Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Brownies
These Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Brownies offer a delightful balance of sweet and salty flavors, with a chewy texture and rich layers of chocolate and caramel, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the crust
- 4 cups mini salted pretzel twists, crushed Adds crunch and saltiness
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar Contributes moisture and sweetness
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda Helps brownies rise
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted For crust moisture
For the brownies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted For brownies
- 2 1/2 cups sugar Sweetens the brownie batter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract Enhances flavor
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder Deepens chocolate flavor
- 4 large eggs Binds the ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour Adds structure
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Provides rich chocolate flavor
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt Balances sweetness
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips Adds chocolaty richness
For topping
- 12-16 pieces small mini pretzel twists For topping and decoration
- 2-3 oz semi or bittersweet chocolate chips For topping
- 12 pieces soft caramel candies For topping
- to taste flaky sea salt For final touch of flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven and prepare a baking pan lined with parchment paper or sprayed with cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine crushed pretzel twists, melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, and baking soda, stirring until fully incorporated.
- Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a solid crust.
- In a large bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until well blended.
- Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, fine sea salt, and instant espresso powder.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips gently.
Baking
- Pour the brownie batter over the prepared pretzel crust and spread evenly.
- Top the batter with mini pretzel twists, semi or bittersweet chocolate chips, and soft caramel candies.
- Bake in the preheated oven until edges are set and center remains slightly soft.
- Once out of the oven, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the warm brownies and allow them to cool before slicing.
Notes
Ensure butter is melted for a smoother batter. Avoid overmixing to maintain chewiness. Store in an airtight container for freshness.