Salty, sweet, and irresistibly crunchy, salted caramel pretzel bark is a holiday favorite that comes together in minutes with no baking required. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser at Christmas gatherings.
Layers of rich chocolate, crisp pretzels, and buttery caramel make this bark addictive. Prep it ahead of time and watch it disappear from the dessert table faster than you can say “holiday magic.”
Star Players in Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Melted into a smooth base and decadent drizzle, this rich chocolate layer holds the bark together and balances the sweetness of the caramel.
- Pretzels – Crunchy and salty, they add texture and contrast beautifully with the sweet layers.
- Kraft caramels – These melt down into a gooey, buttery layer of caramel that wraps every bite in chewy indulgence.
- Heavy cream – Just a splash helps loosen the caramel, making it easier to drizzle and spread.
- Flaky sea salt – The final flourish that intensifies flavor and enhances the contrast of sweet and salty in every bite.
How to Make Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark
Start by melting your chocolate chips until smooth, then spread most of it across a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Press pretzels gently into the chocolate—no need for perfect placement, just an even scatter.
Melt caramels with heavy cream until smooth and drizzle generously over the pretzels.
Finish with the remaining chocolate and a generous pinch of flaky sea salt for that signature flavor burst. Chill until firm, then slice or snap into pieces.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pretzel Bark
For clean cuts and crisp layers, let the bark chill completely before slicing. A sharp knife warmed under hot water makes neat edges easier.
Use mini pretzels or broken twists—just avoid pretzel sticks, which don’t hold caramel as well. To prevent seizing, melt the caramel and chocolate separately and stir frequently during microwaving.
Want to get fancy? Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or crushed peppermint on top. Milk or dark chocolate can also be swapped in depending on your taste.
Keep It Fresh: How to Store This Sweet Treat
Salted caramel pretzel bark stores beautifully. Once set, keep it in an airtight container with parchment between layers. It stays crisp at room temperature for about a week.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to two weeks. To freeze, wrap the bark tightly and store for up to two months—just let it thaw slightly at room temp before serving to avoid condensation.
Perfect for make-ahead gifting or last-minute dessert trays, this bark is as practical as it is delicious.
Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 11 oz Kraft caramel one standard bag
- Sea salt for finishing
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips one full bag
- 8 oz pretzels half of a 16 oz bag
Instructions
- Line a large baking tray with parchment paper and place it aside.
- Using a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate chips in 30-second bursts, stirring between each interval until fully melted.
- Pour about two-thirds of the melted chocolate onto the lined tray and spread it into an even layer.
- Scatter the pretzels over the chocolate, pressing them lightly into place without arranging them too precisely.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel and heavy cream, microwaving for approximately 2 minutes until smooth, then drizzle this mixture evenly over the pretzels.
- Finish by drizzling the remaining melted chocolate across the top, then sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt.
- Allow the bark to set in the refrigerator until firm, or leave it at room temperature for about 2 hours. Once set, slice into pieces and serve.
