Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies are the ultimate indulgence, combining rich chocolate brownies with the delightful crunch of pretzels and the sweet-salty goodness of salted caramel. This recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and impressing your friends at gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these brownies are easy to make and absolutely delicious. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create these mouthwatering treats!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed pretzels
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 5: Add Pretzels and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the crushed pretzels and chocolate chips, if using. This will add a delightful crunch to your brownies.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Drizzle with Salted Caramel
Once the brownies are out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the top while the brownies are still warm.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Enjoy your Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought salted caramel sauce works perfectly for this recipe and saves you time.
How do I store leftover brownies?
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these brownies gluten-free.
What can I serve with Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies?
These brownies pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of extra salted caramel sauce.