Introduction

These Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars combine crunchy pretzels, rich caramel, and a light creamy topping for an irresistible treat. Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without turning on the oven.

This image shows a close-up of a dessert bar with four visible layers on a white rectangular plate. The bottom layer is a light brown crumbly crust. Above it, there is a thick layer of creamy white filling. The third layer is a glossy caramel sauce that drips down the sides. On top, there are swirls of white whipped cream, each topped with a golden brown pretzel sprinkled with coarse salt. The background is softly blurred with warm lights, and the surface beneath the plate has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups pretzel crumbs (crushed pretzels)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine pretzel crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish to form an even layer.
Step 2: Drizzle the caramel sauce over the pretzel crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Sprinkle the sea salt on top of the caramel layer.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
Step 4: Spread the whipped cream mixture over the caramel layer in the baking dish, smoothing it out to create an even top layer.
Step 5: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the bars are firm and set.
Step 6: Once chilled, remove from the refrigerator. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

For an extra chocolate twist, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the whipped cream before chilling.
Use homemade caramel sauce for a richer flavor and to control sweetness.
If you prefer a crunchier topping, sprinkle crushed pretzels or chopped nuts over the whipped cream before refrigerating.
To make it nut-free, ensure your pretzels and caramel sauce contain no nut ingredients.

Storage

Store these bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed chilled. To reheat, let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes for the caramel to soften slightly, but reheating is not generally recommended as it may affect the texture of the creamy topping.

How to Serve

This image shows a close-up of a dessert slice with four layers on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a crumbly, light brown crust with a rough texture. Above it is a creamy white layer, smooth and thick. The third layer is a shiny, golden caramel sauce that drips slightly down the sides. On top, there are swirls of white whipped cream, decorated with golden pretzels and a sprinkle of coarse salt. The dessert looks rich and inviting, with soft and crunchy textures combined. 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 for the crust?

Yes, crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits can be used as a substitute for pretzel crumbs to create a sweeter crust.

Do I have to use store-bought caramel sauce?

No, you can make caramel sauce at home using sugar, butter, and cream. Homemade caramel often tastes fresher and allows you to adjust sweetness and saltiness to your liking.

Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 110 reviews

These Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars combine a crunchy pretzel crust with a rich caramel layer and a light, creamy topping. Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without the need for an oven, these bars are easy to make and ideal for a delicious dessert or snack.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pretzel Crust

2 cups pretzel crumbs (crushed pretzels)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Caramel Layer

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt

For the Creamy Topping

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Pretzel Crust: In a medium bowl, combine pretzel crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish to form an even layer.
Layer the Caramel: Drizzle the caramel sauce over the pretzel crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Sprinkle the sea salt on top of the caramel layer.
Make the Creamy Topping: In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
Assemble the Bars: Spread the whipped cream mixture over the caramel layer in the baking dish, smoothing it out to create an even top layer.
Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the bars are firm and set.
Slice and Serve: Once chilled, remove from the refrigerator. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your delightful creation!

Notes

For a stronger pretzel flavor, use salted pretzels and reduce the added salt in the caramel layer.
Caramel sauce can be store-bought for convenience or homemade for a richer taste.
Ensure the heavy cream is cold before whipping for best results.
Store the bars in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
For a variation, add chopped nuts like pecans or almonds to the pretzel crust for extra crunch.

Keywords: no-bake dessert, salted caramel bars, pretzel bars, quick dessert, easy caramel bars, creamy topping dessert, sweet snack