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- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 cups granulated sugar - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark) - 1 cup pretzel sticks, chopped (plus extra for topping) - 1 cup store-bought salted caramel sauce (or homemade) - Sea salt flakes for garnish These ingredients create a perfect balance of sweet and salty. The butter adds rich flavor. Sugar gives the brownies the sweet touch we love. Eggs bind everything together for a soft texture. If you want to make this recipe dairy-free, you can swap the butter with coconut oil. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. These swaps let you enjoy the brownies while meeting dietary needs. - Extra pretzel pieces for crunch - Drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce - Ice cream for serving Adding toppings can boost the flavor of your brownies. Extra pretzel pieces on top add crunch and texture. A drizzle of chocolate sauce makes it look fancy. Serve these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). A proper temperature ensures your brownies bake evenly. Greasing the pan is one option, but I prefer using parchment paper. It helps remove the brownies easily and keeps the bottom from sticking. In a large bowl, mix melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Then, add the eggs one by one. Mix well after each egg. This helps create a rich texture. Next, stir in vanilla extract for flavor. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this mix to the wet ingredients. Stir until just mixed. Overmixing can lead to dry brownies, which we want to avoid! Finally, gently fold in chocolate chips and chopped pretzels. These add sweetness and crunch to each bite. Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly across the bottom. Next, drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce over the batter. This creates a sweet layer. Now, add the remaining brownie batter on top. Smooth it out carefully. Drizzle the rest of the caramel sauce on top and sprinkle with extra chopped pretzels. This adds a nice touch! Before baking, sprinkle sea salt flakes over the caramel layer. This enhances the flavor. Bake the brownies for 25 to 30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. To get that perfect fudgy texture, follow these key techniques: - Use melted butter: It adds moisture and richness. - Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make brownies tough. - Add chocolate chips: They melt and make the brownies extra gooey. Common mistakes to avoid include: - Wrong oven temperature: Always preheat your oven to 350°F. - Not checking for doneness: Use a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. You have two great choices for caramel. Store-bought is quick and easy. Homemade gives you control over flavor. Pros of store-bought: - Saves time. - Consistent taste. Cons of store-bought: - Can contain additives. - May not match your flavor. Pros of homemade: - You can customize it. - No preservatives. Cons of homemade: - Takes more effort. - Requires practice to perfect. If you want to make your own caramel, here’s a quick recipe: 1. Ingredients: - 1 cup sugar - 1/4 cup water - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 2 tablespoons butter 2. Steps: - In a pot, combine sugar and water. - Cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves. - Increase heat until it turns golden. - Remove from heat and stir in cream and butter. Serve your brownies warm for the best taste. Cut them into squares for easy serving. - Garnish: Drizzle more caramel on top and sprinkle with sea salt. - Pairing ideas: Enjoy with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. - Beverage pairing: These brownies go well with coffee or a glass of milk. These tips will help you create and enjoy Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies like a pro! Pro Tips Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for richer flavor. Chill Before Cutting: For cleaner cuts, chill the brownies in the refrigerator for about an hour before slicing. Homemade Caramel Option: If you have time, make your own salted caramel for an extra special touch. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time; remove the brownies when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. {{image_2}} You can easily switch up the flavors in these brownies. Try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans. They add crunch and taste. You can also use different types of chocolate chips. Dark chocolate gives a rich flavor, while milk chocolate adds sweetness. For seasonal twists, think about adding pumpkin spice in fall or crushed peppermint in winter. You can even mix in dried fruits like cherries or cranberries for a fun twist. Each change will make your brownies unique and special. You can adapt this recipe for gluten-free needs. Simply swap out all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. Make sure it has a good binding agent, like xanthan gum, to keep the texture right. For a vegan version, replace the eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water for each egg. Use a vegan butter or coconut oil in place of regular butter. For the caramel, choose a vegan brand or make your own with coconut cream and sugar. These changes keep the flavor while meeting dietary needs. To keep your salted caramel pretzel brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will help avoid drying out. You can layer parchment paper between the brownies to prevent sticking. Keep the container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. For best taste, enjoy them within a week. If you want to save some brownies for later, freezing works great! First, let the brownies cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze the brownies for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, take the brownies out of the freezer. Let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. For a quicker thaw, you can microwave them for a few seconds. This keeps the texture nice and fudgy. Yes, you can choose other types of caramel. You might try homemade caramel if you want a richer flavor. Just melt sugar until it turns golden, then add cream and butter. You can also use butterscotch sauce for a different taste. Keep in mind that it may change the flavor slightly. To check if your brownies are done, look for a few key signs. The edges should pull away from the pan. When you insert a toothpick, it should come out with some moist crumbs, not wet batter. You can also gently press the top; it should spring back. If it sinks, they need more time. Yes, you can use other types of chocolate. Dark chocolate gives a nice rich flavor. Milk chocolate works well too if you prefer it sweeter. You can even mix different kinds for a unique taste. Just make sure to adjust the amount of sugar if needed. In this post, you learned about making delicious brownies. We covered key ingredients and helpful substitutions. You can enhance flavor with toppings and garnishes. I shared tips for baking the perfect fudgy texture. We explored variations for dietary needs and how to store brownies. Remember, experimenting with flavors can lead to your best creation. Enjoy your baking journey and share your tasty brownies with others!

Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies

Deliciously fudgy brownies topped with salted caramel and crunchy pretzels.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
  • 1 cup pretzel sticks, chopped (plus extra for topping)
  • 1 cup store-bought salted caramel sauce (or homemade)
  • to taste sea salt flakes for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir well until fully combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies fudgy.
  • Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pretzels into the brownie batter.
  • Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the batter, then add the remaining brownie batter on top, smoothing it out. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top layer of brownie batter and sprinkle with extra chopped pretzels.
  • Before placing it in the oven, lightly sprinkle sea salt flakes on top of the caramel layer.
  • Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  • Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares for serving.

Notes

For best results, let the brownies cool completely before cutting.
Keyword brownies, caramel, dessert, pretzels