Irresistible Dark Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Brownies Recipe

Dark chocolate holds a magical spell in my kitchen, turning ordinary desserts into extraordinary experiences.

Sweet and salty combinations always spark unexpected joy for bakers.

Crunchy pretzels add surprising texture to rich, fudgy brownies.

Caramel swirls create golden ribbons of decadence through each delectable slice.

Chocolate lovers will find themselves captivated by this irresistible treat.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps make these brownies accessible for novice and experienced bakers alike.

You can create bakery-worthy magic right in your own kitchen with this incredible recipe.

Why Dark Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Brownies Win Every Time

• Craft Indulgent Dessert: Create a decadent treat that combines rich dark chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy pretzels in one irresistible brownie.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adding extra toppings like nuts or changing chocolate types to match personal taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Texture: Enjoy a perfect balance of fudgy brownie base with crispy pretzel crunch and smooth caramel swirls that will impress everyone.
• Simple Baking Experience: Requires basic baking skills and minimal kitchen equipment, making it accessible for home bakers of all levels.

Must-Have Ingredients for Pretzel Brownies

• Dark Chocolate Chips: Rich chocolate that provides deep flavor and creates smooth brownie texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a moist, tender brownie.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and contribute to the brownie's soft, chewy consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.

• All-Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt: Create the fundamental structure and help brownies rise with proper texture.

• Caramel Sauce, Heavy Cream: Create a luxurious, creamy swirl that adds complexity and rich flavor.

• Pretzels, Sea Salt Flakes: Provide a delightful salty crunch that contrasts with the sweet brownie base.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the brownie's dense, fudgy structure.

How to Bake Dark Chocolate Pretzel Brownies Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting edges hang over for easy brownie removal. Heat your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate Base

Create a velvety chocolate mixture by melting dark chocolate chips and butter together in a double boiler. Stir gently until the blend becomes smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Whip Egg Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a rich, creamy texture.

Step 4: Combine Chocolate Layers

Softly fold the melted chocolate into the egg mixture, adding a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the deep flavor profile.

Step 5: Integrate Dry Ingredients

Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the chocolate batter, mixing until just combined to maintain a tender texture.

Step 6: Spread Brownie Batter

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.

Step 7: Create Caramel Swirl

Warm caramel sauce and heavy cream in a small saucepan, stirring until fully integrated. Drizzle the caramel mixture over the brownie batter, creating artistic swirling patterns with a knife.

Step 8: Add Pretzel Crunch

Sprinkle crushed pretzels across the entire surface, ensuring an even distribution for consistent texture in every bite.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out with minimal moist crumbs.

Step 10: Cool and Finish

Remove from oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, drizzle additional melted chocolate over the top and sprinkle sea salt flakes for an extra flavor kick.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Lift the brownies out using the parchment paper edges, slice into delectable squares, and serve these indulgent treats to eager friends and family.

Pro Tips for Dark Chocolate Pretzel Brownies

• Melt Chocolate Carefully: Use low, gentle heat when melting chocolate to prevent burning and maintain a smooth, glossy texture.
• Achieve Perfect Swirls: Create beautiful caramel patterns by using the tip of a knife and making light, sweeping movements across the brownie batter.
• Crush Pretzels Strategically: Break pretzels into varied sizes for a mix of textures, ensuring some larger pieces for crunch and smaller pieces for even distribution.
• Balance Sweet and Salty: Sprinkle sea salt flakes sparingly to enhance the chocolate and caramel flavors without overwhelming the dessert.
• Check Doneness Precisely: Insert a toothpick at an angle, looking for moist crumbs but no wet batter to ensure fudgy, perfectly baked brownies.

Tweak Your Pretzel Brownies with These Fun Ideas

• Salted Caramel Pecan Brownies: Replace pretzels with chopped pecans and add an extra sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a nutty, sophisticated flavor profile.
• White Chocolate Raspberry Brownies: Swirl raspberry preserves into the batter and top with melted white chocolate for a fruity, decadent version.
• Espresso Hazelnut Brownies: Mix instant espresso powder into the batter and garnish with crushed hazelnuts for a rich, coffee-inspired treat.
• Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies: Create a peanut butter swirl by dolloping peanut butter on top of the batter and creating marble-like patterns before baking.

Drinks and Sides to Match Pretzel Brownies

• Pair with Rich Red Wine: Select a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot with dark fruit notes that complement the intense chocolate and caramel flavors, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
• Enhance with Salted Caramel Espresso: Brew a strong espresso with a salted caramel syrup to mirror the brownie's sweet and salty profile, cutting through the rich chocolate intensity.
• Match with Nutty Vanilla Bourbon: Serve alongside a smooth bourbon with vanilla and caramel undertones that echoes the brownie's complex flavor layers and provides a warming contrast.
• Elevate with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Add a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream to balance the brownie's richness, creating a decadent temperature and texture contrast.

Keep Pretzel Brownies Delicious for Days

• Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing caramel from becoming too soft.
• Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum flavor preservation.
• Keep brownies in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain their texture.
• Place brownies on a plate covered with plastic wrap, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent drying out and maintain their moist, rich consistency.

Your Pretzel Brownies Questions Answered

• Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Dark chocolate provides a richer, less sweet flavor that balances the caramel and pretzels. Milk chocolate will make the brownies sweeter and change the overall taste profile.

• How do I prevent my brownies from being too dry?

Don’t overbake – remove from oven when a toothpick has minimal moist crumbs. This ensures a fudgy, moist texture. Also, don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough brownies.

• What if I don't have a double boiler?

Use a microwave or create a makeshift double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Melt chocolate and butter slowly, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Dark Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Brownies Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent dark chocolate caramel pretzel brownies merge sweet and salty flavors in a delightful dessert that promises pure bliss. Rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy pretzels create an irresistible treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

Caramel Layer:

• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup pretzels, crushed
• 1/4 cup sea salt flakes
• 2 tbsp chocolate drizzle

Baking Essentials:

• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
2. Melt dark chocolate chips and butter together in a double boiler, stirring until smooth and glossy.
3. Whisk eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a separate bowl until light and fluffy.
4. Gently fold melted chocolate mixture into egg mixture, incorporating vanilla extract.
5. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together, then fold into chocolate batter until just combined.
6. Pour brownie batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.
7. Warm caramel sauce and heavy cream in a small saucepan, stirring until fully integrated.
8. Drizzle caramel mixture over brownie batter, creating swirling patterns with a knife.
9. Sprinkle crushed pretzels across the surface, ensuring even distribution.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with minimal moist crumbs.
11. Remove from oven and let cool completely in pan.
12. Drizzle additional chocolate over the top and sprinkle sea salt flakes.
13. Lift brownies out using parchment paper, slice into squares, and serve.

Notes

• Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for deeper, richer flavor complexity.
• Crush pretzels into varied sizes to create textural intrigue and better distribution across brownies.
• Allow caramel to cool slightly before drizzling to prevent over-mixing with brownie batter and maintain beautiful swirl patterns.
• Replace wheat flour with gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly version without compromising brownie’s decadent texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 275
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg