Chocolate Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark Recipe
This Chocolate Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark combines rich, buttery caramel with crunchy pretzels and smooth semisweet chocolate, finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. Easy to make and perfect for gifting or indulging, this bark offers a delightful texture contrast and irresistible taste.
- Author: luca
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including setting time)
- Yield: Approximately 20 pieces 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake, Candy Making
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Caramel
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 1 cup heavy cream (divided)
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, cubed (85g)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Bark
- 3 cups semisweet chocolate chips (18 ounces)
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
- 8 ounces pretzel twists (half of a regular 16-ounce bag)
- Flaky Maldon salt or sea salt, for sprinkling
- Prepare the Caramel: In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the sugar, 1/2 cup of the heavy cream, corn syrup, cubed salted butter, and salt. Stir gently until the butter has completely melted, avoiding increasing heat to speed up this process.
- Heat the Caramel: Once the butter is melted, stop stirring and raise the heat to medium to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Attach a candy thermometer and cook without stirring until the temperature reaches 236°F.
- Add Remaining Cream: Pour in the remaining 1/2 cup of heavy cream. The temperature will drop initially but then rise again. Continue cooking without stirring until the temperature reaches between 245°F and 248°F. Do not rush by increasing heat to prevent burning.
- Finish the Caramel: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the caramel to rest for 10-15 minutes to cool and thicken slightly before using.
- Melt the Chocolate: While the caramel cools, melt semisweet chocolate chips and coconut oil in a large microwave-safe bowl. Use 20-30 second bursts, stirring well between heating intervals until smooth.
- Spread Chocolate Base: Spread approximately two-thirds of the melted chocolate evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add Pretzels: Evenly distribute the pretzel twists over the chocolate, pressing gently so they slightly embed. Overlapping is acceptable.
- Pour Caramel Over Pretzels: Drizzle the cooled caramel evenly over the pretzels, ensuring it touches all pieces to help bind the bark together.
- Drizzle Remaining Chocolate and Salt: Using a spoon or a plastic bag with a snipped corner, drizzle the remaining chocolate over the top of the caramel and pretzels. Immediately sprinkle generously with flaky Maldon salt or sea salt before the chocolate and caramel set.
- Set the Bark: Let the bark rest at room temperature until the caramel firms and the chocolate solidifies, approximately 2 hours. Refrigerate to speed up setting if desired, then cut into pieces to serve.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure caramel reaches the correct temperature for perfect consistency.
- If you prefer a less salty treat, reduce the quantity of salt sprinkled on top.
- Store the bark in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Be careful to avoid burning the caramel by controlling the heat and stirring only when indicated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 25g)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: chocolate bark, salted caramel, pretzel bark, homemade candy, chocolate caramel recipe, salty sweet dessert