Chocolate Caramel Coffee Pretzel Bars are a deliciously indulgent treat that combines the salty crunch of pretzels with a rich chocolate layer, creamy caramel, and a hint of coffee flavor. These bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and are great for sharing at parties or gatherings!

Ingredients

For the Pretzel Crust:

• 2 cups pretzel crumbs (about 3 cups crushed pretzels)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)

For the Caramel Layer:

• 1 cup soft caramel candies (unwrapped)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules (or espresso powder)

For the Chocolate Layer:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Timing

Making Chocolate Caramel Coffee Pretzel Bars takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes for baking, plus additional time for cooling.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Pretzel Crust

1. Mix Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the pretzel crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar. Mix until well combined.
2. Press into Pan: Press the pretzel mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a crust.
3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Caramel Layer

1. Heat Caramel Ingredients: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the soft caramel candies, heavy cream, and instant coffee granules. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
2. Pour Over Crust: Pour the caramel mixture over the cooled pretzel crust, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Layer

1. Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
2. Spread Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, spreading it evenly.

Step 5: Cool and Set

1. Chill: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set completely.
2. Slice: Once set, remove from the pan and slice into bars.

Step 6: Serve

1. Enjoy: Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy these deliciously sweet and salty bars!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Chocolate Caramel Coffee Pretzel Bars (per bar, based on 16 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	220
Protein	2g
Fat	10g
Carbohydrates	32g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	15g

Tips for Customization

• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
• Use Different Chocolates: Experiment with dark chocolate or white chocolate for different flavor profiles.
• Add Sea Salt: Sprinkle a little sea salt on top of the chocolate layer for a sweet and salty contrast.

Conclusion

Chocolate Caramel Coffee Pretzel Bars are a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors, perfect for any occasion. With their rich layers of chocolate, caramel, and pretzel crunch, these bars are sure to impress family and friends. Enjoy this delightful recipe!