Delicious No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars in Minutes

Why This Recipe Works

This no-bake bar mixes salty and sweet in a simple way. The pretzel crumbs give crunch and salt. Melted butter and sugar hold the crust. A smooth caramel layer blends with a light cream topping. The salt on top makes each bite bright and not too sweet. For another creamy quick dessert, try this cottage cheese chocolate mousse to see how easy no-bake sweets can be.

Why you should try this recipe

You can make these bars fast without an oven. They are great for parties, snacks, or a quick treat. The recipe uses few ingredients you may already have. The mix of textures — crunchy, gooey, and creamy — is satisfying. If you like simple recipes with a twist, check this easy two-ingredient flatbread idea for more simple cooking inspiration.

These Delicious No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars in Minutes are quick and fun. You press a salty pretzel crust, pour warm caramel, and top with a whipped cream layer. Chill and slice. Kids and adults will like them. If you enjoy fast creamy treats, you might also like this short mousse recipe for more ideas: cottage cheese mousse.

Ingredients :

  • 2 cups Pretzel Crumbs (For a twist, use graham cracker crumbs instead.)
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (Coconut oil is a great dairy-free swap.)
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (Feel free to reduce depending on your sweetness preference.)
  • 1 cup Caramel Sauce (Ensure it’s pourable for easy spreading.)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt (Adjust to your taste for perfect balance.)
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream (You can use coconut cream for a dairy-free option.)
  • 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar (Omit it if you’d like a less sweet topping.)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Try almond extract for an exciting twist.)

Equipments Needed

  • 8×8 inch baking pan or similar dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Saucepan or microwave-safe bowl to melt butter
  • Whisk or electric hand mixer
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Plastic wrap or foil

Step-by-Step Instructions :

Follow these simple steps and you will have bars in minutes.

Preparation Steps

  1. Line the pan with parchment paper or spray with non-stick spray.
  2. In a bowl, mix the pretzel crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until the crumbs look wet.
  3. Press the crumb mix into the bottom of the pan firmly to make an even crust.
  4. Warm the caramel sauce so it is pourable, then pour it over the crust and spread gently.
  5. Chill the pan in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to let the caramel set a bit.
  6. In a clean bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
  7. Spread the whipped cream over the caramel layer.
  8. Sprinkle sea salt on top.
  9. Chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing into bars.

How to make Delicious No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars in Minutes

  • Make the crust: combine crumbs, butter, and sugar. Press into pan.
  • Add caramel: pour warm caramel and smooth it out.
  • Make the topping: whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla.
  • Finish: spread topping, add a pinch of sea salt, chill, and slice.

How to serve Delicious No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars in Minutes

  • Cut into squares and serve chilled.
  • Add a small drizzle of extra caramel on each piece if you like.
  • Serve with coffee or cold milk for a nice contrast.

How to store Delicious No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars in Minutes

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • You can freeze for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge before serving.
  • Keep layers cold to keep the caramel firm.

Tips & Tricks

  • Press the crust well so bars hold their shape.
  • Warm caramel slightly for easy spreading. Do not overheat.
  • If you want a firmer topping, chill the whipped cream before slicing.
  • Taste the caramel and add a little more sea salt if you like stronger salt contrast.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Swap pretzel crumbs for graham crackers for a milder salt level.
  • Use coconut oil and coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
  • Add chopped nuts on top for extra crunch.
  • Use chocolate drizzle instead of extra caramel for a choc-caramel twist.

FAQs

Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
A: Yes. Store-bought caramel works well. Warm it slightly so you can spread it.

Q: Do I have to chill the bars?
A: Yes. Chilling helps the caramel set and makes clean slices.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes. Make them a day ahead and keep them in the fridge. They may soften if left too long.

Q: Can I make mini bars or bites?
A: Yes. Use a cupcake tin or smaller pan to make bite-size pieces.

Conclusion

For a close take on this idea and extra tips, see this helpful recipe for no bake salted caramel pretzel bars on Running With Spoons. If you want a chocolate twist on the same concept, check this Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bars recipe for more ideas.

Print

Delicious No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars

A quick and fun no-bake dessert that combines salty pretzel crust, smooth caramel, and a light whipped cream topping.

  • Author: brahimhassouoo
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups Pretzel Crumbs
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 cup Caramel Sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or spray with non-stick spray.
  2. In a bowl, mix the pretzel crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until the crumbs look wet.
  3. Press the crumb mix into the bottom of the pan firmly to make an even crust.
  4. Warm the caramel sauce to make it pourable, then pour it over the crust and spread gently.
  5. Chill the pan in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to let the caramel set slightly.
  6. In a clean bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
  7. Spread the whipped cream over the caramel layer.
  8. Sprinkle sea salt on top.
  9. Chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing into bars.

Notes

For a firmer topping, chill the whipped cream before slicing. You can add more sea salt for a stronger contrast.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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Hi, I’m Lina! I’m a 43-year-old home cook and mom of two, serving up easy, soul-hugging recipes for real-life families. Join me for delicious and reliable baking recipes. Everything from cakes, brownies, cheese cake and cookies to bars, quick breads, and more. Every recipe is tested, perfected, and made to inspire confidence in your kitchen. Happy baking!