Craving something sweet and salty? You’re in for a treat with these Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondie Bars! Packed with rich flavors and a chewy texture, they’re the perfect dessert for any occasion. In this post, I’ll guide you through the easy steps to create these delightful bars, from gathering your ingredients to baking and storing. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
Complete ingredient list for Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondie Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pretzel pieces, roughly crushed
- 1 cup caramel sauce, store-bought or homemade
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
- Sea salt flakes for topping
Suggested ingredient brands for quality results
For the best taste, I recommend using brands known for quality.
- Butter: Land O’Lakes or Challenge for rich flavor.
- Sugars: Domino or C&H for consistent sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Nielsen-Massey for pure vanilla goodness.
- Flour: King Arthur Flour for reliable baking.
- Caramel Sauce: Smucker’s or homemade for that perfect drizzle.
Ingredient substitutions and dietary modifications
You can make this recipe fit your needs. Here are some swaps:
- Butter: Use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Sugars: Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier choice.
- Eggs: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) for a vegan version.
- Flour: Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free treat.
- Pretzels: Use gluten-free pretzels to maintain the gluten-free status.
These changes keep the taste while fitting different diets. Enjoy making these bars your own!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the oven and baking pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, take a 9×13 inch baking pan. Grease it lightly and line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This will help you lift the blondies out later.
Mixing the wet ingredients
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Whisk them together until smooth. This mix should look glossy. Now, add 3 large eggs, one at a time. Make sure to whisk well after each egg. Finally, stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until it blends fully.
Combining dry ingredients and folding in pretzels
In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; do not overmix. Now, gently fold in 1 cup of crushed pretzel pieces. If you want, add ½ cup of chocolate chips for extra taste.
Layering the batter and caramel
Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly across the bottom. Next, drizzle half of the caramel sauce over this layer. Carefully spoon the rest of the batter on top and spread it out gently. Then, drizzle the rest of the caramel sauce over the batter. Use a knife to swirl it for a nice marbled look.
Baking and cooling process
Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, let the blondies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, lift them out using the parchment paper and let them cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into bars.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the perfect texture for blondies
To get soft and chewy blondies, use melted butter. This helps keep them moist. Mix the sugars well with the butter. You want a smooth and creamy mix. When you add the flour, don’t overmix. Stir just until you see no flour. This keeps the blondies light and tender.
Tips for making homemade caramel sauce
Start with sugar and heat it slowly. Stir it often to avoid burning. Once it melts, add butter and cream. Mix it until smooth. If you want a richer flavor, add a pinch of sea salt. You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just warm it up before you use it.
How to avoid a dry or overcooked blondie
Keep an eye on your baking time. Check for doneness at 25 minutes. If a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. If they bake too long, they will dry out. Remember to let them cool in the pan for a bit. This helps them stay soft as they cool.
Variations
Adding nuts or different types of chocolate
You can make your blondie bars even better by adding nuts. Chopped pecans or walnuts give a nice crunch. You can also use different types of chocolate. Dark chocolate adds a rich flavor, while white chocolate gives a sweet touch. Mix and match until you find your favorite combo.
Gluten-free options for blondie bars
If you need a gluten-free treat, use almond flour or a gluten-free blend. Just swap the all-purpose flour in the recipe. The bars will still be soft and tasty. Keep an eye on the baking time, as gluten-free flour may change the texture a bit.
Flavor variations with additional extracts or toppings
Want to change the flavor? Try adding almond or coconut extract to the batter. You can also top the bars with crushed pretzels, nuts, or drizzles of extra caramel. These small changes can make a big difference. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
Storage Info
Best practices for storing blondies
To keep your blondies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Line the container with parchment paper. This helps avoid sticking. Place the blondies in a single layer. If you need more than one layer, add more parchment paper in between. This keeps them from squishing together. Store them at room temperature for easy access.
How to freeze for later enjoyment
Freezing blondies is simple. First, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped blondies in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove extra air before sealing. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you want to enjoy one, just take it out and let it thaw at room temperature.
Shelf life and serving tips after storage
When stored properly, blondies last about one week at room temperature. You can also keep them in the fridge for longer freshness. If you serve them cold, they taste great. For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them. The warm caramel will melt in your mouth!
FAQs
Can I use salted pretzels instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted pretzels if you like. Just remember to lower the salt in the recipe. Salted pretzels add a nice crunch and a salty kick. This makes the sweet caramel even better. You might enjoy the extra flavor they bring.
How do I know when the blondies are done baking?
The blondies are done when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. This means they are baked just right. If the toothpick is clean, the blondies might be overcooked. They will also look slightly golden on the edges. Let them cool slightly before cutting.
What other desserts pair well with Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondie Bars?
These blondie bars go great with ice cream or whipped cream. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top adds a creamy touch. Other desserts like brownies or cookies also work well. You can even serve them with fresh fruit for a nice balance.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. They taste great the next day too! Just store them in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for longer storage. They will still taste yummy when thawed.
In this blog post, we explored how to make Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondie Bars step by step. We covered essential ingredients, including top brands and substitutes for dietary needs. I shared tips for texture and homemade caramel. You learned about fun variations and storage tips for these tasty treats. Remember, the key to success is careful prep and knowing your oven. Try these blondies for a delightful treat, and enjoy experimenting with your own flavors. Happy baking!
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