Peanut Butter Pretzel Caramel Chocolate Bars
User Reviews
4.7
Peanut Butter Pretzel Caramel Chocolate Bars
Description
Peanut Butter Pretzel Caramel Chocolate Bars begin with a chocolate shortbread crust made from flour, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and melted butter, baked until set but slightly tender. The caramel layer is prepared by melting soft caramels with heavy cream and combined with lightly crushed pretzel sticks for a crunchy, salty-sweet topping. The caramel-pretzel mixture is spread over the cooled crust.
The peanut butter layer is a creamy blend of smooth peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract whipped until fluffy, then spread evenly atop the caramel pretzel layer. Finally, a chocolate ganache is made from semi-sweet chocolate chips melted with heavy cream and poured over the peanut butter layer to create a glossy finish.
The bars marry a range of textures and flavors: the dense, cocoa-rich shortbread, the gooey and salty caramel-pretzel mix, the creamy peanut butter frosting, and the smooth chocolate ganache. The combination results in a decadent dessert with both salty and sweet elements highlighted by peanut butter and chocolate.
Practical notes indicate to use soft vanilla caramels for a smooth caramel layer and creamy peanut butter for best texture. Natural or crunchy peanut butters are not recommended for this recipe, ensuring the peanut butter layer remains smooth and fluffy.
Ingredients
Chocolate Shortbread:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder natural, unsweetened or Dutch-process
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter salted, melted
Caramel Layer:
- 14 ounces caramels soft, unwrapped, see note
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups pretzel sticks lightly crushed or broken
Peanut Butter Layer:
- 1 cup peanut butter creamy, see note
- ¼ cup butter salted, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
Chocolate Ganache:
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- For the shortbread layer: preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9X13-inch baking pan (can also line with parchment paper). Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until a soft dough forms. Bake for 10-12 minutes until set (I like the crust slightly under baked so it's not dry and crumbly). Cool completely.
- For the pretzel caramel layer:in a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramels and cream and microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and melted. Option 1: spread caramel over the cooled chocolate shortbread layer and sprinkle with crushed pretzels. Option 2: stir the pretzels into the warm caramel and dollop across chocolate shortbread layer, pressing into an even layer with greased hands.
- For the peanut butter layer: in a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla, and beat with an electric mixer until creamy and fluffy, 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Spread over the pretzel caramel layer. Refrigerate while making the chocolate ganache.
- For the chocolate ganache: add the chocolate chips to a medium bowl. Microwave or heat the cream on the stovetop until just below a simmer. Pour the cream over the chocolate. Let sit for 2-3 minutes. Stir to combine until glossy and smooth. Let cool for a few minutes until no longer warm. Spread over the peanut butter layer.
- Refrigerate the bars until set, at least 20 minutes but up to 24 hours. If refrigerated longer than an hour or so, take the bars out 15-20 minutes before cutting and serving so the caramel layer softens just a bit.
Notes
- Use soft vanilla caramels like Trader Joe’s for the best melting consistency in the caramel layer; other brands may vary in texture.
- Creamy peanut butter is essential here, as natural or crunchy types can affect the smoothness and consistency of the peanut butter layer.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 20bars
Amount Per Serving
Calories kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 bar | |
| Calories | 497kcal | 25% |
| Carbohydrates | 48g | 16% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 32g | 49% |
| Saturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Cholesterol | 29mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 348mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 29g | 58% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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