Peanut Butter Pretzel Caramel Chocolate Bars: Irresistibly Decadent Treats
These Peanut Butter Pretzel Caramel Chocolate Bars are a decadent layered treat featuring a rich chocolate shortbread base, gooey caramel with crunchy pretzels, creamy peanut butter, and a silky chocolate ganache topping. Perfect for special occasions or a luxurious snack.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking and chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 14 oz soft caramels, unwrapped
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (for caramel)
- 1 1/2 cups pretzel sticks, lightly crushed
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup salted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar (for peanut butter layer)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir in melted butter until combined.
- Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Press the shortbread mixture evenly into the baking dish to form a firm base.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until just set. Remove and let cool slightly.
- In a saucepan, melt the caramels with 1/4 cup heavy cream over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in crushed pretzel sticks and mix well.
- Spread the caramel-pretzel mixture evenly over the shortbread base.
- In a mixing bowl, beat peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gently spread the peanut butter mixture over the caramel layer, smoothing with a spatula.
- To make the ganache, heat 1/2 cup heavy cream until just boiling. Pour over chocolate chips and let sit for a few minutes. Stir until smooth.
- Pour ganache over the peanut butter layer and smooth the top.
- Allow the bars to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully set.
- Cut into bars and serve. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner slices.
- Use good-quality chocolate for the ganache for best flavor and texture.
- Let bars sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Feel free to substitute almond butter or cashew butter for peanut butter if desired.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg