Name: Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 200 g granulated sugar; 85 g unsalted butter, room temperature; 120 ml heavy whipping cream, slightly warmed; 2.5 g fine sea salt; 225 g unsalted butter; 125 g all-purpose flour; 1.25 ml baking powder; 1.25 ml fine sea salt; 160 g light brown sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 10 ml vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract; 60 g mini pretzel twists, roughly chopped; 170 g chocolate chips, plus extra for garnish; 16 mini pretzel twists; Sea salt, for finishing (optional); Chocolate chips, additional; Salted caramel sauce, for drizzling

Jump to Recipe

There is something absolutely magical about the combination of sweet, salty, crunchy, and gooey all wrapped up in one bite, which is exactly what makes the Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies Recipe such a standout treat. This dessert is packed with rich, buttery blondie layers studded with crunchy pretzel pieces and luscious chocolate chips, all beautifully balanced by a smooth, homemade salted caramel sauce drizzled on top. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this recipe brings the perfect harmony of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for seconds—and thirds. I’m beyond excited to share this recipe with you because it’s a true crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these irresistibly delicious blondies, you’ll only need a handful of simple ingredients that work together like a dream. Each one plays a key role—be it the tender crumb of the blondie base, the salty crunch of the pretzels, or the silky richness of the caramel sauce. Let’s dive into those essentials.

Granulated sugar: The backbone of the caramel sauce, providing the deep amber color and signature sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to both the sauce and blondie base without overpowering other flavors.
Heavy whipping cream: Makes the caramel sauce luxuriously smooth and creamy.
Fine sea salt: Perfect for bringing out all the flavors and delivering that essential balance between sweet and salty.
All-purpose flour: The structural foundation for the blondies, giving them the perfect tender texture.
Baking powder: Helps the blondies rise just enough to be soft and cakey without being dense.
Light brown sugar: Brings warmth and moisture to the blondie base, contributing to that chewy, fudgy bite.
Egg: A crucial binder that helps hold everything together with a silky texture.
Vanilla bean paste or extract: Adds aromatic depth and enhances the sweetness naturally.
Mini pretzel twists: Roughly chopped to scatter delightful salty crunch throughout every bite.
Chocolate chips: Melty pockets of sweet contrast that complement the pretzels and caramel perfectly.

How to Make Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies Recipe

Step 1: Create the Salted Caramel Sauce

Start by carefully melting granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly with a spatula. You want to watch the sugar clump, then melt into a rich, golden amber color. This process requires patience to achieve that perfect caramel without burning it. Once the sugar is ready, whisk in the butter to lend creaminess, then drizzle in the warmed heavy cream slowly to keep the sauce smooth. Finish by stirring in fine sea salt to enhance those sweet caramel notes. Set the sauce aside to cool—it’s going to be the glorious drizzle topping your blondies.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 175°C and get a 20×20cm baking pan ready by greasing it with nonstick spray and lining it with parchment paper. This step ensures your blondies won’t stick and will come out cleanly when it’s time to slice and serve.

Step 3: Melt the Butter and Combine Dry Ingredients

Melt the butter gently over medium heat, then let it cool slightly while you whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This dry mix is the backbone of your blondie batter and will give it structure and a delicate crumb.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients and Combine with Dry

In a larger bowl, whisk the melted butter with brown sugar, egg, and vanilla until the mixture looks glossy and inviting. Slowly fold in the dry flour mixture, stirring just until everything is incorporated—overmixing will make your blondies tough rather than tender, so keep it light.

Step 5: Fold in Pretzels and Chocolate Chips

Here’s where the magic happens: fold in the chopped pretzel twists and chocolate chips gently, evenly distributing that amazing salty crunch and gooey chocolate throughout your batter. This step is what truly sets this Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies Recipe apart.

Step 6: Bake Your Blondies

Pour the batter into your pan and smooth it evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 35 to 45 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. This ensures they are moist and perfectly chewy inside.

Step 7: Cool and Decorate

Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before you drizzle generously with your homemade salted caramel sauce. Scatter extra pretzel twists, chocolate chips, and a sprinkle of sea salt on top for that finishing touch that screams indulgence. Finally, lift them out by the parchment paper, cut into 16 squares, and get ready for a treat!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies Recipe

Garnishes

A simple garnish can elevate the whole dessert experience. For these blondies, the combination of mini pretzel twists, extra chocolate chips, and a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds texture and visual appeal, while accentuating the flavor contrasts that make this dessert spectacular.

Side Dishes

Pair these blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. A cup of rich coffee or a creamy latte also works wonderfully alongside to balance the sweetness, making an ideal combo for dessert or afternoon snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving these blondies on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of salted caramel sauce and extra pretzels for dipping. Or stack a few squares between sheets of parchment paper and tie them with twine for a charming gift idea. They also make a fantastic addition to a dessert buffet or potluck because their delightful blend of flavors always impresses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These blondies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together even better after a day, making them a convenient and delicious treat to have on hand.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these blondies later, they freeze wonderfully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to indulge.

Reheating

To enjoy warmed blondies, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm briefly in the oven at low heat. This revives the gooey texture and lets the chocolate chips melt slightly, bringing back that fresh-baked feeling in seconds.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making my own?

Absolutely! While homemade adds a lovely fresh depth, store-bought caramel works fine in a pinch. Just look for one with a good balance of sweet and salty to keep the spirit of the Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies Recipe alive.

What type of pretzels work best in this recipe?

Mini pretzel twists are perfect because they distribute evenly and add just the right amount of crunch. If you don’t have twists, pretzel sticks or pieces from larger pretzels work too. Just chop them roughly so they incorporate nicely.

Can I substitute the chocolate chips with another mix-in?

Definitely! Chopped nuts, toffee bits, or white chocolate chips could all be delicious alternatives. Just keep in mind that mix-ins affect the flavor balance, so choose ones that complement the caramel and pretzels well.

How can I tell when the blondies are done baking?

Look for a golden-brown edge and check with a toothpick inserted into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. This means they’re perfectly cooked with a slightly fudgy center.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

Yes, with some ingredient swaps! Use a vegan butter substitute and a plant-based cream for the caramel, and consider egg replacers for the blondie base. The texture and flavor might vary slightly but it can still be quite tasty.

Final Thoughts

Making the Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies Recipe is like crafting little pockets of joy that bring a perfect balance of sweet and salty to your snack or dessert table. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience that satisfying crunch paired with luscious caramel and chocolate. Trust me, once you bake these, they’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to treats to share with friends, family, or to keep all to yourself!