Introduction

These Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars combine crunchy pretzels with smooth caramel and a creamy whipped topping. They’re an easy and delicious treat that satisfies sweet and salty cravings without turning on the oven.

A close-up view of a dessert bar on a white plate, showing three clear layers: a thick, crumbly light brown crust on the bottom, a smooth creamy white middle layer, and a glossy caramel layer on top that drips slightly down the sides. Each dessert square is topped with a swirl of white whipped cream and a small, golden-brown pretzel sprinkled with coarse white salt. The background has a soft warm blur with lights, and the plate rests 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 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 crust layer.
Step 2: Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the pretzel crust. Use a spatula to spread it out, then sprinkle the sea salt on top.
Step 3: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
Step 4: Spread the whipped cream mixture over the caramel layer, smoothing it to create an even top layer.
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: Remove from refrigerator, cut into squares, and serve. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Press the pretzel crust firmly to help it hold together well once set.
Use high-quality or homemade caramel sauce for richer flavor.
Allow full chilling time so bars are firm enough to slice cleanly.
Try adding a drizzle of chocolate sauce or chopped nuts on top for extra indulgence and texture.

Storage

Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. When ready to enjoy, serve chilled or let sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften the topping slightly.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of several dessert bars arranged on a white plate. Each bar has four layers: a crumbly brown crumb base at the bottom, a thick white creamy middle layer, a shiny golden caramel layer on top with some caramel dripping over the sides, and a swirl of white whipped cream on the very top. Each swirl of whipped cream is topped with a golden-brown pretzel covered in coarse salt crystals. The dessert is set on a white marbled surface with a softly blurred warm background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, they hold up well when made a day or two in advance. Just keep them refrigerated and covered until serving.

Can I use a different crust base?

Absolutely! While pretzels give a salty crunch, crushed graham crackers or cookies can be an alternative crust if preferred.

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

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 68 reviews

Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars combine a crunchy pretzel crust with sweet, salty caramel and a light creamy topping. These bars are simple to assemble, require no baking, and chill into a delightful dessert perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 9 to 12 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 evenly over the pretzel crust. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the sea salt on top to enhance the flavor.
Make the Creamy Topping: In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form and the topping is light and fluffy.
Assemble the Bars: Spread the whipped cream mixture evenly over the caramel layer in the baking dish, smoothing out the top.
Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to set firmly.
Slice and Serve: Once chilled and firm, remove from the refrigerator. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your delightful no-bake salted caramel pretzel bars!

Notes

Press the pretzel crust firmly to help the bars hold together once chilled.
Use high-quality or homemade caramel sauce for the best flavor.
Allow the bars to chill for the full 2 hours or more to ensure they set properly.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
For added indulgence, serve with vanilla ice cream or drizzle with chocolate sauce.

Keywords: no bake, salted caramel, pretzel bars, quick dessert, easy bars, caramel dessert, sweet and salty, no bake dessert