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When making salted caramel pretzel brownies, the right ingredients make all the difference. Here’s what you will need to create this sweet treat: - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 cups granulated sugar - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour - ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder - ½ teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 cup mini pretzels, crushed - 1 cup salted caramel sauce (you can use store-bought or homemade) - Flaky sea salt for topping Using unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps the brownies rise. The four large eggs provide moisture and richness. Pure vanilla extract adds a warm flavor that balances the sweetness. All-purpose flour and cocoa powder create a fudgy texture. Baking powder helps the brownies rise while salt enhances all the flavors. The crushed mini pretzels add a delightful crunch and salty contrast. The salted caramel sauce brings that sweet and salty magic, making these brownies truly special. Finally, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top gives a nice finish. It’s the perfect touch! - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Make sure the paper hangs over the sides. This will help you lift the brownies out later. - In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of melted butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth. - Add 4 large eggs, one at a time. Whisk well after each egg. Then mix in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract until smooth. - In another bowl, sift together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This step helps mix the dry ingredients evenly. - Fold the dry mixture into the wet bowl using a spatula. Mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix. This keeps the brownies fudgy. - Gently fold in 1 cup of crushed mini pretzels. Make sure the pretzels spread throughout the batter for a nice crunch. - Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce (1 cup total) over this layer. Let it seep into the batter a bit. - Spoon the rest of the brownie batter over the caramel layer. Spread it gently. Swirl the remaining caramel sauce on top for a great finish. - Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for extra flavor. Bake for 30-35 minutes. To test, insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs. - Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift them out. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before cutting into squares. To get that perfect brownie texture, don't overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. Mix just until the wet and dry ingredients blend together. This keeps your brownies fudgy and soft. Aim for a smooth mixture without lumps, but stop before it becomes too thick. This little trick makes all the difference. Top your brownies with flaky sea salt. It adds a delightful crunch and balances the sweetness. You can also drizzle extra salted caramel on top. For a fun touch, add whole pretzels as garnish. They create a beautiful look and hint at the flavors inside. This makes your brownies not just tasty but also visually striking. Watch the baking time closely. Bake for 30-35 minutes, but check with a toothpick. You want a few moist crumbs, not raw batter. If you bake too long, the brownies dry out. To keep them moist, avoid opening the oven door too often. This will help you make the best brownies each time you bake. {{image_4}} You can switch up the nuts in these brownies. Try adding walnuts or pecans. They add a great crunch and flavor. If you want a different taste, swap out the chocolate types. Use dark, milk, or even white chocolate. Each type brings its unique touch. If you need gluten-free brownies, use a gluten-free flour blend. This works well in place of all-purpose flour. Make sure to check the blend has a good structure. This change keeps the brownies delicious and moist. To make these brownies vegan, replace the eggs. You can use flax eggs or applesauce. Both options work great. For butter, choose a plant-based alternative. Coconut oil or vegan butter will do the trick. These swaps ensure everyone can enjoy these tasty treats. To keep your salted caramel pretzel brownies fresh, store them at room temperature. Use an airtight container to protect them from air and moisture. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them for a firmer texture. Just remember, cold storage may take away some of the gooeyness. Keep them covered tightly either way. Freezing brownies is easy. First, cut them into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps them fresh for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, take out a piece and leave it at room temperature. For the best results, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Enjoy the soft and chewy texture as if they were freshly baked! Yes, homemade salted caramel sauce works great in this recipe. It adds a personal touch. Making it at home can be easy. Just heat sugar until it melts, then add cream and salt. This gives you a fresh and rich flavor. You can check if the brownies are done by using a toothpick. Insert it in the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. Avoid overbaking them for a gooey texture. You can use salted butter if you don’t have unsalted butter. Just reduce the added salt a little. Coconut oil is another good option for a dairy-free alternative. It adds a nice flavor too. Yes, this recipe is naturally nut-free. You can safely enjoy the brownies without adding any nuts. If you want to add texture, consider using seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds instead of nuts. These brownies can last for up to a week when stored correctly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you refrigerate them, they may last a bit longer but can become firmer. In this post, you learned how to make salted caramel pretzel brownies step by step. From choosing ingredients to prepping your baking pan, each detail is key. I shared tips for perfect texture and ideas for fun variations. Remember, keeping an eye on bake time is vital for the best results. Whether you enjoy them warm or cold, these brownies are a tasty treat. Get ready to impress friends and family with your delicious skills. Happy baking!

Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies

Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with these Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies! Combining rich chocolate, crunchy pretzels, and luscious salted caramel, these brownies are a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Easy to make and oh-so-delicious, they’ll be a hit at any gathering. Ready to treat yourself? Click through for the full recipe and impress your friends and family with this sweet delight!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup mini pretzels, crushed

1 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Flaky sea salt for topping

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by greasing it and lining it with parchment paper, ensuring that there is an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated, creating a glossy base.

      Add the eggs to the bowl, one at a time, whisking after each addition until the mixture is thick and shiny. Then, blend in the vanilla extract until evenly mixed.

        In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.

          Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Make sure to mix just until combined to maintain a fudgy brownie texture—avoid overmixing.

            Gently fold in the crushed pretzels, ensuring they are evenly scattered throughout the batter for a delightful crunch.

              Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce over this layer, allowing it to seep into the batter slightly.

                Spoon the remaining brownie batter atop the caramel layer carefully, spreading it gently without disturbing the caramel. Next, swirl the remaining salted caramel sauce across the top of the batter for an irresistible finish.

                  For an added flavor boost, sprinkle a generous pinch of flaky sea salt over the top of the brownie batter.

                    Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached—aim for a gooey interior.

                      Once baked, let the brownies cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.

                        Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 24

                          - Presentation Tips: Arrange the brownies on a rustic wooden board or a vibrant plate. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top and garnish with a few whole pretzels to enhance the visual appeal and invite indulgence.