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- 2 cups pretzel rods, coarsely broken - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 cup milk chocolate chips - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - Sea salt for sprinkling - 1/2 cup crushed nuts (optional for extra crunch) When making Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bark, the right ingredients matter a lot. You start with pretzel rods. They give a great salty crunch. Coarsely breaking them helps mix them well with the chocolate and caramel. Next, grab some chocolate chips. I like using semi-sweet and milk chocolate. They blend nicely together. For the caramel, you can choose store-bought or make your own. I often use store-bought for ease. It melts well and saves time. Don't forget the sea salt! A sprinkle on top makes all the flavors pop. If you want a little crunch, crush some nuts like pecans or almonds. This step is optional, but I think it adds a nice touch. - Baking sheet - Parchment paper - Microwave-safe bowl - Spatula You will need a few tools to make this bark. A baking sheet is key for holding all the ingredients. Using parchment paper on the baking sheet helps the bark come off easily. A microwave-safe bowl is great for melting your chocolate. Finally, a spatula makes spreading the caramel and chocolate simple. With these ingredients and tools, you are ready to create a sweet treat that everyone will love! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This makes the chocolate melt just right. Next, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This helps you remove the bark later without any mess. Now, take your coarsely broken pretzel rods. Spread them evenly across the lined baking sheet. This salty base gives the bark its great crunch. In a microwave-safe bowl, mix the semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips. Heat the bowl in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time. Stir after each time until the chocolate is smooth. Be careful; you don’t want it to burn. Pour the caramel sauce over the pretzels. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Ensure every piece of pretzel is coated in caramel. Next, drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel. Use the spatula to spread it out nicely. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator. Let it chill for about 1 hour. This helps the chocolate and caramel set firmly. Once it's set, take the baking sheet out of the fridge. Use your hands to break the bark into bite-sized pieces. Enjoy your delicious treat! To melt chocolate perfectly, use a microwave-safe bowl. Combine the semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips. Heat them in 30-second bursts. Stir after each interval. This helps prevent burning. If the chocolate starts to clump, stop heating. Stirring will help it melt smoothly. To avoid overheating chocolate, keep an eye on the time. If it seems too thick, it may be too hot. You can also use a double boiler. This method lets steam heat the chocolate gently. It’s a great way to keep control over the heat. When serving your bark, arrange pieces on a nice platter. A colorful dish makes the dessert pop. You can also sprinkle some sea salt on top for extra flair. It adds a nice touch and enhances the flavor. For decoration, drizzle some melted chocolate over the bark. Use a spoon or fork for this. It makes your treat look fancy and fun. This small step elevates the overall appearance and taste. Adjust the sea salt to your taste. If you like a stronger salt flavor, add more. Just be careful not to overdo it. A little salt goes a long way in balancing sweetness. Consider using alternative toppings too. Crushed nuts add crunch and flavor. You can also try sprinkles or toffee bits. These small changes can create a new twist on this classic treat. Pro Tips Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor. The better the chocolate, the richer your bark will taste. Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to customize your bark with different toppings such as crushed candy, coconut flakes, or even sprinkles for a festive touch. Allow to Cool Completely: Ensure you let the bark cool completely in the refrigerator before breaking it into pieces. This will help it set properly and make it easier to handle. Store Properly: Keep the pretzel bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your bark easily. Swap the chocolate types for fun. Try dark chocolate for a richer taste. White chocolate offers a sweet twist. You can also use cocoa for a deep flavor. If you want a unique touch, use flavored caramel. You can find caramel with vanilla, sea salt, or even chocolate. Making your own caramel is fun too! It adds a personal twist to your treat. Nuts can add a nice crunch, but they aren’t a must. Use crushed hazelnuts or walnuts for a different flavor. These nuts give a rich taste that pairs well with chocolate and caramel. If you want to skip the nuts, that's fine too. Just leave them out for a nut-free version. This way, anyone can enjoy the treat without worry. You can make this treat fit special diets. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pretzels. Many brands offer tasty options. For vegan friends, look for dairy-free chocolate and caramel. Some brands make great substitutes that taste amazing. These changes help everyone enjoy the chocolate caramel pretzel bark. Store your chocolate caramel pretzel bark at room temperature. Keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from getting stale. Make sure to place it in a cool, dry spot away from sunlight. This will help keep the bark fresh and tasty for a few days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate or freeze your pretzel bark. If you refrigerate it, place it in an airtight container. This will keep it fresh for up to two weeks. To freeze, wrap the bark tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge before serving. The chocolate caramel pretzel bark lasts about a week at room temperature. In the fridge, it stays good for two weeks. If frozen, it can last up to three months. Keep track of when you make it to ensure the best flavor and texture. Enjoy your sweet treat! Yes, you can! You can use pretzel sticks, twists, or even pretzel crisps. Each type adds a unique texture and flavor. Pretzel rods give a nice crunch, while twists add a bit more saltiness. Feel free to experiment with your favorite type! If you need a substitute, you have options. You can make homemade caramel by melting sugar and butter. You can also use sweetened condensed milk for a quick fix. For a healthier option, try maple syrup or agave nectar. Each gives a different taste but still works great! Store your pretzel bark in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a hot area, the fridge is better to keep it fresh. Just make sure it’s wrapped well to avoid moisture. It usually takes about one hour for the bark to set in the refrigerator. This time allows the chocolate and caramel to harden. If you’re in a hurry, you can leave it in the fridge for 30 minutes, but an hour is best! You have learned how to make tasty chocolate caramel pretzel bark. Our recipe covered the ingredients, tools, and simple steps. We also shared tips to make it even better. Whether you choose different chocolates or nuts, the options are endless. Store it well for lasting freshness. Enjoy making and sharing this fun treat, perfect for any occasion!

Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bark

A delightful combination of salty pretzels, rich chocolate, and sweet caramel, perfect for snacking or sharing.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups pretzel rods, coarsely broken
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup milk chocolate chips
  • 1 cup caramel sauce
  • none sea salt for sprinkling
  • 0.5 cup crushed nuts (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Spread the coarsely broken pretzel rods evenly across the lined baking sheet.
  • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring until melted and smooth.
  • Pour the caramel sauce over the pretzel layer and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
  • Drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel layer and spread it evenly with the spatula.
  • If using, sprinkle the crushed nuts over the chocolate layer.
  • Lightly sprinkle sea salt over the entire bark.
  • Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill for about 1 hour to set.
  • Once set, break the bark into bite-sized pieces.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, arrange the pieces on a decorative platter and drizzle with extra melted chocolate.
Keyword bark, caramel, chocolate, pretzel, snack