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To make these tasty brownies, you need some key items: - 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) - 2 cups granulated sugar - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup mini pretzels - 1 cup chocolate chips - 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (flaked) Each ingredient plays a vital role. The butter adds richness. The sugar gives sweetness. Eggs bind everything together. Cocoa powder and flour create the brownie base. Want to mix it up? You can try these add-ins for more flavor: - Chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans - Sea salt caramel candies for extra bites of caramel - A splash of coffee to deepen the chocolate flavor These add-ins can enhance the taste and texture of your brownies. No need to worry if you lack some items! Here are some easy swaps: - Use salted butter instead of unsalted. Just skip the added salt. - Swap granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. - Cocoa powder can be replaced with carob powder for a different taste. These substitutions will keep the brownies delicious while making use of what you have at home. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key to getting your brownies just right. Next, grab a 9x13-inch baking pan. You can grease it with butter or oil. Alternatively, line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. Both methods work well, so pick what you prefer. In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over low heat. Once it’s melted, take it off the heat. Stir in 2 cups of granulated sugar. Mix well until combined. Now, add 4 large eggs, one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each egg. Then, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and stir again. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this mix to your butter-sugar mixture. Stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make your brownies tough. Finally, fold in 1 cup of mini pretzels and 1 cup of chocolate chips. This will give your brownies a delightful crunch. Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly across the bottom. Next, drizzle half of your 1/2 cup of caramel sauce over the batter. Use a spatula or knife to gently swirl it in. Now, pour the remaining brownie batter on top and spread it evenly. Drizzle the rest of the caramel sauce on top. Don’t forget to generously sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of flaked sea salt. This adds a nice touch. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them! Check if they are set by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Once baked, take them out of the oven. Let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 20-30 minutes. This will help them set and make slicing easier. To make the best brownies, you need to focus on mixing. Start with melted butter. It helps give the brownies a rich, fudgy texture. Mix the sugar in well, but don’t overmix the batter. Stir just until you see no more flour. This will keep your brownies soft and moist. Remember to fold in the chocolate chips and pretzels gently. This way, they won't break apart. For a deeper caramel taste, try using homemade caramel sauce. If you must use store-bought, pick a high-quality brand. The flavor will stand out. If you're feeling adventurous, add a bit of sea salt into the caramel. It enhances the sweet and salty combo. Don’t forget to sprinkle some sea salt on top before baking. This will add an extra layer of flavor. Cutting brownies can be a hassle, but I have a trick. Let them cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. Then, use a sharp knife. For clean cuts, dip the knife in hot water and wipe it dry. This helps avoid messy edges. If you want perfect squares, mark your cuts before slicing. This way, you can make them even and neat. Enjoy your delicious, salted caramel pretzel brownies! Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for better incorporation and texture in your brownies. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the batter until just combined to keep the brownies fudgy and soft, avoiding a tough texture. Swirl the Caramel Carefully: When drizzling caramel, use a toothpick or knife to create beautiful swirls without fully mixing it into the batter. Let Them Cool: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing to ensure clean cuts and a better structure. {{image_2}} You can add nuts for extra crunch. Chopped walnuts or pecans work well. Mix them in with the pretzels. This adds a nice texture. Nuts also enhance the flavor. You can use a 1/2 cup of nuts for balance. These brownies will feel even more decadent with this twist. You can make these brownies gluten-free easily. Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour mix. Make sure it has a good binding agent. This keeps the brownies moist and chewy. You might want to check for gluten-free pretzels too. They provide that salty crunch we love. If you want to change the flavor, use different chips. White chocolate chips add a sweet touch. You can also try butterscotch chips for a rich flavor. Dark chocolate chips give a deeper taste. Use the same amount as the recipe calls for. This way, you keep the balance just right. After you bake these brownies, let them cool completely. This step is key to keeping them fresh. Store the brownies in an airtight container. They can sit at room temperature for up to four days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. Just make sure to wrap them well. This helps keep the moisture in and the flavor strong. If you have extra brownies, freezing is a great option. Cut the brownies into squares before freezing. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay frozen for about three months. To enjoy them later, just move them to the fridge overnight. You’ll have tasty brownies ready to go. To reheat your brownies, the oven is the best choice. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the brownies on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes. This warms them up nicely and keeps them soft. You can also microwave them. Place a brownie on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for about 10-15 seconds. This method is quick, but be careful not to overheat. Enjoy your warm, gooey brownies! Salted caramel pretzel brownies last about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just remember to let them come back to room temperature before enjoying. Yes, you can make these brownies in advance! They are perfect for parties or events. Simply bake and cool them, then store in an airtight container. If you want to keep them fresh, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. You can even freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving. If you don’t have caramel sauce, you can use dulce de leche as a substitute. It has a similar sweet and creamy texture. Another option is to make a quick homemade caramel by melting sugar with a bit of water. This will give you that delicious caramel flavor. Just be careful while making it, as melted sugar can be very hot! Salted caramel pretzel brownies bring together sweet and salty flavors. We explored key ingredients, optional add-ins, and substitutions to tailor this treat to your taste. I shared step-by-step instructions for achieving the perfect brownie. With tips to enhance texture and flavor, you can impress anyone. Variations like nutty or gluten-free options cater to different diets. Lastly, knowing how to store and reheat ensures you enjoy every bit. Now, you’re ready to bake these delicious brownies and share them!

Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies

Deliciously rich brownies topped with salted caramel and crunchy pretzels.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup mini pretzels
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 0.5 cup caramel sauce
  • 0.5 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar until well combined.
  • Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Fold in the chocolate chips and mini pretzels into the brownie batter.
  • Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
  • Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the brownie batter and swirl it gently with a spatula or knife.
  • Pour the remaining brownie batter on top and spread it evenly. Drizzle the rest of the caramel sauce on top and generously sprinkle with sea salt.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the brownies are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet).
  • Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 20-30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Cut into generous squares and serve on a beautiful platter. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top and garnish with a few pretzels for added crunch and visual appeal.
Keyword brownies, caramel, dessert, pretzels