Prepare to embark on a mind-blowing culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance with pure delight! These Caramel Pretzel Ooey Gooey Bars are not just a dessert – they're a decadent experience that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and utterly irresistible flavors. Imagine a crunchy pretzel base, drenched in rich caramel, studded with melted chocolate chips, and promising a texture so sinfully delicious that you'll be dreaming about them long after the last bite. Whether you're a dessert enthusiast or just looking to impress your friends and family, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper hangs over the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels with melted butter. Mix thoroughly until the pretzels are completely coated and the mixture resembles a crumbly crust.
- Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even, compact base layer. Use the back of a spoon or measuring cup to ensure a smooth, tight crust.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together brown sugar and sweetened condensed milk until well combined and smooth.
- Pour the brown sugar and condensed milk mixture evenly over the pretzel crust, spreading it to cover the entire surface.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips uniformly across the caramel layer, ensuring even distribution.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the chocolate chips, creating a beautiful swirled pattern across the top of the bars.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan at room temperature for about 1 hour.
- Once cooled, use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board.
- Cut into 12 even squares, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat, clean slices.
- Serve at room temperature and store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Crush pretzels to a consistent, medium-fine texture to ensure an even, stable crust that holds together perfectly.
- Use parchment paper overhang for easy removal and clean, precise cutting of your bars.
- Press the pretzel crust firmly and evenly to create a solid base that won't crumble when serving.
- For extra flavor complexity, consider using a mix of milk and dark chocolate chips.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to achieve clean, picture-perfect slices.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain optimal texture and freshness.
- For a gourmet touch, sprinkle a few sea salt flakes on top before serving to enhance the sweet-salty contrast.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 60mg
