If you love the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy, then these Peanut Butter Pretzel Caramel Chocolate Bars are about to become your new obsession. Imagine layers of chocolate shortbread, gooey caramel, crunchy pretzels, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate ganache – all in one decadent bite. Let’s dive into how to make these mouthwatering bars step-by-step.
Why You Will Love These Bars
- Layered Perfection: Each bite delivers a blend of flavors – buttery chocolate shortbread, salty pretzels, sweet caramel, creamy peanut butter, and luscious chocolate ganache.
- Easy to Make: While they might look like bakery-quality bars, these are surprisingly simple to make at home.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just treating yourself to something special.
Ingredients You Will Need
Chocolate Shortbread:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup salted butter, melted
Caramel Layer:
- 14 oz soft caramels, unwrapped
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups lightly crushed pretzel sticks
Peanut Butter Layer:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup salted butter, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Ganache:
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chocolate Shortbread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until a soft dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 10-12 minutes until set but still slightly soft in the center. Cool completely.
2. Create the Caramel Pretzel Layer
While the shortbread cools, prepare the caramel. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and melted.
Option 1: Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread and immediately sprinkle with the crushed pretzels.
Option 2: Mix the crushed pretzels into the warm caramel and spread evenly over the shortbread layer. Let it cool slightly.
3. Whip Up the Peanut Butter Layer
In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy. Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the caramel pretzel layer. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while you make the ganache.
4. Make the Chocolate Ganache
Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let sit for 2-3 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy. Let the ganache cool for a few minutes, then spread over the peanut butter layer.
5. Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the bars for at least 20 minutes or up to 24 hours. If the bars are too firm to cut, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before slicing.
Tips for Perfect Bars
- Use Parchment Paper: This makes it easy to lift the bars out of the pan for clean slicing.
- Chill Between Layers: Each layer should be set before adding the next for a neat finish.
- Soft Caramels: If the caramel layer hardens too much, microwave it for a few seconds to soften.
Storage and Freezing
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freeze the bars by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for the ultimate indulgence. Trust me, these Peanut Butter Pretzel Caramel Chocolate Bars will be a hit with everyone!
