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- 2 cups crushed pretzels - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 1 cup sweetened condensed milk - 2 cups chocolate chips - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (plus additional for topping) - 1 cup caramel sauce - Mixing bowls - Medium saucepan - Spatula - 9x9-inch baking pan When I make No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Fudge, I love to gather all my ingredients first. Crushed pretzels give the fudge a crunchy base. The unsalted butter adds richness. Brown sugar and sweetened condensed milk create that creamy caramel flavor. I like to choose between milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips for the topping. I often add a tablespoon of pure vanilla extract for extra flavor. A pinch of sea salt enhances the sweetness, while caramel sauce gives it a nice drizzle. For tools, I use mixing bowls to combine ingredients and a medium saucepan for cooking. A spatula helps spread the layers evenly, and a 9x9-inch baking pan holds it all together. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and fun. To start, you need to create the base. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of crushed pretzels with 1 cup of melted unsalted butter. Mix until every pretzel piece is coated. Next, transfer the mixture to a lined 9x9-inch baking pan. Press it down firmly to make an even crust. Make sure it is tightly packed to hold together well. Now, let’s make the rich caramel. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of packed brown sugar and 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once it starts to gently boil, let it boil for about 2 minutes without stirring. This step helps deepen the flavor and create a smooth texture. After boiling, carefully take the saucepan off the heat. Add 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, and 1 cup of caramel sauce. Stir until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients blend well. Then, pour this caramel over the pretzel crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, covering every part of the crust. Next, let’s melt the chocolate. Place 2 cups of chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely smooth. Once melted, pour the chocolate layer over the caramel. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring every bite has a chocolatey goodness. To add the final touch, lightly sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the chocolate layer. This enhances the flavors perfectly. Now, place the baking pan in the refrigerator. Chill for at least 2 hours, or until the fudge is firm and set. After chilling, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares or rectangles, and enjoy your delicious treat! To get the best texture, press down the crust firmly. This step is key for a solid base. A well-packed crust holds the fudge together. If you don’t press hard enough, the crust may crumble. Avoid burning the caramel by stirring it often. Keep the heat medium and watch it closely. Boil for just two minutes without stirring. This creates a richer flavor while keeping it from scorching. Drizzle caramel sauce on top for a beautiful finish. This adds a shiny look and extra flavor. Use a decorative serving platter to make the fudge stand out. A nice plate can turn a simple treat into a showstopper. Feel free to switch up toppings on your fudge. You can add chopped nuts or sprinkles for crunch. If you like, substitute chocolate types too. Use dark chocolate for a more intense flavor or go for white chocolate for something sweet. {{image_4}} You can add chopped nuts to your fudge for a crunchy twist. Use walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Just mix in about 1 cup of your favorite nuts into the caramel layer. This adds a nice texture and flavor contrast to the smooth fudge. Nuts pair well with the sweet and salty taste. Explore different flavors by using flavored chocolate or caramel. For instance, try dark chocolate for a rich taste. You can also choose caramel with a hint of sea salt for extra depth. Mix in some espresso powder for a coffee flavor or even mint extract for a refreshing touch. Experimenting with flavors can make your fudge stand out. If you have dietary needs, there are easy swaps. First, look for gluten-free pretzel options at your store. They taste just as good and keep the crunch. For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free chocolate chips. You can also substitute sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk. These changes keep your fudge delicious while accommodating everyone’s needs. Store your No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Fudge in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents it from drying out. Make sure the container seals tightly to lock in moisture. If you want to keep it extra safe, layer parchment paper between the fudge pieces. This helps prevent sticking. This fudge lasts well in the fridge. It can stay fresh for about two weeks. Just keep it covered to prevent any odors from affecting its flavor. If you notice any changes in texture or smell, it’s best to discard it. You can freeze this fudge for longer storage. Cut it into squares before freezing. Place the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you want to enjoy some, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This keeps the fudge from getting too soft. Yes, you can use homemade caramel sauce. Making your own is easy and fun. Here’s a simple tip: - Combine equal parts sugar and water in a pot. - Heat on medium until the sugar dissolves. - Let it boil without stirring until it turns golden. - Remove from heat and add cream for a rich flavor. This method gives you control over the taste and texture of the caramel. If you need a substitute for sweetened condensed milk, try these options: - Coconut cream: This works well for a dairy-free choice. - Evaporated milk with sugar: Mix one cup of evaporated milk with 1/3 cup of sugar. - Silken tofu: Blend silken tofu until smooth. Then add a bit of sugar or maple syrup for sweetness. These alternatives keep your fudge creamy and delicious without dairy. You will know your fudge is set when it feels firm to the touch. Here are some signs: - It should not stick to your fingers. - The edges pull away slightly from the pan. - It should feel cool and solid overall. Chill it for at least two hours in the fridge for the best results. Enjoy your tasty treat! You now have all you need to make a delicious fudge treat. We covered main ingredients like crushed pretzels and chocolate chips, plus tips for perfect texture and storage. Remember, you can customize the flavors and even make it allergy-friendly. Whether you share it or enjoy it alone, this fudge is a sweet winner. Dive into this fun recipe and impress your friends and family with your skills! Enjoy every bite of your creative masterpiece.

No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Fudge

Indulge in the sweet and salty bliss of No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Fudge! This easy recipe combines a crunchy pretzel crust with rich caramel and smooth chocolate, creating the perfect treat for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this delightful fudge in no time. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your friends and family with this irresistible dessert!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups crushed pretzels

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup sweetened condensed milk

2 cups chocolate chips (choose between milk or semi-sweet)

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon sea salt (plus additional for topping)

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Pretzel Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels with the melted butter. Stir until the pretzels are thoroughly coated in butter. Transfer this mixture to a lined 9x9-inch baking pan and press it down firmly to create an even crust at the bottom. Ensure it's tightly packed for a solid foundation.

    Make the Caramel Mixture: In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, combine the packed brown sugar with the sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously until the mixture begins to boil gently. Allow it to boil for about 2 minutes without stirring; this helps to create a richer flavor.

      Incorporate Flavorings: After boiling, carefully remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the pure vanilla extract, sea salt, and caramel sauce. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are fully integrated.

        Layer the Caramel: Pour the smooth caramel mixture over the pressed pretzel crust in the baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, ensuring that every bit of the crust is covered.

          Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, place the chocolate chips. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.

            Add Chocolate Layer: Once melted, pour the chocolate over the layer of caramel. Use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly across the top, ensuring a delightful distribution.

              Finish with Sea Salt: Lightly sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top of the chocolate layer for an added taste contrast.

                Chill the Fudge: Place the baking pan in the refrigerator and allow the fudge to chill for a minimum of 2 hours, or until fully set.

                  Serve: Once set, carefully lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or rectangles for serving.

                    Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins | Servings: 16 squares

                      - Presentation Tips: To create an eye-catching presentation, place the fudge squares on a decorative platter. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top just before serving and sprinkle with a touch of sea salt for an appealing finish.