Introduction

These Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars are the perfect sweet treat when you’re craving something crunchy, creamy, and indulgent. With a salty pretzel crust, luscious caramel, and fluffy whipped topping, they come together effortlessly without any baking.

A dessert bar with four main layers sits on a white rectangular plate. The bottom layer is a crumbly, light brown crust that looks crunchy. Above this is a thick, creamy white layer that appears smooth and soft. Next is a glossy caramel layer, amber in color, that slightly drips over the edges. On top, there are swirls of white whipped cream, each topped with a small pretzel covered in large salt crystals. The dessert is shown close-up with a white marbled texture in the background, and the lighting highlights the shiny caramel and soft textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups pretzel crumbs (crushed pretzels)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the pretzel crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 2: Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer to form the crust.
Step 3: Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the pretzel crust. Use a spatula to spread it smoothly, then sprinkle the sea salt over the caramel layer.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks begin to form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
Step 5: Spread the whipped cream mixture evenly over the caramel layer, smoothing the surface for a clean top layer.
Step 6: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are firm and set.
Step 7: Once chilled, remove from the refrigerator, cut into squares, and serve your delicious no-bake bars.

Tips & Variations

For a richer caramel flavor, use homemade salted caramel sauce or add a sprinkle of crushed pretzels on top for extra crunch.
Swap heavy cream for coconut cream to make a dairy-free version of the creamy topping.
Chill the bars overnight for easier slicing and a firmer texture.

Storage

Store the bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to enjoy, allow them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes for a softer texture, or serve chilled for a refreshing treat.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a square dessert with four visible layers on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is crumbly and light brown, resembling a biscuit or graham cracker crust. Above this is a thick, smooth white cream or mousse layer. The third layer is a glossy caramel sauce that gently drips down the sides, giving a shiny, golden-brown look. The top layer is made of swirled white whipped cream topped with small pretzels that are golden brown and sprinkled with coarse white salt. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars keep well in the refrigerator for several days and actually taste better after resting, which allows the flavors to meld.

What can I use instead of pretzels for the crust?

You can substitute crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits if you prefer a less salty crust, though the pretzels add a nice salty contrast to the sweet layers.

Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 82 reviews

These Quick No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars are a perfect sweet treat that combines a crunchy pretzel crust with rich caramel and a light, creamy topping. Easy to prepare without any baking, these bars are ideal for satisfying your sweet cravings swiftly and deliciously.

Author: Toney
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pretzel Crust

2 cups pretzel crumbs (crushed pretzels)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Caramel Layer

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt

For the Creamy Topping

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Pretzel Crust: In a medium bowl, combine pretzel crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish to form an even layer.
Layer the Caramel: Drizzle the caramel sauce over the pretzel crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Sprinkle the sea salt on top of the caramel layer.
Make the Creamy Topping: In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
Assemble the Bars: Spread the whipped cream mixture over the caramel layer in the baking dish, smoothing it out to create an even top layer.
Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the bars are firm and set.
Slice and Serve: Once chilled, remove from the refrigerator. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your delightful creation!

Notes

For a homemade caramel sauce, melt sugar slowly until amber and mix with cream and butter for a fresh topping.
To crush pretzels easily, place them in a sealed bag and use a rolling pin to break them down.
Ensure the cream is very cold before whipping for better volume and texture.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator covered for up to 3 days.
For a less sweet version, reduce the powdered sugar slightly in the creamy topping.

Keywords: no-bake dessert, salted caramel bars, pretzel crust bars, easy dessert, quick sweets