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Pretzel Bottom Caramel Brownies Recipe

Pretzel Bottom Caramel Brownies Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 14 reviews

Indulge in these Pretzel Bottom Caramel Brownies, a delightful dessert featuring a crunchy pretzel crust topped with rich, fudgy chocolate brownies and a luscious homemade caramel drizzle. The perfect balance of salty and sweet makes them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pretzel Crust

  • 1½ cups crushed pretzels
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp light brown sugar

Brownie Batter

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cocoa powder
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs (60g each)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • 4 oz quality dark chocolate (60–75% cocoa), melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup dark or milk chocolate chunks (optional)

Caramel Drizzle

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the brownies.
  2. Make Pretzel Crust: In a bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and light brown sugar. Mix until well blended, then firmly press this mixture into the base of the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes to set.
  3. Prepare Brownie Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the ½ cup unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract and melted dark chocolate. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, folding gently to combine. Optionally, fold in the chocolate chunks for added texture.
  4. Assemble and Bake Brownies: Spread the prepared brownie batter evenly over the baked pretzel crust. Place the pan back in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is just set but still fudgy.
  5. Prepare Caramel Sauce: While the brownies bake, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, stirring continuously until it melts and turns a golden amber color. Carefully add the butter and stir until melted, then slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to create a smooth caramel sauce. Add a pinch of salt for balance and remove from heat.
  6. Finish and Serve: Once the brownies are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the warm caramel sauce evenly over the top. Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing into squares and serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the pretzel crust is pressed firmly to prevent it from crumbling when slicing.
  • Use good quality dark chocolate with 60–75% cocoa for a rich flavor in the brownies.
  • The caramel sauce should be prepared carefully to avoid burning the sugar; use medium heat and constant stirring.
  • Allow the brownies to cool completely for clean slicing and to let the caramel set properly.
  • For variation, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramel drizzle before it sets to enhance the salty-sweet contrast.

Nutrition

Keywords: pretzel caramel brownies, caramel brownies, pretzel crust dessert, chocolate brownies with caramel, salted caramel dessert

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/pretzel-bottom-caramel-brownies-recipe/