Ingredients
Base
- 200 g salted pretzels
- 225 g unsalted butter
- 200 g soft dark brown sugar
Topping
- 250 g dark chocolate or milk chocolate
- Flakey salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Tray: Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Arrange Pretzels: Spread the salted pretzels in an even layer across the lined baking tray.
- Make Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter together with the soft dark brown sugar. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes, forming a smooth caramel sauce.
- Pour Caramel Over Pretzels: Carefully pour the hot caramel sauce evenly over the pretzels, ensuring they are coated well.
- Bake the Pretzels and Caramel: Place the baking tray in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) and bake for about 10-12 minutes until the caramel is bubbling and sets the pretzel base.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the tray from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes to allow the caramel to firm up a bit.
- Melt the Chocolate: While the pretzel base cools, melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
- Spread Chocolate Over Pretzels: Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the warm pretzel and caramel layer, spreading it with a spatula to cover completely.
- Add Flaky Salt: Sprinkle flaky salt over the melted chocolate while it’s still wet to enhance the sweet and salty flavor profile.
- Chill to Set: Place the tray in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until the chocolate and caramel are fully set and firm.
- Serve: Once set, break or cut the pretzel crack into pieces and serve as a sweet snack or dessert.
Notes
- Use salted pretzels to balance the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate.
- Dark chocolate offers a slightly bitter contrast, but milk chocolate can be used for a sweeter treat.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator during warm weather.
- Be careful when working with hot caramel to avoid burns.
- Flaky salt adds a nice texture and enhances flavors—do not skip this step.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American