Chocolate Caramel Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars

Sweet, salty, crunchy, and indulgently creamy — these no-bake Chocolate Caramel Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars are the ultimate treat!
Perfect for dessert tables, parties, or when you’re just craving something extra. With layers of crushed pretzels, smooth peanut butter, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate, these bars hit every craving at once.

🧾 Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Difficulty: Easy
Flavor Intensity: Rich, sweet, salty, crunchy, smooth

🛒 Ingredients

For the Pretzel Base:

2 ½ cups crushed salted pretzels
1 cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup brown sugar

For the Caramel Layer:

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
¼ cup unsalted butter
½ cup light brown sugar
¼ cup corn syrup (or honey)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Topping:

1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons peanut butter

🥣 Equipment

8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan
Mixing bowls
Saucepan
Rubber spatula or spoon
Parchment paper

🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy lifting later.

Step 2: Make the Pretzel-Peanut Butter Base

In a large bowl, combine crushed pretzels, peanut butter, melted butter, and brown sugar.
Stir until everything is evenly coated and the mixture is crumbly but holds together when pressed.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even base.
Place in the fridge while you prepare the caramel layer.

Step 3: Make the Caramel Layer

In a medium saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a low boil.
Reduce heat to low and continue stirring for 5–7 minutes, until it thickens and deepens in color.
Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and pour the hot caramel over the chilled pretzel layer.
Spread evenly, then return the pan to the fridge for 20 minutes to set slightly.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt chocolate chips with peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and glossy.
Pour the chocolate mixture over the caramel layer and smooth it out evenly with a spatula.
Optional: Sprinkle crushed pretzels or sea salt on top for texture and presentation.

Step 5: Chill & Cut

Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour, or until completely set.
Once firm, lift out using the parchment overhang and slice into 16 squares or bars with a sharp knife.

🍽️ Serving & Storage

Best served chilled or slightly room temp.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Can be frozen (layer with parchment) for up to 1 month.

🍫 Flavor Tips

Want a crunchier bite? Use chunky peanut butter.
For a twist, use dark chocolate or white chocolate chips for the topping.
Add a layer of roasted peanuts between the caramel and chocolate for extra texture.

🧠 Nutrition Estimate (Per Bar)

Nutrient	Amount (Approx.)
Calories	310 kcal
Protein	6g
Carbs	30g
Sugars	18g
Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	8g
Sodium	180mg
Fiber	2g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on ingredients used.

⭐ Why You’ll Love These Bars

No baking required — quick and easy!
Combines salty pretzels with sweet caramel and creamy chocolate.
Kid-friendly, party-perfect, and freezer-safe.
Totally addictive!