The holiday season often brings a whirlwind of joy, laughter, and, let’s be honest, a sprinkle of chaos. Picture this: your kitchen is filled with the warm aromas of baking treats, the sound of festive music dances in the background, and you’re on a sugar high from taste-testing every batch. sweet holiday hand pies Now enter the star of your holiday dessert table: Christmas Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark. This sweet-and-salty delight will have your taste buds doing the cha-cha while your friends and family ask for seconds (and thirds) before they even finish their first piece.
This recipe isn’t just another treat; it’s a delightful blend of crunchy pretzels, decadent chocolate cookies-recipe/”>buttery toffee cookies Trust me when I say that once you make this festive treat, it will become a cherished holiday tradition in your home. festive cookie bars.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] The Christmas Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark is incredibly simple to prepare and requires minimal effort. Its sweet and salty flavor combination makes it absolutely irresistible. The visual appeal with its glossy chocolate and crunchy pretzels will impress guests at any gathering. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite nuts or dried fruit! [/info_box]
Sharing this bark with friends brought smiles all around during our last family Christmas gathering. For more inspiration, check out this cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Chocolate Chips: Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a rich flavor that balances well with the sweetness.
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Pretzels: Choose regular-sized pretzels for the perfect crunch; they’re the backbone of this delightful bark.
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Sweetened Condensed Milk: This magical ingredient creates a creamy texture and enhances the sweetness in the caramel layer.
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Butter: Unsalted butter is best to control the saltiness in your caramel mixture.
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Sea Salt: A sprinkle on top adds a gourmet touch that enhances the overall flavor profile beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal later. Make sure it’s smooth and flat without any wrinkles.
Melt Chocolate Chips: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips in 30-second intervals until smooth. Stir well after each interval to prevent burning.
Create Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk and butter. Stir continuously until melted and bubbling lightly; this should take about 5 minutes.
Spread Pretzels on Baking Sheet: Arrange pretzels in an even layer on the lined baking sheet; ensure they are closely packed for maximum coverage.
Add Chocolate Layer: Pour melted chocolate over the pretzels evenly, using a spatula to spread it out gently so every pretzel gets covered.
Drizzle Caramel Sauce: Drizzle the prepared caramel sauce over the chocolate layer, allowing it to seep into the cracks between pretzels for that perfect blend of flavors.
Add Finishing Touches: Sprinkle sea salt over the top before placing it in the refrigerator to set for about 1-2 hours. Once firm, break into pieces and serve!
This Christmas Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark promises to be an instant classic in your holiday repertoire! Enjoy making memories as you create this delightful treat with loved ones around you!
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] This Christmas Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark is a delightful blend of sweet and salty. The crunch of pretzels combined with rich chocolate and gooey caramel creates a festive treat perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. The aroma alone will get everyone in the holiday spirit! [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by melting your chocolate and caramel separately to maintain smooth textures. Layer the pretzels, pour caramel, then chocolate for even distribution. This sequence ensures every bite bursts with flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap dark chocolate for milk chocolate or add nuts for extra crunch. You can even sprinkle sea salt on top for that perfect finish! Customization adds personality to your bark.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Christmas Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Avoid refrigeration, as it can make the bark chewy instead of crunchy.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor; stale pretzels can ruin the texture. Melt chocolate gently to avoid burning; a double boiler works wonders. Cutting the bark while it’s still warm makes clean edges and less mess. [/info_box]
Sharing this Christmas Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark recipe brings back memories of my family gathered around the kitchen, taste-testing every batch until we found our favorite combination!
FAQ
What if I don’t have pretzels?
Try using crackers or nuts as a base for a unique texture.
Can I use white chocolate instead?
Absolutely! White chocolate adds a creamy sweetness that pairs well with caramel.
How long does this bark last?
Stored properly, it lasts up to two weeks, but it’s so good, it may not last long!
Christmas Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
This Christmas Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark is a festive treat that combines the perfect balance of sweet and salty. With crunchy pretzels, rich chocolate, and gooey salted caramel, this delightful dessert is an instant classic for holiday gatherings. Easy to make and sure to impress, it’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying solo during cozy nights by the fire.
Ingredients
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups regular-sized pretzels
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals until smooth.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk and butter; stir until melted and bubbling (about 5 minutes).
- Spread pretzels evenly on the baking sheet.
- Pour melted chocolate over the pretzels; use a spatula to spread evenly.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the chocolate layer.
- Sprinkle sea salt on top and refrigerate for 1-2 hours until firm.
- Break into pieces and serve!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (28g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
