Description
These Cardamom Spiced Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars offer a delightful sweet and salty experience, featuring a buttery pretzel crust, fragrant cardamom caramel, and rich dark chocolate topping. They’re incredibly addictive and perfect for sharing (or not!).
Ingredients
Scale
- 200g (7oz) Pretzel Sticks: Broken into irregular pieces for a rustic texture.
- 80g (½ cup) Unsalted Butter, Melted: Ensures a cohesive crust.
- 120g (½ cup) Light Brown Sugar: Adds molasses flavor and moisture.
- 60ml (¼ cup) Light Corn Syrup: Prevents sugar crystallization.
- 120ml (½ cup) Heavy Cream: Adds richness and velvety texture.
- 1 tsp (½ tsp) Ground Cardamom: Provides warm, aromatic flavor.
- ½ tsp (¼ tsp) Fine Sea Salt, Plus Extra: Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
- 200g (7oz) Dark Chocolate (70% Cacao): Offers a bittersweet counterpoint.
- 1 tsp (½ tsp) Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
- 30g (¼ cup) Roasted Pistachios, Finely Chopped (Optional): Adds color and nutty flavor.
Instructions
- Prepare Pretzel Base: Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F), line a 20x20cm (8x8in) pan with parchment.
- Coat and Press: Combine pretzels and melted butter, press firmly into the pan.
- Bake Crust: Bake for 10 minutes until golden brown, then cool slightly.
- Make Caramel: Combine brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter, boil gently.
- Simmer & Finish: Whisk in heavy cream, simmer 2 minutes, then stir in cardamom, salt, and vanilla.
- Pour & Set: Pour caramel over crust, chill for 15 minutes.
- Melt Chocolate: Melt dark chocolate using a double boiler or microwave.
- Drizzle & Swirl: Drizzle chocolate over caramel, swirl for decoration.
- Garnish & Chill: Sprinkle with salt and pistachios, chill for 30 minutes.
- Cut & Serve: Lift bars out using parchment, cut into squares.
Notes
For cleaner cuts, use a warm knife. Adjust chilling times based on humidity.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: pretzel,caramel,cardamom,chocolate,bars,sweet,salty,dessert,easy