Introduction
If you’re the kind of dessert lover who’s always torn between salty and sweet, these Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies are the answer to your cravings. Imagine buttery, chewy blondies layered with gooey caramel, crisp salty pretzels, and just the right touch of flaky sea salt on top. These bars strike a flavor balance that’s rich, crave-worthy, and dangerously easy to make. Perfect for bake sales, movie nights, or anytime your sweet tooth calls.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and salty perfection: Caramel and pretzels are a match made in dessert heaven.
- Chewy and crunchy texture: Buttery blondie base meets pretzel snap and caramel gooeyness.
- One-bowl magic: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
- Great for any occasion: Bake ahead, cut into bars, and you’re good to go.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1½ cups light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed pretzels (plus more for topping)
- 1 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramels
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Butter: Melted butter gives blondies their signature dense, chewy texture. Let it cool slightly before mixing.
- Brown sugar: Light brown sugar adds moisture and a rich, caramel-like sweetness. Dark brown sugar can be used for deeper flavor.
- Pretzels: Use mini twists or rods—crushed roughly so there’s a mix of pieces and crumbs.
- Caramel: Look for caramel baking bits, or chop soft caramels into chunks. You can also swirl in homemade caramel sauce.
- Sea salt: The finishing touch! Use flaky salt like Maldon or kosher salt for that dramatic sweet-salty bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Add dry ingredients: Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined—don’t overmix.
- Fold in the goodies: Gently stir in crushed pretzels and caramel bits.
- Spread & top: Pour batter into the pan and smooth it out. Press extra pretzel pieces on top and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until edges are golden and center is just set. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool & slice: Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overbake—these blondies are best when a little underdone in the center.
- Use parchment paper for easy lifting and clean slicing.
- Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel on top for extra flair.
- For thicker bars, bake in a 9×9-inch pan and add 5–10 minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These blondies are delightful on their own, but if you’re feeling extra indulgent, try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of hot fudge or a pinch more sea salt on top doesn’t hurt either. They pair great with a cold glass of milk or a warm mug of coffee for the perfect anytime treat.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual bars tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
- Reheating: Microwave individual blondies for 10–15 seconds to get that gooey, fresh-baked texture back.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of bits?
Yes, swirl it into the batter after spreading it in the pan—but reduce sugar slightly to keep the bars balanced.
Are these blondies supposed to be gooey in the middle?
Yes! That chewy-gooey center is part of their magic. Just don’t overbake and they’ll set perfectly as they cool.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Definitely! Add up to ½ cup for a salted caramel chocolate blondie twist.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
- Brownie Batter Dip
- Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
- Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies
Final Thoughts
These Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies are everything you want in a bar dessert: sweet, salty, chewy, crunchy, and 100% irresistible. They come together fast, make your kitchen smell amazing, and always disappear faster than you think. Whether you’re baking for a party or just treating yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.
Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies – The Ultimate Sweet & Salty Treat
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed pretzels
- 1 cup caramel bits
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Add dry ingredients: Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined—don’t overmix.
- Fold in the goodies: Gently stir in crushed pretzels and caramel bits.
- Spread & top: Pour batter into the pan and smooth it out. Press extra pretzel pieces on top and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until edges are golden and center is just set. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool & slice: Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
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