Name: The Best Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups mini salted pretzels; 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar; 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk, or dark); 1 tsp flaky sea salt; Optional: 1/4 cup melted white chocolate for drizzling; Optional: 1/4 cup crushed nuts or sprinkles

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The Best Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark is a sweet, salty, crunchy treat that I make whenever I want something easy, addictive, and perfect for sharing. It’s made with layers of crispy pretzels, buttery homemade caramel, and smooth melted chocolate—then sprinkled with flaky sea salt for the perfect finish. One bite and I’m hooked.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it only takes a few ingredients and turns into a bakery-worthy treat. The contrast of textures—the crunch of pretzels, the gooey caramel, and the smooth chocolate—is so satisfying. It stores well, makes great gifts, and works for any occasion, from holidays to lazy weekends. Best of all, I don’t need a candy thermometer or fancy tools—just a saucepan, a tray, and a craving for something delicious. The Best Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Mini salted pretzels
Unsalted butter
Brown sugar
Chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk, or dark—my choice)
Flaky sea salt (for topping)
Optional: white chocolate drizzle or crushed nuts

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
I spread the mini pretzels evenly across the lined baking sheet to create the base layer.
In a saucepan, I melt the butter and brown sugar together over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture bubbles. I let it simmer gently for about 3 minutes until thick and smooth.
I carefully pour the caramel mixture over the pretzels and spread it with a spatula to coat them as evenly as possible.
I bake it in the oven for 5–7 minutes, just until the caramel is bubbling all over.
I remove the tray and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot caramel. I let them sit for 2–3 minutes until softened, then spread the melted chocolate over the surface with an offset spatula.
I sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt (and any extra toppings I like).
I let the bark cool at room temperature, then transfer it to the fridge to set completely—about 30–45 minutes.
Once hardened, I break it into pieces and store or serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20–24 pieces of bark, depending on the size I break them into. It takes 10 minutes to prep, 7 minutes to bake, and about 45 minutes to cool and set. I usually have the whole batch done in just over an hour.

Variations

I sometimes drizzle melted white chocolate over the top for contrast.
For a peanut butter twist, I swirl in melted peanut butter chips with the chocolate layer.
I’ve topped it with crushed roasted nuts, shredded coconut, or even mini marshmallows.
For a festive version, I add red and green sprinkles or candy cane bits during the holidays.
I occasionally use graham crackers or saltines as the base instead of pretzels for a toffee bark spin.

storage/reheating

I store the bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If the kitchen is warm, I prefer keeping it chilled to maintain the chocolate’s firmness. I don’t reheat this treat—it’s meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature with that perfect snap. The Best Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel?

I stick with the homemade version for the best texture and flavor, but in a pinch, I’ve used thick caramel sauce. It should be pourable but not too runny.

What kind of pretzels work best?

Mini twists or squares work great. I look for salted ones because they balance the sweetness beautifully.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, I use dairy-free butter and chocolate, and the results are still rich and satisfying.

Do I need to use parchment or foil?

Definitely. It makes removing and breaking the bark so much easier and keeps cleanup simple.

Can I freeze pretzel bark?

Yes, I freeze it in a single layer, then store the pieces in a sealed bag. I let them sit at room temp for a few minutes before serving.

Conclusion

The Best Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark is one of those irresistible treats I can throw together fast but still feel proud to serve or gift. It’s got all the textures and flavors I love—crunchy, gooey, sweet, and salty—in every bite. Whether I’m making it for a party, a movie night, or just because, it never lasts long once it hits the table.