Dessert

No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars Recipe

Bylea Durate December 24, 2025December 24, 2025

Introduction

No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars combine crunchy pretzels, rich salted caramel, and smooth chocolate for a sweet and salty treat that’s easy to make. These bars require no baking and come together quickly, perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings with minimal effort.

A close-up shot of a dessert square with three visible layers on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a crumbly, rough-textured brown base, looking like crushed cookies. The middle layer is smooth and creamy white, sitting evenly above the base. The top layer is a rich, shiny caramel color with a thick, glossy texture, decorated with darker caramel drizzles in a wavy pattern and sprinkled with coarse flakes of sea salt scattered on top. The background is softly blurred with warm tones, making the dessert the clear focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups pretzels, crushed (can substitute with graham crackers)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
½ cup chocolate (dark or milk), melted

Instructions

Step 1: Crush the pretzels into coarse pieces and melt the butter. Mix them together until the pretzels are fully coated with butter.
Step 2: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of the dish to form the base.
Step 3: Pour the salted caramel sauce evenly over the pressed pretzel base and spread it out smoothly.
Step 4: Refrigerate the dish for 30 to 60 minutes, or until the caramel layer is firm.
Step 5: Melt the chocolate and drizzle it over the chilled caramel bars in an even layer.
Step 6: Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the dish. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.

Tips & Variations

For best results, press the pretzel mixture firmly to create a sturdy base that holds together well.
Use homemade caramel for a fresher taste or opt for store-bought caramel sauce for convenience.
Try topping with chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the texture and flavor.
Substitute pretzels with graham crackers if you prefer a less salty base.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat slightly at room temperature before serving if you prefer a softer texture. These bars do well chilled but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.

How to Serve

This image shows a close-up of a square dessert bar with three clear layers. The bottom layer is crumbly and golden-brown, made from crushed cookies or nuts, with a rough texture. The middle layer is thick, smooth, and white, looking creamy like a soft cheese or frosting. The top layer is glossy caramel, thick and shiny with a rich brown color, decorated with thin caramel lines and sprinkled with coarse white sea salt crystals. The dessert sits on a white plate over a white marbled surface, and warm lights softly blur in the background. 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 the bars and refrigerate them for up to a week. This makes them a great make-ahead dessert option for parties or gatherings.

What if I don’t have salted caramel sauce?

You can make your own salted caramel sauce with sugar, butter, cream, and a pinch of salt, or simply use regular caramel sauce with a sprinkle of sea salt on top to mimic the salted flavor.

No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 79 reviews

These No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars combine the crunchy, salty goodness of pretzels with rich salted caramel and a decadent chocolate drizzle, creating an effortless dessert perfect for any occasion. With no oven required, they’re quick to prepare and sure to satisfy your sweet and salty cravings.

Author: lea
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Category: Desserts
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Base

3 cups pretzels, crushed (can substitute with graham crackers)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Caramel Layer

1 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

For the Topping

½ cup dark or milk chocolate, melted

Instructions

Prepare the Pretzel Base: Crush the pretzels into coarse pieces using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and smashing. Melt the unsalted butter and mix it with the crushed pretzels until they are thoroughly coated.
Form the Base Layer: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Press the pretzel and butter mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the dish to form a solid base.
Add the Caramel Layer: Pour the salted caramel sauce evenly over the pressed pretzel base. Use a spatula to spread it smoothly.
Chill to Set: Place the dish in the refrigerator and chill for 30 to 60 minutes until the caramel layer is firm and set.
Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate in short bursts, stirring until smooth.
Top with Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle the melted chocolate evenly over the chilled caramel layer.
Cut and Serve: Lift the bars out of the dish by the parchment paper and cut into squares or rectangles. Serve immediately or keep refrigerated until serving.

Notes

Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the pan and chill thoroughly before cutting to ensure bars hold together well.
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Use dark chocolate for a richer flavor or milk chocolate for a sweeter touch.

Keywords: no-bake bars, salted caramel, pretzel bars, easy dessert, no bake dessert, caramel bars, chocolate drizzle, sweet and salty

lea Durate

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