Description
A simple, no-bake sweet and salty treat combining crunchy pretzels, rich dark and semi-sweet chocolate, and a sticky salted caramel swirl. It looks impressive but takes only minutes to assemble.
Ingredients
Scale
- 10 ounces (280g) pretzel twists or bags, broken into 1-1.5 inch pieces
- 12 ounces (340g) dark chocolate chips (60% cocoa preferred)
- 8 ounces (225g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup (240ml) salted caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (such as Maldon)
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon pretzel salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup mini pretzel pieces
- Optional: 2 ounces (55g) white chocolate chips, melted for drizzle
Instructions
- Line a 13×9 inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Break pretzels into bite-sized pieces (1-1.5 inches) and spread them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Combine dark and semi-sweet chocolate chips in a large microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave on high for 30 seconds, stir, then microwave in additional 15-20 second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is smooth and glossy. Do not overheat.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the pretzels and spread evenly with a spatula to coat all pieces, creating a layer about 1/4 inch thick.
- Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the chocolate in a zig-zag pattern. If using white chocolate, melt it separately and drizzle in the opposite direction for a lattice effect.
- Immediately sprinkle flaky sea salt (and optional pretzel salt) over the top while the caramel and chocolate are still wet.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or freeze for 15 minutes, until the chocolate is firm to the touch.
- Lift the bark out of the pan using the parchment paper and break into irregular chunks by hand.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks or in the fridge for up to a month.
Notes
Do not overheat the chocolate as it burns easily and becomes grainy. Use flaky sea salt for texture and visual appeal rather than table salt. Break pretzels by hand to preserve crunch. If caramel is too thick, warm it slightly in the microwave before drizzling. For gluten-free, use GF pretzels. For dairy-free/vegan, use dairy-free chocolate and caramel.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 1-2
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: Oktoberfest, chocolate bark, pretzel bark, salted caramel, no-bake dessert, sweet and salty, easy recipe, party snack, Bavarian