Dessert

No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars Recipe

ByRami Brooks December 25, 2025December 25, 2025

Introduction

No-bake salted caramel pretzel bars combine salty and sweet flavors with a satisfying crunch. These easy treats come together quickly without an oven, making them perfect for effortless indulgence. Enjoy layers of crunchy pretzels, rich caramel, and a chocolate drizzle in every bite.

The image shows a close-up of a dessert bar with three distinct layers on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a crumbly, brown crust with a rough texture, likely made from crushed cookies or nuts. Above that is a thick, smooth white layer resembling cream or a marshmallow filling. The top layer is a glossy, rich caramel color, spread evenly and decorated with light brown pretzel pieces drizzled with more caramel and sprinkled with coarse white sea salt crystals. The focus is sharp on the front dessert bar, with blurred bars in the background. 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 and press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom to create the base.
Step 3: Pour the salted caramel sauce evenly over the pressed pretzel base.
Step 4: Refrigerate the dish for 30 to 60 minutes until the caramel layer is firm.
Step 5: Melt the chocolate and drizzle it over the chilled caramel layer in a decorative pattern.
Step 6: Lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper and cut into squares or rectangles before serving.

Tips & Variations

Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the pan to ensure a solid base that holds together well.
For a twist, sprinkle chopped nuts or sea salt over the chocolate before it sets.
If you prefer a sweeter base, swap pretzels for graham crackers.
Use homemade caramel sauce for a personal touch and richer flavor.

Storage

Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To serve, bring them to room temperature for a few minutes or enjoy chilled. Avoid freezing, as it may alter the texture of the caramel and chocolate layers.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a layered dessert square on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is crumbly and brown, resembling a cookie or graham cracker crust. Above it is a thick, smooth white layer that looks creamy and soft. The top layer is a rich, glossy caramel colored layer with a pattern of caramel drizzles forming a crisscross design, sprinkled with flakes of sea salt that add texture and shine. The dessert looks moist and rich, with clear separation between each layer. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cookie instead of pretzels?

Yes, graham crackers or digestive biscuits work well as a substitute, offering a sweeter and less salty base.

Do I need special equipment to crush the pretzels?

No special equipment is required. You can use a food processor or place pretzels in a sealed bag and crush them with a rolling pin or heavy pan.

No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 79 reviews

These No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars are an effortless indulgence combining a crunchy pretzel base, smooth salted caramel layer, and a rich chocolate topping. Perfect for satisfying your sweet and salty cravings without turning on the oven.

Author: Rami
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
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 Chocolate (dark or milk), melted

Instructions

Prepare the base: Crush the pretzels into coarse pieces using a food processor or by hand. Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Combine the melted butter and crushed pretzels in a mixing bowl, stirring until the pretzels are evenly coated.
Press the base: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Firmly press the pretzel and butter mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish to form a compact base layer.
Add the caramel layer: Pour the salted caramel sauce over the pretzel base and spread it out evenly with a spatula to cover the entire surface.
Chill the bars: Refrigerate the dish for 30 to 60 minutes or until the caramel layer is set and firm to the touch.
Top with chocolate: Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler. Drizzle or spread the melted chocolate evenly over the chilled caramel layer.
Cut and serve: Carefully lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper. Cut into squares or rectangles as desired. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator.

Notes

For best results, press the pretzel mixture firmly and chill well before cutting to maintain shape.
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
You can substitute pretzels with graham crackers for a different base texture.
Use dark chocolate for a richer flavor or milk chocolate to keep it sweeter.

Keywords: Salted Caramel Bars, No Bake Dessert, Pretzel Bars, Easy Caramel Recipe, Chocolate Salted Caramel Bars, Sweet and Salty Dessert

Rami Brooks

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