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Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies Irresistible Treat

by on January 15, 2025

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Get ready to indulge in a treat that combines sweet and salty in every bite: Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies! These brownies are rich, chewy, and topped with crunchy pretzels and luscious caramel. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this easy recipe will satisfy your cravings. Follow my simple steps to create a dessert that will wow your friends and family. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!

To make the best Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies, you'll need these simple ingredients: - 1 cup unsalted butter - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup crushed pretzels - 1 cup salted caramel sauce - Sea salt flakes for topping Each ingredient plays a key role in creating rich, chewy brownies. The butter gives moisture and flavor. The sugars add sweetness and help form a crust. Eggs bring structure and richness. Flour and cocoa create that fudgy texture we love. Baking powder helps the brownies rise just right. Crushed pretzels add a delightful crunch and saltiness. The salted caramel sauce ties everything together with sweetness and smoothness. Finally, sea salt flakes on top enhance the flavor, making these brownies truly irresistible. Don't shy away from mixing in your own flair. Feel free to tweak the recipe, but stick to these base ingredients for the best results. Each bite will be a perfect blend of sweet and salty. Enjoy the process and get ready for a treat that will wow everyone! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key. While the oven heats, grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. You can use butter or cooking spray. This helps the brownies come out easily. In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk them together until smooth. The mix should look shiny. Next, add the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a nice flavor to the brownies. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together well. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet mix. Stir gently until just combined. Now, fold in the crushed pretzels. Be careful not to overmix. You want to keep the pretzel crunch. Pour half of the brownie batter into the greased pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Next, drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce over the brownie layer. Add the rest of the brownie batter on top. Smooth it out again. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce on top. Use a knife to swirl the caramel into the batter. This creates a beautiful marbled effect. Now, sprinkle sea salt flakes over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. Once done, let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. This helps them set before you cut them into squares. To get the best sweet and salty taste, use good-quality salted caramel. This enhances the flavor of the brownies. Add a pinch of sea salt on top after baking. This step brings out the caramel taste. Feel free to adjust the salt based on your taste. Remember, a little salt can make the sweetness pop! Store your brownies in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to a week. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw them in the fridge before enjoying! For neat cuts, cool the brownies completely. Use a sharp knife to slice them. Dip the knife in hot water for extra clean edges. Wipe the knife after each cut to avoid mess. This way, you get perfect squares every time! Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Eggs: Using eggs at room temperature helps them incorporate better into the batter, leading to a smoother texture. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to dense brownies. Mix just until the dry ingredients are combined for a fudgy result. Let Them Cool: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting. This helps them set and makes slicing easier. Drizzle Extra Caramel: For an indulgent touch, serve brownies warm with an additional drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of pretzel crumbs. {{image_2}} You can easily mix in nuts or chocolate chips. Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. If you love chocolate, add semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. Use about 1 cup for a rich taste. Just fold them into the batter after adding the crushed pretzels. This will give the brownies more texture and flavor. If you need gluten-free brownies, swap the all-purpose flour. Use almond flour or a gluten-free blend. Make sure the blend has a good balance of starch and flour. This keeps the brownies moist and chewy. Also, check that your caramel sauce is gluten-free. Many store-bought options are safe, but always read the label. You can use various caramel sauces for your brownies. Store-bought sauce is quick and easy. If you want a homemade touch, try making it from scratch. Use sugar, butter, cream, and a pinch of salt. For a twist, try flavored sauces like vanilla or sea salt caramel. Each type will change the taste and add unique notes to your brownies. To keep your salted caramel pretzel brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure the brownies are completely cool before sealing them. This helps avoid moisture build-up. They can stay fresh at room temperature for up to five days. If you want them to last longer, refrigeration is an option. Just note that refrigeration can change their texture slightly. If you want to save brownies for later, freezing is the way to go. First, cut the brownies into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. To enjoy your brownies warm, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the brownies on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes. This method keeps the brownies moist and brings back that fresh-baked taste. If you prefer a quicker method, a microwave works too. Heat each square for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them. Enjoy your delicious treats! You can tell the brownies are done by using a toothpick. Insert it in the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. Avoid wet batter on the toothpick. Bake for 25-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Every oven is different, so keep an eye on them. Yes, you can use homemade caramel sauce. It adds a personal touch to your brownies. Just ensure it is thick enough to drizzle. If it is too thin, it may not create the marbled effect you want. If you don't have pretzels, try using crushed crackers or nuts. Both can give a nice crunch. You could also use cookie crumbs for a sweeter flavor. The key is to keep the texture similar to pretzels. These brownies last about 3-4 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating or freezing them. This blog post gave you all you need to make delicious, salty-sweet brownies. You learned about the key ingredients and followed step-by-step instructions. I shared helpful tips for great results and easy storage options. You also explored fun variations to try. Now, you can bake your brownies with confidence. Enjoy sharing them with others or savoring them yourself! Happy baking!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Decadent Flavor Combination: The rich chocolate brownie paired with the salty crunch of pretzels and the sweetness of caramel creates a mouthwatering treat that’s hard to resist.
  2. Easy to Make: This recipe involves simple steps and common ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
  3. Perfect for Sharing: With 16 servings, these brownies are ideal for parties, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress your friends and family.
  4. Customizable: You can easily modify this recipe by adding nuts, other types of candy, or different toppings to suit your taste!

Ingredients

To make the best Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies, you’ll need these simple ingredients:

– 1 cup unsalted butter

– 1 cup granulated sugar

– 1 cup brown sugar, packed

– 4 large eggs

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1 cup all-purpose flour

– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

– 1 teaspoon baking powder

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1 cup crushed pretzels

– 1 cup salted caramel sauce

– Sea salt flakes for topping

Each ingredient plays a key role in creating rich, chewy brownies. The butter gives moisture and flavor. The sugars add sweetness and help form a crust. Eggs bring structure and richness. Flour and cocoa create that fudgy texture we love. Baking powder helps the brownies rise just right.

Crushed pretzels add a delightful crunch and saltiness. The salted caramel sauce ties everything together with sweetness and smoothness. Finally, sea salt flakes on top enhance the flavor, making these brownies truly irresistible.

Don’t shy away from mixing in your own flair. Feel free to tweak the recipe, but stick to these base ingredients for the best results. Each bite will be a perfect blend of sweet and salty. Enjoy the process and get ready for a treat that will wow everyone!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Oven and Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key. While the oven heats, grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can use butter or cooking spray. This helps the brownies come out easily.

Mixing Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk them together until smooth. The mix should look shiny. Next, add the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a nice flavor to the brownies.

Combining Dry Ingredients and Folding in Pretzels

In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together well. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet mix. Stir gently until just combined. Now, fold in the crushed pretzels. Be careful not to overmix. You want to keep the pretzel crunch.

Layering the Brownie Batter and Caramel

Pour half of the brownie batter into the greased pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Next, drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce over the brownie layer. Add the rest of the brownie batter on top. Smooth it out again. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce on top. Use a knife to swirl the caramel into the batter. This creates a beautiful marbled effect.

Baking and Cooling Time

Now, sprinkle sea salt flakes over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. Once done, let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. This helps them set before you cut them into squares.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Perfect Sweet and Salty Balance

To get the best sweet and salty taste, use good-quality salted caramel. This enhances the flavor of the brownies. Add a pinch of sea salt on top after baking. This step brings out the caramel taste. Feel free to adjust the salt based on your taste. Remember, a little salt can make the sweetness pop!

Storage Tips for Freshness

Store your brownies in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to a week. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw them in the fridge before enjoying!

How to Cut Brownies for Clean Squares

For neat cuts, cool the brownies completely. Use a sharp knife to slice them. Dip the knife in hot water for extra clean edges. Wipe the knife after each cut to avoid mess. This way, you get perfect squares every time!

Pro Tips

  1. Use Room Temperature Eggs: Using eggs at room temperature helps them incorporate better into the batter, leading to a smoother texture.
  2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to dense brownies. Mix just until the dry ingredients are combined for a fudgy result.
  3. Let Them Cool: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting. This helps them set and makes slicing easier.
  4. Drizzle Extra Caramel: For an indulgent touch, serve brownies warm with an additional drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of pretzel crumbs.

Variations

Adding Nuts or Chocolate Chips

You can easily mix in nuts or chocolate chips. Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. If you love chocolate, add semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. Use about 1 cup for a rich taste. Just fold them into the batter after adding the crushed pretzels. This will give the brownies more texture and flavor.

Gluten-Free Alternatives

If you need gluten-free brownies, swap the all-purpose flour. Use almond flour or a gluten-free blend. Make sure the blend has a good balance of starch and flour. This keeps the brownies moist and chewy. Also, check that your caramel sauce is gluten-free. Many store-bought options are safe, but always read the label.

Different Types of Caramel Sauce

You can use various caramel sauces for your brownies. Store-bought sauce is quick and easy. If you want a homemade touch, try making it from scratch. Use sugar, butter, cream, and a pinch of salt. For a twist, try flavored sauces like vanilla or sea salt caramel. Each type will change the taste and add unique notes to your brownies.

Storage Info

Best Practices for Storing Brownies

To keep your salted caramel pretzel brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure the brownies are completely cool before sealing them. This helps avoid moisture build-up. They can stay fresh at room temperature for up to five days. If you want them to last longer, refrigeration is an option. Just note that refrigeration can change their texture slightly.

Freezing Instructions for Long-Term Storage

If you want to save brownies for later, freezing is the way to go. First, cut the brownies into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating Tips for Optimal Enjoyment

To enjoy your brownies warm, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the brownies on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes. This method keeps the brownies moist and brings back that fresh-baked taste. If you prefer a quicker method, a microwave works too. Heat each square for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them. Enjoy your delicious treats!

FAQs

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

You can tell the brownies are done by using a toothpick. Insert it in the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. Avoid wet batter on the toothpick. Bake for 25-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Every oven is different, so keep an eye on them.

Can I use homemade caramel sauce?

Yes, you can use homemade caramel sauce. It adds a personal touch to your brownies. Just ensure it is thick enough to drizzle. If it is too thin, it may not create the marbled effect you want.

What can I substitute for pretzels?

If you don’t have pretzels, try using crushed crackers or nuts. Both can give a nice crunch. You could also use cookie crumbs for a sweeter flavor. The key is to keep the texture similar to pretzels.

How long do the brownies last at room temperature?

These brownies last about 3-4 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating or freezing them.

This blog post gave you all you need to make delicious, salty-sweet brownies. You learned about the key ingredients and followed step-by-step instructions. I shared helpful tips for great results and easy storage options. You also explored fun variations to try.

Now, you can bake your brownies with confidence. Enjoy sharing them with others or savoring them yourself! Happy bakin

To make the best Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies, you'll need these simple ingredients: - 1 cup unsalted butter - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup crushed pretzels - 1 cup salted caramel sauce - Sea salt flakes for topping Each ingredient plays a key role in creating rich, chewy brownies. The butter gives moisture and flavor. The sugars add sweetness and help form a crust. Eggs bring structure and richness. Flour and cocoa create that fudgy texture we love. Baking powder helps the brownies rise just right. Crushed pretzels add a delightful crunch and saltiness. The salted caramel sauce ties everything together with sweetness and smoothness. Finally, sea salt flakes on top enhance the flavor, making these brownies truly irresistible. Don't shy away from mixing in your own flair. Feel free to tweak the recipe, but stick to these base ingredients for the best results. Each bite will be a perfect blend of sweet and salty. Enjoy the process and get ready for a treat that will wow everyone! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key. While the oven heats, grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. You can use butter or cooking spray. This helps the brownies come out easily. In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk them together until smooth. The mix should look shiny. Next, add the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a nice flavor to the brownies. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together well. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet mix. Stir gently until just combined. Now, fold in the crushed pretzels. Be careful not to overmix. You want to keep the pretzel crunch. Pour half of the brownie batter into the greased pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Next, drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce over the brownie layer. Add the rest of the brownie batter on top. Smooth it out again. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce on top. Use a knife to swirl the caramel into the batter. This creates a beautiful marbled effect. Now, sprinkle sea salt flakes over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. Once done, let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. This helps them set before you cut them into squares. To get the best sweet and salty taste, use good-quality salted caramel. This enhances the flavor of the brownies. Add a pinch of sea salt on top after baking. This step brings out the caramel taste. Feel free to adjust the salt based on your taste. Remember, a little salt can make the sweetness pop! Store your brownies in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to a week. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw them in the fridge before enjoying! For neat cuts, cool the brownies completely. Use a sharp knife to slice them. Dip the knife in hot water for extra clean edges. Wipe the knife after each cut to avoid mess. This way, you get perfect squares every time! Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Eggs: Using eggs at room temperature helps them incorporate better into the batter, leading to a smoother texture. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to dense brownies. Mix just until the dry ingredients are combined for a fudgy result. Let Them Cool: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting. This helps them set and makes slicing easier. Drizzle Extra Caramel: For an indulgent touch, serve brownies warm with an additional drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of pretzel crumbs. {{image_2}} You can easily mix in nuts or chocolate chips. Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. If you love chocolate, add semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. Use about 1 cup for a rich taste. Just fold them into the batter after adding the crushed pretzels. This will give the brownies more texture and flavor. If you need gluten-free brownies, swap the all-purpose flour. Use almond flour or a gluten-free blend. Make sure the blend has a good balance of starch and flour. This keeps the brownies moist and chewy. Also, check that your caramel sauce is gluten-free. Many store-bought options are safe, but always read the label. You can use various caramel sauces for your brownies. Store-bought sauce is quick and easy. If you want a homemade touch, try making it from scratch. Use sugar, butter, cream, and a pinch of salt. For a twist, try flavored sauces like vanilla or sea salt caramel. Each type will change the taste and add unique notes to your brownies. To keep your salted caramel pretzel brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure the brownies are completely cool before sealing them. This helps avoid moisture build-up. They can stay fresh at room temperature for up to five days. If you want them to last longer, refrigeration is an option. Just note that refrigeration can change their texture slightly. If you want to save brownies for later, freezing is the way to go. First, cut the brownies into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. To enjoy your brownies warm, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the brownies on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes. This method keeps the brownies moist and brings back that fresh-baked taste. If you prefer a quicker method, a microwave works too. Heat each square for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them. Enjoy your delicious treats! You can tell the brownies are done by using a toothpick. Insert it in the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. Avoid wet batter on the toothpick. Bake for 25-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Every oven is different, so keep an eye on them. Yes, you can use homemade caramel sauce. It adds a personal touch to your brownies. Just ensure it is thick enough to drizzle. If it is too thin, it may not create the marbled effect you want. If you don't have pretzels, try using crushed crackers or nuts. Both can give a nice crunch. You could also use cookie crumbs for a sweeter flavor. The key is to keep the texture similar to pretzels. These brownies last about 3-4 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating or freezing them. This blog post gave you all you need to make delicious, salty-sweet brownies. You learned about the key ingredients and followed step-by-step instructions. I shared helpful tips for great results and easy storage options. You also explored fun variations to try. Now, you can bake your brownies with confidence. Enjoy sharing them with others or savoring them yourself! Happy baking!

Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies

Deliciously rich brownies with a swirl of salted caramel and crunchy pretzels.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup crushed pretzels
  • 1 cup salted caramel sauce
  • to taste sea salt flakes for topping

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk until smooth.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
  • Gently fold in the crushed pretzels, being careful not to overmix.
  • Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
  • Drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce over the brownie layer.
  • Add the remaining brownie batter on top, smoothing it out with a spatula, then drizzle the rest of the caramel sauce over the top.
  • Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the caramel into the brownie batter for a marbled effect.
  • Sprinkle sea salt flakes generously over the top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
  • Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting them into squares.

Notes

Serve the brownies warm, drizzled with extra caramel sauce and a sprinkle of pretzel crumbs on top for added crunch and visual appeal.
Keyword brownies, caramel, dessert, pretzels

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