What ingredients do I need to make Chocolate Caramel Coffee Pretzel Bars?

To make Chocolate Caramel Coffee Pretzel Bars, you'll need crushed pretzels, butter, brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, caramel sauce, instant coffee or espresso powder, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. These ingredients combine to create a layered dessert with a crunchy pretzel base, a rich caramel-coffee center, and a smooth chocolate topping. Using quality ingredients, especially for caramel and chocolate, will enhance the flavor.

How do I prevent the pretzel base from becoming soggy in these bars?

To keep the pretzel base crisp, make sure to toast or bake the crushed pretzels lightly before mixing them with melted butter. This removes excess moisture. Also, allow the caramel layer to cool and set fully before adding the chocolate topping. Refrigerating the bars after assembly helps the layers firm up, preserving the crunchy texture of the pretzel base.

Can I make these bars ahead of time and how should I store them?

Yes, Chocolate Caramel Coffee Pretzel Bars can be made a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and texture. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars for up to 2 months; just wrap them tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

How can I make the caramel layer taste stronger with coffee flavor?

To boost the coffee flavor in the caramel layer, dissolve instant coffee or espresso powder in a small amount of hot water before stirring it into the caramel mixture. This allows the coffee to infuse evenly without altering the texture. Adjust the amount used to suit your taste, starting with one teaspoon dissolved in two tablespoons of water.

Are there any common substitutions for dietary restrictions in the recipe?

For dairy-free options, use vegan butter and a dairy-free caramel sauce or make your own with coconut milk and coconut sugar. For a gluten-free version, replace pretzels with certified gluten-free pretzels or crushed gluten-free crackers. Keep in mind these substitutions may slightly change texture and flavor but still deliver a delicious treat.

Chocolate Caramel Coffee Pretzel Bars Recipe For Sweet Snacks

Name: Chocolate Caramel Coffee Pretzel Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 28 whole graham cracker sheets for the base crust; – 12 tablespoons melted butter to bind and enrich the crust; – 3 tablespoons sugar for a touch of sweetness in the crust; – a pinch of salt to enhance flavors in the crust; – Two cans (14 ounces each) sweetened condensed milk melted for the chocolate layer; – 2 bags (10 ounces each) bittersweet chocolate chips for a smooth, rich topping; – 1 and 1/2 cups mini pretzels pressed on top for crunch; – 1 cup caramels (cut into quarters or use caramel bits) for added gooey sweetness

Description

🍫 These Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bars combine sweet and salty flavors for an irresistible snack.
🥨 Perfect for gatherings or bake sales, they bring a rich indulgence with a satisfying crunch in every bite.

Ingredients

– 28 whole graham cracker sheets for the base crust

– 12 tablespoons melted butter to bind and enrich the crust

– 3 tablespoons sugar for a touch of sweetness in the crust

– a pinch of salt to enhance flavors in the crust

– Two cans (14 ounces each) sweetened condensed milk melted for the chocolate layer

– 2 bags (10 ounces each) bittersweet chocolate chips for a smooth, rich topping

– 1 and 1/2 cups mini pretzels pressed on top for crunch

– 1 cup caramels (cut into quarters or use caramel bits) for added gooey sweetness

Instructions

1-Getting these bars just right: starts with prepping your ingredients and following a few easy steps. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9 by 13-inch baking pan. This ensures everything bakes evenly and comes out perfectly.

2-First, process 28 whole graham cracker sheets into fine crumbs and mix them with 12 tablespoons of melted butter, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and a pinch of salt. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared pan using the flat bottom of a glass helps get it nice and firm. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until it’s golden and set, then let it cool slightly.

3-While the crust bakes, melt two cans (14 ounces each) of sweetened condensed milk with 2 bags (10 ounces each) of bittersweet chocolate chips over low heat until smooth. Pour this chocolate mixture over the baked crust and spread it out evenly. Gently press 1 and 1/2 cups of mini pretzels and 1 cup of quartered caramels into the chocolate layer for that signature crunch.

4-Pop the assembled bars back into the oven for another 15 to 20 minutes until everything sets nicely. Once done, let them cool completely before cutting into bars. Each serving packs about 509 calories, with 61 grams of carbohydrates, 6 grams of protein, 31 grams of fat, 197 milligrams of sodium, and 34 grams of sugar, so enjoy in moderation.

Notes

🥄 Use the flat bottom of a glass to press the crust evenly for uniform thickness.
🎨 Mix pretzel shapes for a varied and appealing look.
❄️ After initial refrigeration, store bars at room temperature without quality loss for convenience.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 509
Sugar: 34 g
Sodium: 197 mg
Fat: 31 g
Saturated Fat: 18 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 61 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 6 g
Cholesterol: 40 mg

Keywords: Chocolate pretzel bars, caramel bars, sweet and salty snacks, chocolate caramel dessert