Description
No bake salted caramel pretzel bars are a sweet and salty dessert with a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy filling, and salted caramel topping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/2 cups mini pretzels, crushed (about 8 oz)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 10 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping (or homemade whipped cream)
- 1 cup thick caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt (plus more for topping)
- Extra whipped topping for swirls (optional)
- Mini pretzels or pretzel twists (optional)
- Flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Make the crust: In a bowl, mix crushed pretzels, sugar, and melted butter until evenly coated. Press firmly into a parchment-lined 9×9-inch pan. Chill for 15 minutes.
- Make the filling: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped topping until fluffy. Spread evenly over the chilled crust.
- Add caramel: Warm caramel sauce slightly (10–15 seconds) so it spreads easily. Stir in 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt, then pour and spread over the filling.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate at least 3–4 hours (or overnight) until firm.
- Finish & serve: Pipe whipped topping on top if desired, add pretzels, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Slice into bars and serve cold.
Notes
- Use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience or make your own.
- For a firmer texture, freeze for 30 minutes before slicing.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: no bake salted caramel pretzel bars, sweet and salty dessert, no bake dessert bars, pretzel crust bars, caramel cheesecake bars, easy make ahead dessert