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Crispy Caramel Apple Pretzel Bars

crispy caramel apple pretzel bars - featured image
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A delicious dessert bar featuring a salty pretzel crust, chewy homemade caramel, crisp apple slices, and a chocolate drizzle. Perfect for fall entertaining or satisfying sweet cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups pretzel sticks, crushed into small pieces
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 medium apples, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
  • Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and grease lightly.
  2. Crush pretzels into small, pea-sized pieces using a food processor or rolling pin.
  3. In a bowl, mix pretzel crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and sea salt until resembling wet sand.
  4. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  5. Par-bake crust for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
  6. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar and cubed butter. Stir until melted and dissolved.
  7. Add heavy cream and bring to a boil. Cook for exactly 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
  9. Pour hot caramel over the warm crust and scatter sliced apples (tossed with lemon juice and cinnamon) on top.
  10. Bake for 15-18 minutes until caramel is bubbling and apples are tender.
  11. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for 1-2 hours.
  12. Lift bars out using parchment overhang. Melt chocolate chips and drizzle over bars.
  13. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt while chocolate is wet. Slice and serve.

Notes

Par-baking the crust is essential to prevent sogginess. Ensure caramel sets completely before cutting for clean slices. Fresh apples are recommended over frozen to avoid excess moisture. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: pretzel bars, caramel apple dessert, fall baking, easy dessert, salty sweet treat, apple bars

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/crispy-caramel-apple-pretzel-bars-easy-dessert-recipe/