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Introduction: If you're on the hunt for a simple, yet delicious dessert that appeals to all tastes, look no further than Amish Caramel Pretzel Bars! This indulgent treat combines the crunchy, salty goodness of pretzels with the smooth, buttery sweetness of caramel and chocolate. Perfect for gatherings, family snacks, or just a sweet craving, these bars are sure to be a hit even with the pickiest eaters. The Amish community has perfected this flavor-packed combination, making it a go-to favorite in many households. Whether you're new to Amish treats or a longtime fan, this easy recipe will become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients:
2 cups pretzel sticks, coarsely broken
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Optional: sea salt for sprinkling on top
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Spread the coarsely broken pretzel sticks evenly across the prepared baking sheet, creating a single layer.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly for about 3-4 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the pretzels, making sure every piece is covered.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbling and the pretzels are lightly toasted.
Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot caramel. Let them sit for a minute or two to soften, then spread the melted chocolate evenly over the caramel layer with a spatula.
Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top to balance the sweetness with a touch of saltiness.
Once cooled, cut into bars or squares and enjoy!
Tips for Serving and Storing:
Serving: These caramel pretzel bars are best served at room temperature. For an added twist, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a more decadent treat.
Storing: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to 1-2 weeks. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
Variants:
Peanut Butter Caramel Pretzel Bars: Add 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter to the caramel mixture for a rich and nutty flavor.
White Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bars: Swap the semisweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a lighter, creamier version of these bars.
Nutty Caramel Pretzel Bars: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the caramel mixture for a bit of crunch and extra flavor.
FAQ:
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