Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies

$- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup pretzel pieces (plus extra for topping) - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - Sea salt flakes for garnish When making these salted caramel pretzel brownies, you need simple yet tasty ingredients. First, you start with butter, sugar, and eggs. These are the key items for a good base. I love using both granulated and brown sugars for that rich flavor. Vanilla extract adds a nice touch too. Next, the dry ingredients play a big role. All-purpose flour and cocoa powder create the brownie structure. The baking powder and salt help the brownies rise and balance the sweetness. Now, let’s talk about the fun stuff: pretzels and caramel! Pretzel pieces add crunch and saltiness. The caramel sauce brings a rich, gooey sweetness. You can use store-bought caramel or make your own if you like. Finally, sea salt flakes are the cherry on top. They enhance the flavors and add a beautiful finish. These ingredients work together to create a delicious treat that is hard to resist. - Preheat to 350°F (175°C). - Grease and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This makes removal easier. - Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. - Stir in granulated and brown sugars until well mixed. - Add each egg one at a time, mixing well after each. - Finally, stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor. - In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. - Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be gentle to keep the batter light. - Gently fold in the pretzel pieces. This adds a nice crunch to the brownies. - Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. - Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the batter. - Add the rest of the brownie batter on top. - Swirl the remaining caramel sauce on the surface for a beautiful finish. - Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. - Check with a toothpick; it should come out with moist crumbs. This means they are just right! To get that perfect brownie texture, do not overmix the batter. Mixing too much can make brownies tough. Only mix until just combined. This keeps them soft and chewy. Also, isolate the baking time. Every oven is different, so check your brownies at 30 minutes. Use a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. This tells you they are done. You can enhance the flavor with a little extra vanilla or coffee. Adding an extra teaspoon of vanilla boosts the sweet notes. Coffee adds depth and complements the chocolate flavor. Just a small amount can make a big difference. For a lovely presentation, serve the brownies with an extra caramel drizzle. A few sea salt flakes on top add a nice touch. Use decorative serving dishes to catch the eye. A wooden board or a pretty plate makes the dessert look amazing. These small touches make your brownies feel special and inviting. {{image_2}} You can make these brownies even more fun. Try adding nuts like pecans or walnuts. They add a nice crunch and flavor. You can also experiment with chocolate chips or toffee bits. These mix-ins will make each bite extra special. If you need a gluten-free option, that’s easy! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour. This swap keeps the brownies soft and tasty without gluten. Want to make these brownies vegan? Use plant-based butter and egg substitutes like flax eggs or applesauce. This way, you can enjoy the same rich flavor while keeping it plant-based. The brownies will still be delicious and satisfying! Store your salted caramel pretzel brownies at room temperature. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. This method helps maintain their soft texture and rich flavor. You can stack them in layers with parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking. For a longer shelf-life, freeze your brownies. Cut them into squares and layer them with parchment paper. Place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want a treat, just take one out! To enjoy your brownies warm, you can microwave them. Heat for about 10-15 seconds. If you prefer the oven, warm them at 350°F for around 5 minutes. This brings back the gooeyness of the caramel and the softness of the brownies. Typically, these brownies last up to a week at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty for longer. If you want them to last even more, consider freezing them. Just make sure to wrap them well. Absolutely! Homemade caramel adds a special touch to your brownies. It gives a rich flavor that store-bought versions might lack. Making caramel from scratch can be fun and satisfying. Just be careful with the heat and stirring. These brownies are excellent when paired with ice cream or whipped cream. The cold creaminess balances the warm, gooey brownie. You can also add a drizzle of chocolate sauce for more sweetness. Serve them warm for a delightful treat! Yes, you can skip the pretzels if you want. But they add a nice crunch and salty flavor. If you omit them, think about using other toppings. Nuts or chocolate chips can be great options for some added texture. These salted caramel pretzel brownies blend sweet and salty for a delightful treat. We covered the simple ingredients, easy steps, and useful tips for great texture and flavor. Experiment with add-ins or keep it classic. Whether you serve them warm with ice cream or store them for later, these brownies are sure to impress. Enjoy the rich flavors and satisfying crunch every time you take a bite. Try this recipe, and you won’t be disappointed!$

Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies

Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with these Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies! This delicious recipe combines rich chocolate brownies with crunchy pretzels and a luscious caramel swirl, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Follow these simple steps to create a stunning dessert that will impress your friends and family.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup pretzel pieces (plus extra for topping)

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Sea salt flakes for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in both granulated and brown sugars until well combined.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding until just combined (do not overmix).

Gently fold in the pretzel pieces until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the batter, then top with the remaining brownie batter.

Swirl the remaining caramel sauce on top of the brownies and sprinkle additional pretzel pieces and sea salt flakes.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs (not fully clean).

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then use the parchment overhang to lift them out onto a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 24

- Presentation Tips: Serve the brownies on a wooden board or a decorative plate, drizzled with extra caramel and sprinkled with more sea salt for a beautiful finish.