Introduction

These Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars are a perfect treat for anyone craving a sweet and salty dessert. With a crunchy pretzel crust, smooth caramel, and fluffy whipped topping, they come together fast without any baking required.

A square dessert piece showing three layers: the bottom layer is a crumbly golden-brown crust, the middle layer is a thick white creamy filling, and the top layer is a glossy caramel drizzle that slightly drips over the edges. On top of the caramel, there are white whipped cream swirls spaced evenly, each topped with a few golden pretzels and sprinkled with coarse sea salt. The dessert sits on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups pretzel crumbs (crushed pretzels)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the pretzel crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix well until evenly combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish to form an even crust layer.
Step 2: Drizzle the caramel sauce over the pretzel crust and use a spatula to spread it evenly. Sprinkle the sea salt over the caramel layer for a balanced salty punch.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract while continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
Step 4: Spread the whipped cream mixture evenly over the caramel layer, smoothing the top with a spatula for a clean finish.
Step 5: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are firm and set.
Step 6: Once chilled, remove from the refrigerator, cut into squares, and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious no-bake treat!

Tips & Variations

For extra texture, sprinkle chopped nuts or additional crushed pretzels on top of the whipped cream before chilling.
Use homemade caramel sauce if you prefer control over sweetness and flavor.
If you want a firmer crust, add a tablespoon of graham cracker crumbs to the pretzel mixture.
For a chocolate twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the top just before serving.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They keep best chilled and should be served cold for optimal creaminess. If needed, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.

How to Serve

A close-up of a dessert bar on a white plate with three visible layers: the bottom layer is a crumbly beige crust, the middle layer is thick and creamy white filling, and the top layer is shiny, golden caramel sauce dripping slightly down the sides. On top of that, there are swirls of white whipped cream, each topped with a small light brown pretzel sprinkled with coarse salt. The setting has a soft, warm light with a blurred background, all placed on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, by using gluten-free pretzels for the crust, you can make this dessert gluten-free without compromising flavor or texture.

How long do these bars need to chill?

Chilling for at least 2 hours is essential to allow the layers to set properly. For the best results, you can refrigerate them up to 4 hours or overnight.

Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars for Sweet Cravings Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 86 reviews

These Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars combine a crunchy pretzel crust with a rich caramel layer, topped with a light, creamy whipped topping. Perfect for sweet cravings, these bars are easy to prepare without any baking, making them a delicious and hassle-free dessert option.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pretzel Crust

2 cups pretzel crumbs (crushed pretzels)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Caramel Layer

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt

For the Creamy Topping

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Pretzel Crust: In a medium bowl, combine pretzel crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish to form an even layer.
Layer the Caramel: Drizzle the caramel sauce over the pretzel crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Sprinkle the sea salt on top of the caramel layer.
Make the Creamy Topping: In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
Assemble the Bars: Spread the whipped cream mixture over the caramel layer in the baking dish, smoothing it out to create an even top layer.
Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the bars are firm and set.
Slice and Serve: Once chilled, remove from the refrigerator. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your delightful creation!

Notes

Use crushed pretzels rather than ground ones to maintain a crunchy texture in the crust.
For an extra indulgent twist, sprinkle some chopped nuts over the caramel layer before adding the whipped topping.
Make sure the heavy cream is cold for easier whipping and better texture.
Store leftover bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The bars can be made a day ahead to save time and let the flavors meld perfectly.

Keywords: no-bake dessert, caramel pretzel bars, salted caramel, easy dessert, quick sweet treats, creamy topping