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Decadent Pretzel Crack with Dark Chocolate and Caramelized Sugar Recipe

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4.2 from 126 reviews

Pretzel Crack is a delicious sweet and salty treat combining crunchy salted pretzels, buttery caramelized brown sugar, and rich melted chocolate, topped with a sprinkle of flaky salt for an irresistible snack or dessert.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 22 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 20 pieces

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

  1. Prepare the Baking Tray: Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Arrange Pretzels: Spread the salted pretzels in an even layer across the lined baking tray.
  3. 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.
  4. Pour Caramel Over Pretzels: Carefully pour the hot caramel sauce evenly over the pretzels, ensuring they are coated well.
  5. 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.
  6. Cool Slightly: Remove the tray from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes to allow the caramel to firm up a bit.
  7. 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.
  8. Spread Chocolate Over Pretzels: Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the warm pretzel and caramel layer, spreading it with a spatula to cover completely.
  9. Add Flaky Salt: Sprinkle flaky salt over the melted chocolate while it’s still wet to enhance the sweet and salty flavor profile.
  10. Chill to Set: Place the tray in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until the chocolate and caramel are fully set and firm.
  11. 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.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American