Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies have become my absolute go-to for any gathering, and I’m so excited to share how to make them with you! I remember the first time I tasted one – it was pure magic. The perfect balance of sweet caramel, crunchy pretzels, and that buttery blondie base just blew me away. It’s truly the ultimate salty sweet blondie recipe. These bars are incredibly satisfying, offering a delightful chewiness and a touch of gooeyness that makes every bite an experience. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love These Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies
Get ready to fall in love with these incredible blondies! They’re the perfect treat for so many reasons:
- The taste is absolutely divine – a perfect harmony of salty crunch and gooey caramel sweetness.
- You can whip up these easy salted caramel pretzel blondies in under 15 minutes of prep time.
- They offer a satisfying chew and a delightful crunch that you just can’t resist.
- These blondies are surprisingly budget-friendly, using common pantry staples.
- They’re a guaranteed hit with everyone, making them super family-friendly.
- The combination of pretzels and caramel makes for a truly memorable dessert experience.
- You’ll find these easy salted caramel pretzel blondies are incredibly forgiving and simple to make.
- They’re a fantastic option for potlucks or bake sales because they travel so well.
Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondie Ingredients
Gathering the right salted caramel pretzel blondie ingredients is the first step to baking these amazing bars. You’ll need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted – the base for that rich, chewy texture
- 2 cups granulated sugar – for sweetness and that signature blondie chew
- 2 large eggs – they bind everything together and add richness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – a classic flavor enhancer
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – the structure of our blondies
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – for a little lift
- ½ teaspoon salt – crucial for balancing sweetness
- ¾ cup chopped pretzels – our salty, crunchy star!
- ½ cup caramel sauce – for that gooey, luscious caramel layer
- Flaky sea salt, for topping – the perfect finishing touch to enhance all the flavors
Having all these components ready makes the process of making salted caramel pretzel blondies so much smoother.
How to Make Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to get the oven to the right temperature for an even bake. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by greasing it well and then lightly flouring it. This prevents sticking and ensures your bars come out beautifully.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and 2 cups granulated sugar. Whisk them together until they are thoroughly mixed. This forms the rich base for our blondies.
- Step 3: Add the 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. This step adds moisture and helps create that wonderfully chewy texture.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Combining the dry ingredients separately ensures they are evenly distributed.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to tough blondies, and we want that soft, chewy texture for our caramel pretzel blondie bake.
- Step 6: Gently fold in the ¾ cup chopped pretzels. These little bits of salty crunch are key to the magic of these blondies!
- Step 7: Spread about half of the blondie batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Make sure it covers the bottom as much as possible.
- Step 8: Now for the gooey center! Drizzle the ½ cup caramel sauce evenly over the batter in the pan. Try to get it close to the edges.
- Step 9: Carefully spread the remaining blondie batter over the caramel layer. This helps to encase the caramel, creating that delightful surprise inside. This part of the caramel pretzel blondie bake is so satisfying.
- Step 10: Finish off your masterpiece by sprinkling the top with flaky sea salt. This enhances all the flavors and provides that signature salty-sweet contrast.
- Step 11: Bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center to come out with moist crumbs attached. This indicates they are done without being overcooked, perfect for our caramel pretzel blondie bake.
- Step 12: Let the salted caramel pretzel blondies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into bars. Patience here is key for clean cuts and the best texture.
Pro Tips for the Best Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies
Want to elevate your blondie game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make these salted caramel pretzel blondies truly exceptional.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour; this is key for a tender, chewy texture.
- For a truly gooey center, slightly underbake them. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not clean.
- Chop your pretzels coarsely. This gives you distinct pockets of salty crunch throughout the blondie.
- Letting them cool completely in the pan is crucial for clean cuts and the best texture.
What’s the secret to perfect Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies?
The real secret to achieving those perfectly gooey salted caramel pretzel blondies is the balance of ingredients and a keen eye on baking time. The caramel sauce needs to be good quality, and a slightly underbaked center is what creates that irresistible chew. For more baking tips, check out these bread secrets and recipes.
Can I make Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the blondie batter and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before spreading it into the pan for your homemade salted caramel pretzel blondies.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies?
A common pitfall is overmixing, which leads to tough blondies. Another is overbaking; this is why they might not be gooey. Also, if you’re wondering why are my pretzel blondies salty, it’s usually from using pretzels that are already heavily salted. Adjust your topping salt accordingly. If you’re looking for other sweet treats, you might enjoy these cosmic brownie bites.
Best Ways to Serve Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies
These incredible blondies are fantastic on their own, but serving them can elevate them even further! For a truly decadent treat, try warming them slightly and serving with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast of the warm, gooey blondie with cold, creamy ice cream is divine. They also make a wonderful addition to a dessert platter, perhaps alongside some chocolate chip cookies or brownies. As salted caramel pretzel dessert bars, they pair beautifully with a strong cup of coffee or a glass of milk. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your presentation!
Nutrition Facts for Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies
When you’re enjoying these delightful salted caramel pretzel blondies, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving (which we’ve divided into 24 bars):
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
Please remember that these nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on the specific ingredients you use and how precisely you measure. For more information on nutritional estimates, you can refer to resources like the USDA’s FoodData Central.
How to Store and Reheat Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies
Once your delicious homemade salted caramel pretzel blondies have cooled completely in the pan, it’s time to think about storing them. Proper storage ensures they stay wonderfully chewy and gooey for days. I usually let them cool for at least an hour, sometimes longer, before attempting to cut them. This helps them set up perfectly. Once cut into bars, store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 3 to 4 days. If you think you won’t get through them that quickly, freezing is a great option! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply unwrap them and microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in a low oven for a few minutes. For other great dessert ideas, check out these nutter butter bars.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies
What are Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies?
Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies are a delightful twist on the classic blondie. They feature a chewy, buttery base studded with crunchy pretzels and swirled with gooey caramel sauce, all topped with a sprinkle of sea salt. This combination creates a fantastic salty-sweet flavor profile that’s incredibly addictive, making them a standout salted caramel pretzel blondie dessert.
Can I make Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free! Simply substitute a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour, and ensure your pretzels are certified gluten-free. The rest of the salted caramel pretzel blondie ingredients should work just fine. You might also enjoy these healthy kit kat recipes.
Why are my blondies not chewy?
If your blondies aren’t chewy, it’s usually due to overmixing the batter after adding the flour, or overbaking. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, leading to a cakey texture. Overbaking dries them out. For the chewiest results, aim for a toothpick to come out with moist crumbs, not completely clean, during the caramel pretzel blondie bake.
What makes these blondies so good?
It’s truly the interplay of textures and flavors! The soft, chewy blondie base, the satisfying crunch from the pretzels, the rich, gooey caramel, and that final touch of salt create a flavor explosion. They’re a perfect example of a truly decadent salted caramel pretzel dessert that hits all the right notes.
Variations of Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic salted caramel pretzel blondies, why not experiment? There are so many fun ways to switch up this already amazing treat. For a richer, chocolatey twist, try adding about a cup of salted chocolate pretzel blondies chips to the batter along with the pretzels. You could also swap out some of the pretzels for chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor. If you love that buttery, toffee-like flavor, consider a toffee pretzel blondie recipe by adding some toffee bits into the batter. For a slightly different texture, you could even try baking them in muffin tins for individual pretzel caramel blondie squares, adjusting the baking time as needed.
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Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies: Irresistible Treat
- Total Time: 45 minutes plus cooling time
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Create delicious salted caramel pretzel blondies with this easy recipe. These blondies combine chewy, gooey centers with a salty-sweet crunch from pretzels and caramel.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup chopped pretzels
- ½ cup caramel sauce
- Flaky sea salt, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the chopped pretzels.
- Spread half of the blondie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the batter.
- Carefully spread the remaining blondie batter over the caramel layer.
- Sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
- Let the salted caramel pretzel blondies cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
Notes
- For extra gooeyness, slightly underbake the blondies.
- Ensure your pretzels are roughly chopped for better distribution.
- Store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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