If you love the playful contrast of sweet and salty in your treats, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Easy Pretzel Fudge Recipe (Sweet & Salty!) Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of rich, creamy chocolate fudge studded with crunchy, salty pretzels that adds unexpected texture and flavor. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, a gift, or just because you deserve a little indulgence, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an overhead view of several ingredients placed on a white marbled surface. In the middle is a large white bowl filled with many small dark brown chocolate chips, which have a smooth and shiny texture. Above it to the right is a smaller white bowl filled with broken pretzel pieces that are golden brown, crunchy, and have a rough texture with bits of white salt crystals on them. To the right of this is a clear glass bowl holding several small blocks of light yellow butter with a soft texture. On the left of the image, near the bottom, is a small rustic bowl containing coarse white salt. Above it is a small dark brown bottle with a label on it, likely vanilla extract. At the bottom right corner, there is a can with a white label showing nutrition facts laying on its side. The whole setting has a clean look with scattered pieces prepared for mixing photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but essential — each one plays a vital role in balancing sweetness, richness, and that coveted salty crunch. Trust me, the magic of this Easy Pretzel Fudge Recipe (Sweet & Salty!) Recipe comes from how these simple elements work in harmony.

3 cups semisweet chocolate chips: The core of your fudge, bringing smooth, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate flavor.
2 tablespoons butter: Adds creaminess and helps achieve that perfect fudge texture.
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk: The sweet, thick base that gives the fudge its luscious consistency.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract: A tiny splash that elevates the chocolate with warm, aromatic depth.
1 ½ cups pretzels, chopped: Crunchy and salty, these are the star ingredient that bring a delightful contrast.
¼ teaspoon coarse sea salt: Sprinkled on top to enhance the sweet and salty flavor combo and add a little sparkle.

How to Make Easy Pretzel Fudge Recipe (Sweet & Salty!) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This simple prep step ensures your fudge will come out easily without sticking or breaking apart.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and butter. Stir continuously until everything melts together into a silky smooth mixture. This gentle heat prevents scorching and keeps your chocolate luscious.

Step 3: Add the Condensed Milk and Vanilla

Slowly pour in the sweetened condensed milk while stirring constantly. This thick, creamy ingredient is the secret to fudge’s signature texture. Stir in the vanilla extract to boost all those amazing flavors.

Step 4: Mix in the Chopped Pretzels

Fold in the chopped pretzels carefully, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the fudge mixture. These pretzel bits provide crunch and that irresistible salty kick that makes this fudge so addictive.

Step 5: Pour and Sprinkle with Sea Salt

Pour the fudge into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Finish by sprinkling the coarse sea salt over the top, which adds a perfect salty contrast and a beautiful finish.

Step 6: Chill Until Set

Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until the fudge is firm to the touch. Patience pays off here — once chilled, you’ll have slices of perfectly dense, creamy fudge with that delectable pretzel crunch inside.

How to Serve Easy Pretzel Fudge Recipe (Sweet & Salty!) Recipe

The image shows many small rectangular fudge pieces arranged closely on a white marbled surface. Each fudge piece has a dark brown chocolate base mixed with visible white crispy bits throughout. Some pieces have a whole pretzel placed on top, adding an orange-brown twisted shape with a rough texture. A light sprinkle of coarse sea salt crystals is visible on the surface of the fudge, adding small white shiny spots. The fudge pieces are unevenly spaced but neatly lined up, showing their thick and firm texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A little extra sprinkle of crushed pretzels or a few chocolate shavings on top adds a lovely touch if you’re serving this fudge to guests. A light dusting of flaky sea salt just before serving can also make each bite pop.

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even a smooth hot chocolate. The bitterness of the coffee or creaminess of milk balances the sweetness beautifully, making each bite even more satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the fudge into small bite-sized squares and arrange them in a decorative tin or on a charming wooden board. Wrap individual pieces in festive wax paper for gift-giving, or stack them with parchment sheets in between to avoid sticking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If your kitchen is warm, the fridge is a safer spot to keep the fudge firm and fresh while preserving the salty crunch of the pretzels.

Freezing

You can freeze this fudge easily! Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3 months, perfect for having a sweet stash on hand.

Reheating

Because fudge is best enjoyed at room temperature, just take frozen pieces out and let them thaw for about 30 minutes. If you want to soften it faster for immediate enjoyment, warm gently in the microwave for a few seconds — but be careful not to melt it completely.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chocolate in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute semisweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate. Keep in mind that the flavor and sweetness will vary slightly depending on your choice.

What kind of pretzels work best?

Sturdy snack pretzels like rods or twists work best because they hold their crunch after mixing into the fudge. Avoid pretzel sticks that crumble too easily to maintain the texture contrast.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Traditional pretzels contain gluten, so this fudge is not gluten-free unless you use gluten-free pretzels. Make sure to check the label if you need to accommodate gluten dietary needs.

How long does this fudge last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this fudge stays fresh for up to one week at room temperature or two weeks if refrigerated.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Yes! Feel free to add chopped nuts, toffee bits, or dried fruit along with the pretzels. Just be mindful of balancing the texture so the sweet and salty contrast remains the star.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Pretzel Fudge Recipe (Sweet & Salty!) Recipe is one of those delightful treats that feels like a gift every time you make it. The combination of creamy chocolate fudge and crunchy pretzels is absolutely irresistible, and it’s surprisingly simple to create with just a handful of ingredients. Give it a try next time you want to impress with a homemade sweet snack that everyone will rave about!

Easy Pretzel Fudge Recipe (Sweet & Salty!) Recipe

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Print Recipe

This Easy Pretzel Fudge Recipe is a delightful sweet and salty treat, combining creamy semisweet chocolate fudge with crunchy, salty pretzels. Perfect for chocolate lovers who enjoy a bit of texture and a hint of sea salt in every bite, this no-bake fudge is simple to prepare and ideal for gifting or sharing at parties.

Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 36 pieces (1-inch squares)

Ingredients

Chocolate Fudge

3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons butter
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins and Topping

1 ½ cups pretzels, chopped
¼ teaspoon coarse sea salt

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Instructions

Melt the Chocolate and Butter: In a medium saucepan, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and butter. Heat over low-medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth and fully melted to avoid burning.
Add Condensed Milk and Vanilla: Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Continue stirring until all ingredients are fully combined into a smooth, creamy mixture.
Mix in Pretzels: Remove the saucepan from heat and fold in the chopped pretzels gently, ensuring even distribution without breaking them up too much to maintain crunch.
Transfer and Spread: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Pour the fudge mixture into the pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
Sprinkle Sea Salt: Evenly sprinkle the coarse sea salt on top of the fudge to enhance the sweet and salty flavor profile.
Chill to Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours or until the fudge is firm enough to cut into squares.
Serve: Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper edges. Cut into squares and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

Use high-quality semisweet chocolate chips for the best flavor and smooth texture.
Allow fudge to cool slightly before adding pretzels to keep their crunch.
Coarse sea salt is preferable for a better salt contrast; regular table salt will dissolve and not provide the same texture.
This fudge can be stored refrigerated for up to 1 week.
For an extra twist, try adding chopped nuts or drizzling white chocolate over the top.

Author: Madelynn
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American