melted caramel over them. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. - In another bowl, melt 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips. Use the same microwave method—30 seconds at a time—until smooth and creamy. - Drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel-covered pretzels. You can spread it gently with a spatula if you like. - If you want to add nuts, sprinkle 1/4 cup of chopped nuts over the chocolate layer while it’s still soft. Press them down lightly. - Finish by sprinkling a pinch of sea salt over the top. This adds a nice contrast to the sweet flavors. - Let the bark cool at room temperature until it sets. You can speed this up by placing it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. - Once set, lift the bark from the baking sheet using the edges of the parchment paper. Break it into pieces as you desire. To make the best chocolate caramel pretzel bark, start by baking your pretzels. Ensure they are evenly baked. This step enhances their crunch and flavor. It only takes 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. When melting chocolate and caramel, patience is key. Use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the caramel candies with the heavy cream in 30-second bursts. Stir between each interval. This helps you avoid overheating. Overheating can cause the chocolate to seize or the caramel to become too thick. Serve your bark with fun beverages. A glass of cold milk pairs well with the sweet flavors. You can also try it with coffee or hot cocoa. If you want something sweet, serve it with vanilla ice cream. The combinations are endless! Feel free to get creative with your bark! Add spices like cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne for a kick. You can also switch up the nuts. Use pecans, almonds, or leave them out for nut-free options. If you want vegan bark, choose dairy-free chocolate and caramel. This makes it suitable for all. Pro Tips Choose the Right Chocolate: Use high-quality semisweet chocolate chips for the best flavor. They melt smoothly and provide a rich chocolatey taste that complements the caramel and pretzels perfectly. Caramel Consistency Matters: Ensure your caramel mixture is smooth and not too thick. If it's too thick, it won't spread easily over the pretzels, so adjust with a little more cream if necessary. Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to customize the bark with different toppings such as crushed candies, mini marshmallows, or even a drizzle of white chocolate for extra flair. Storage Tips: Store the chocolate caramel pretzel bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to store it longer, consider refrigerating it to maintain freshness. {{image_2}} You can change the chocolate in your bark. Semisweet chocolate adds richness. If you want something sweeter, try white chocolate. White chocolate gives a creamy taste. Dark chocolate offers a bold flavor. It pairs well with caramel and pretzels. Choose what you love best. You can even mix chocolates for fun! Adding flavorings makes your bark special. You can stir in vanilla extract to enhance the taste. Just a drop can change everything. If you like a minty twist, try peppermint extract. It gives the bark a fresh zing. Experiment with flavors you enjoy. The options are endless! Make your bark festive for holidays. For Halloween, add orange and black sprinkles. For Christmas, use red and green sprinkles. You can even shape the bark into hearts for Valentine’s Day. Seasonal touches make it more fun to share. Let your creativity shine with these ideas! To keep your Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bark fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure the bark is completely cool before you seal it. This helps keep it crunchy. You can place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Store it at room temperature for best taste. If you want to freeze the bark, cut it into pieces first. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This way, they stay fresh and easy to grab. To thaw, just take out a piece and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can also pop it in the fridge for a quicker thaw. When stored properly, the bark lasts about one week at room temperature. If you keep it in the fridge, it can last up to two weeks. Just check for any signs of moisture or changes in texture. If it starts to get soft, it’s best to toss it. Keeping the bark away from heat and light helps it last longer. If you need a pretzel substitute, you have options. Use rice cakes for a gluten-free choice. They add a nice crunch. You can also use popcorn for a lighter treat. If you want lower sodium, try unsalted crackers. They work well too. Each option offers a unique taste and texture. Yes, you can switch up the chocolate. Dark chocolate adds a rich flavor. Milk chocolate gives a sweet twist. You can even use white chocolate for a creamy result. Each chocolate type changes the bark's taste. Choose based on your favorite flavors. The bark usually takes about 30 minutes to set in the fridge. If you leave it at room temperature, it may take longer. Check the bark until it is firm. Once set, you can break it into pieces and enjoy! You learned how to make a delicious pretzel bark using a few simple ingredients. Each step, from baking to melting, makes this treat easy and fun. You can customize it with your favorite flavors and toppings. Store it right to keep it fresh, or even freeze some for later. This bark is perfect for sharing or enjoying alone. Use these tips to impress your friends and family. Enjoy making this tasty snack!

Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bark

A deliciously sweet and salty treat made with pretzel sticks, melted caramel, and chocolate.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups pretzel sticks
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 pinch sea salt, for sprinkling
  • 0.25 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring it extends over the edges for easy removal later.
  • Spread the pretzel sticks evenly on the prepared baking sheet, forming a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes.
  • While the pretzels are baking, melt the caramel candies with the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.
  • Remove the pretzels from the oven and immediately pour the melted caramel over them, spreading it evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
  • In another microwave-safe bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate chips in the same manner—30 seconds at a time—until fully melted and smooth.
  • Drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel-covered pretzels, using a spatula to spread it gently if desired.
  • If using chopped nuts, sprinkle them over the chocolate layer while it’s still soft, pressing them down lightly to adhere.
  • Finally, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top to enhance the sweetness of the chocolate and caramel.
  • Allow the bark to cool at room temperature until set, or you can speed up the process by placing it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
  • Once set, lift the bark from the baking sheet using the edges of the parchment paper and break it into pieces as desired.

Notes

For added crunch, consider using different types of nuts.
Keyword bark, caramel, chocolate, dessert, pretzel