Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies

Golden, gooey, and irresistibly salty-sweet, these Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies are the kind of dessert that makes your kitchen smell like heaven and your taste buds dance with joy. The chewy blondie base is rich with buttery brown sugar notes, while ribbons of velvety caramel swirl through every bite. And just when you think it couldn’t get better, a satisfying crunch from salted pretzels kicks in—giving you that dreamy combo of sweet, salty, soft, and crisp all at once.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born during a late-night snack attack, where all I craved was something chewy, salty, and sweet—something that felt indulgent but made with pantry staples. I found half a bag of pretzels, leftover caramel from a weekend ice cream party, and the makings of blondies in my baking drawer. One test batch later, and I was hooked. These bars are now a bake-sale staple and a weeknight therapy bake rolled into one.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Blondies are the buttery cousin to the brownie, thought to have originated before chocolate brownies even existed. While brownies get their richness from cocoa, blondies lean on brown sugar and vanilla for that deep caramelized flavor. The addition of pretzels and caramel is a newer, more playful twist—drawing from American snack culture and the rise of sweet-salty desserts that have taken over bakeries and Instagram feeds alike. It’s a mash-up of classic comfort with trendy flair.

Why You’ll Love Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies

Brace yourself for a flavor-packed experience. Here’s why these blondies are about to be your new favorite:

Versatile: Cut them small for party bites or large for decadent dessert bars.

Budget-Friendly: Uses basic pantry ingredients with easy add-ins.

Quick and Easy: Just one bowl and a baking pan between you and deliciousness.

Customizable: Swap pretzels for nuts or drizzle with chocolate—make them your own.

Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or just-because cravings.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Even better the next day as the flavors settle and deepen.

Great for Leftovers: Freeze them and enjoy a sweet treat any time the mood strikes.

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Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Getting these bars to that perfect balance of chewy, crunchy, salty, and sweet isn’t hard—but these tips will make it flawless.

1. Underbake Slightly: Take them out when the center is just set for a gooey texture.
2. Use Room Temperature Eggs: They blend better with butter for a smoother batter.
3. Press Pretzels Gently: Don’t crush them too small or they’ll lose their texture.
4. Cool Before Slicing: This helps the caramel firm up for cleaner cuts.
5. Line Your Pan: Use parchment paper to lift out the blondies effortlessly.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

All you need are a few kitchen essentials to whip these up without hassle.

Mixing Bowl: A large one for combining everything in one place.

Spatula or Wooden Spoon: No electric mixers needed—just stir by hand.

8×8-Inch Baking Pan: Ideal size for thick, chewy blondies.

Parchment Paper: Makes removal and cleanup a breeze.

Measuring Cups & Spoons: Precision matters with baking.

Small Saucepan (if making caramel): For melting and drizzling that golden magic.

Ingredients in Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies

Each bite is a carefully crafted medley of texture and taste. Here’s how the ingredients work together.

1. Unsalted Butter: 115 grams (1/2 cup, melted) – Forms the rich, chewy base.
2. Brown Sugar: 200 grams (1 cup, packed) – Provides caramel flavor and moisture.
3. Egg: 1 large – Binds everything together and adds richness.
4. Vanilla Extract: 1 1/2 teaspoons – Rounds out the flavor with warmth.
5. All-Purpose Gluten-Free Flour Blend: 125 grams (1 cup) – Keeps it celiac-safe without sacrificing structure.
6. Salt: 1/2 teaspoon – Balances the sweetness perfectly.
7. Baking Powder: 1/2 teaspoon – Gives a gentle lift to keep the texture light.
8. Crushed Pretzels: 1 cup – Adds crunch and salt in every bite.
9. Caramel Sauce: 1/2 cup (plus more for drizzling) – Creates gooey pockets of deliciousness.
10. Flaky Sea Salt: For topping – Elevates the sweet with just the right salty finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Make it work with what you have—these swaps keep the flavor while adding flexibility.

All-Purpose Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Regular all-purpose flour (if gluten isn’t a concern).

Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar for a deeper, more molasses-like flavor.

Caramel Sauce: Dulce de leche or a thick date syrup.

Pretzels: Chopped peanuts, almonds, or gluten-free graham crackers.

Butter: Coconut oil or plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.

Ingredient Spotlight

Brown Sugar: The heart of this blondie, it provides moisture and a rich, caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with the salty elements.

Pretzels: Not just for crunch—their salty edge balances the sweet caramel and adds a playful texture.

Instructions for Making Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies

Let’s get baking! These blondies come together fast, with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Here are the steps you’re going to follow:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, letting edges hang over for easy removal.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar. Stir in egg and vanilla until smooth. Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Spread half the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Drizzle half the caramel sauce over the batter. Sprinkle in half the pretzels. Add remaining batter, smoothing the top. Drizzle remaining caramel and top with more pretzels. Lightly press everything in place.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Bake for 25–28 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Remove from oven and sprinkle with flaky sea salt while still warm. Cool in pan for at least 30 minutes.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Lift blondies from the pan and slice into squares. Serve solo or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

This treat is all about contrast. The dense, chewy blondie base hugs pockets of silky caramel, while crisp pretzels surprise you with every bite. Brown sugar adds deep molasses notes, and sea salt ties it all together for a perfect salty-sweet finish that lingers.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

These pointers help ensure your blondies turn out bakery-worthy:

• Add a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the caramel tones.
• Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to cut clean slices.
• Store in the fridge for firmer texture, or at room temp for gooeyness.

What to Avoid

A few simple missteps can affect texture and taste—here’s how to steer clear:

• Overmixing the batter, which makes blondies tough.
• Overbaking—take them out as soon as the center sets.
• Skipping the salt topping—it’s key for balance.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 9
Calories per serving: 310
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 28 minutes
Total Time: 43 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These blondies store like a dream. You can make them a day ahead and the flavors actually get better. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully—wrap individual bars and thaw as needed.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies

These bars are fabulous straight from the pan, but if you’re feeling extra:

• Warm and top with vanilla or butter pecan ice cream.
• Crumble into a sundae with whipped cream and nuts.
• Dip halfway in chocolate for party treats.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Don’t toss those last few squares—here’s how to reinvent them:

• Blondie Milkshake: Blend with ice cream and milk for an over-the-top dessert drink.
• Crumbled Topping: Use pieces as a crunchy topping on oatmeal or yogurt.
• Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches: Layer between small scoops of ice cream and freeze.

Additional Tips

For best results every time:

• Spoon and level your flour—don’t scoop straight from the bag.
• Let the blondies cool completely for best slicing and flavor.
• For extra texture, mix in chopped chocolate or toffee bits.

Make It a Showstopper

Want these blondies to dazzle on a dessert table?

• Drizzle extra caramel in zig-zags before serving.
• Stack them pyramid-style on a white platter with crushed pretzels sprinkled around.
• Use mini cupcake liners for individual presentation.

Variations to Try

Feeling inspired? Try one of these twists:

• Peanut Butter Swirl: Add dollops of peanut butter before baking.
• Chocolate Chip: Mix 1/2 cup into the batter for gooey chocolate pools.
• S’mores: Add mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers.
• Mocha: Stir in 1 teaspoon instant espresso and 1/4 cup chocolate chips.
• Spicy-Sweet: Add a pinch of cayenne or cinnamon for a bold surprise.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I double this recipe?

A1: Yes, use a 9×13 pan and adjust baking time to about 35 minutes.

Q2: Are these too salty?

A2: Not at all! The salt balances the sweetness—just don’t skip the flaky salt topping.

Q3: Can I use store-bought caramel?

A3: Absolutely—it works perfectly for this recipe.

Q4: How do I make them dairy-free?

A4: Use plant-based butter and ensure your caramel is dairy-free.

Q5: Can I make this with regular flour?

A5: Yes, just use the same amount of all-purpose flour.

Q6: What’s the best way to store leftovers?

A6: Airtight container at room temp or fridge for longer freshness.

Q7: Can I freeze these blondies?

A7: Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Q8: Can I add nuts?

A8: Of course! Chopped pecans or walnuts work great.

Q9: Why are my blondies dry?

A9: Likely overbaked—pull them out when the center is barely set.

Q10: Can I make these without eggs?

A10: Yes, substitute with a flax egg or egg replacer.

Conclusion

These Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies are everything a dessert should be—rich, chewy, crunchy, salty, and sweet. They’re the kind of treat that turns an ordinary day into a celebration. Whether you’re baking for friends or just need a cozy night in snack, trust me, it’s worth every bite.

Watch How To Make Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies