Pretzel Bark: Salty, Caramel, and Chocolate Delight in 5 Minutes Recipe
Pretzel Bark is a quick and irresistible dessert featuring a delightful combination of salty pretzels, smooth caramel, and rich semi-sweet chocolate. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy-to-make treat is perfect for holidays, parties, or baking fun with kids, offering a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors in every bite.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chocolate
- 12 ounce package semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
- 8 ounces chocolate chips melted initially
- 4 ounces chocolate chips melted later
Pretzels
- 8 ounces mini pretzel twists (half of a 16-ounce bag)
Caramel
- 11 ounce bag Kraft Caramel Bits or homemade caramel
- 2 tablespoons water (for melting caramel)
Garnish
- Flake finishing salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Melt Initial Chocolate: Place 8 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on low power in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted.
- Spread Chocolate: Evenly spread the melted chocolate over the parchment paper on the baking sheet. Immediately scatter the mini pretzel twists on top, allowing them to overlap slightly. Press them gently into the chocolate to ensure they stick.
- Melt Caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine caramel bits with 2 tablespoons of water. Microwave on high for 2 minutes or according to package instructions, stirring well until smooth and pourable.
- Drizzle Caramel: Drizzle the melted caramel evenly over the pretzels and chocolate layer.
- Melt Remaining Chocolate: Melt the remaining 4 ounces of chocolate chips in the microwave using the same method as before until smooth.
- Top with Chocolate and Salt: Drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel layer. Finish by sprinkling flake finishing salt evenly on top for a perfect salty contrast.
- Set and Serve: Allow the bark to set at room temperature or place in the refrigerator until firm. Once set, break or cut into pieces and serve.
Notes
- Use good quality chocolate like Ghirardelli or Baker’s for the best flavor and texture.
- Microwave heating times can vary; melt chocolate gently to avoid burning.
- Press pretzels gently into the chocolate to ensure they stick properly.
- You can substitute Kraft Caramel Bits with homemade caramel for a personalized touch.
- Storing the bark in an airtight container will keep it fresh for up to a week.
- Flake finishing salt enhances the flavor balance by adding a subtle crunch and saltiness.
