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To make Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bark, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 cups pretzel twists - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 cup caramels, unwrapped - 1/4 cup heavy cream - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1/4 cup chopped pecans or peanuts (optional) You can easily swap ingredients to fit your taste. Here are some ideas: - Use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a sweeter bark. - Swap caramels for toffee bits for a different flavor. - Try almond milk or coconut cream in place of heavy cream for a lighter option. - If you don’t like pecans, use walnuts or leave them out entirely. Choosing the best ingredients makes a big difference. Here’s what I suggest: - Pick pretzels that are fresh. Look for a crispy crunch. - Use high-quality chocolate chips. They melt better and taste richer. - Choose soft, chewy caramels. They will blend well with the cream. - Use coarse sea salt for a nice finish. It adds a great contrast to the sweet flavors. With these tips, you’ll create a delicious treat that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take 2 cups of pretzel twists and spread them on the sheet in a single layer. Bake them for 5-7 minutes. You want them warm and a bit crisp. When done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. In a medium saucepan, add 1 cup of unwrapped caramels and 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Heat over low heat. Stir the mix until it is smooth. This step is key for a creamy texture. Once it’s ready, take it off the heat. You will pour this over the pretzels soon! Grab a microwave-safe bowl and add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Heat them in 30-second intervals. Stir after each interval until melted and smooth. This part is fun! Once melted, drizzle the chocolate over the caramel pretzel layer. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly. If you want to add a crunch, sprinkle 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or peanuts on top. Then, add a pinch of sea salt over the entire bark. This will enhance the flavor. Now, refrigerate the bark for about 1-2 hours. Once it sets, you can break it into pieces and serve. Enjoy this crunchy sweet treat! Melting chocolate can be tricky. I find that using a microwave works well. Heat semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second bursts. Stir the chocolate after each burst. This keeps it from burning. You want smooth, creamy chocolate. If it’s too thick, add a teaspoon of vegetable oil. This will help with the texture. Even layering makes your bark look great. Start with warm pretzels on the baking sheet. Pour the caramel slowly over the pretzels. Use a spatula to spread it out. Make sure it covers all the pretzels. When you drizzle chocolate, do it gently. Use the back of a spoon for a smooth finish. Try to cover the caramel fully for a neat look. Toppings can take your bark to the next level. I love adding chopped pecans or peanuts. They give a nice crunch and extra flavor. You can also try sea salt to balance the sweetness. If you want a fun twist, add sprinkles or shredded coconut. Get creative! Each topping adds a new taste to your bark. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your pretzels, caramels, and chocolate chips are fresh for the best flavor and texture. Adjust Salt to Taste: The sea salt enhances the sweetness, so feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference. Chill for Perfect Texture: Refrigerating the bark is crucial for a firm texture that makes it easy to break into pieces. Experiment with Toppings: Get creative by adding different nuts, or even sprinkles, to customize your bark! {{image_2}} If you want a nut-free version, skip the pecans or peanuts. You can substitute them with more pretzels or add seeds. Try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a fun crunch. These options keep the bark tasty and safe for those with nut allergies. To make your bark stand out, add unique flavors. Consider lavender or rose petals for a floral hint. You can also sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on top. This adds warmth and depth. Experiment with what you like best. These twists will surprise your taste buds! You can use various chocolates for your bark. Dark chocolate gives a rich taste while milk chocolate is sweet and creamy. For a fun twist, try white chocolate or a mix of different chocolates. Each choice brings its flavor and texture. Don't be afraid to mix and match! To store your Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bark, place it in an airtight container. Use parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. This keeps the bark fresh and easy to serve. When stored properly, this bark lasts about two weeks. After that, it may lose its crunch and flavor. If you want to enjoy it longer, consider freezing it. To keep your bark fresh, avoid heat and moisture. Store it in a cool, dry place. If you live in a humid area, the fridge works too. Just remember to wrap it well to prevent moisture from getting in. Yes, you can use different types of pretzels. Stick pretzels work well too. You can even try chocolate-covered pretzels for a fun twist. Each type will change the taste and texture a bit. Experiment and see what you like best! It takes about 1 to 2 hours for the bark to set. Make sure to refrigerate it for the best results. The colder temperature helps the chocolate and caramel harden properly. You can check it after an hour to see if it’s ready. Yes, you can make this bark ahead of time. It keeps well in the fridge for several days. Just store it in an airtight container. This makes it a great treat for parties or snack time later. Yes, you can create a vegan version. Use dairy-free chocolate chips and a vegan caramel alternative. Check labels to ensure all ingredients are vegan-friendly. This allows everyone to enjoy this tasty treat! You now have all the tools to make Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bark. We covered the best ingredients, tips for prep, and step-by-step instructions. Don't forget the variations to try. This treat is easy to store and lasts well, making it great for sharing. You can even customize it to fit your taste. Start making it today and enjoy every bite!

Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bark

A deliciously sweet and salty treat made with pretzels, chocolate, and caramel.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups pretzel twists
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup caramels, unwrapped
  • 1 quarter cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 quarter cup chopped pecans or peanuts (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Spread the pretzel twists evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes, just until they are warm and slightly crisp. Remove from the oven and set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the caramels with the heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat.
  • Pour the caramel mixture over the pretzels, spreading evenly with a spatula.
  • In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals until melted and smooth, stirring after each interval.
  • Drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel pretzel layer, using a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it into an even layer.
  • If desired, sprinkle the chopped pecans or peanuts on top of the chocolate layer. Finally, sprinkle sea salt over the entire bark.
  • Refrigerate the bark for about 1-2 hours, or until set. Once set, break into pieces and serve.

Notes

Refrigerate until set for best results.
Keyword bark, caramel, chocolate, dessert, pretzel