These easy dessert recipes deliver a delightful crunch and a sweet, salty kick. You can whip up a batch of these irresistible bites in no time for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Pretzels: Use mini pretzel twists for the best bite-sized experience.
- Caramels: Soft, individually wrapped caramels melt smoothly. You can use caramel bits if you prefer.
- Chocolate: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, but milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips work too.
- Sea Salt: Flaky sea salt enhances the salted caramel flavor. Regular table salt can be used in a pinch, but use less.
Ingredients:
- 48 mini pretzel twists
- 24 soft caramel candies, unwrapped
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother melting chocolate)
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (cooling time not included)
- Servings: 24 bites
- Calories per serving: Approximately 100-120 calories
- Tools Needed: Baking sheet, parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. Arrange the mini pretzels in a single layer on the prepared sheet.
2. Melt the Caramels
Place one unwrapped caramel candy on top of each pretzel. Pop the baking sheet into a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for 5-7 minutes. Watch for the caramels to soften and become slightly gooey.
3. Gently Flatten the Caramels
Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Gently press another mini pretzel on top of each softened caramel, creating a sandwich. This helps to secure the caramel between the two pretzels.
4. Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is smooth and melted. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.
5. Drizzle and Sprinkle
Using a spoon or a piping bag, drizzle the melted chocolate over the pretzel-caramel sandwiches. Finish by sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each bite while the chocolate is still wet. This is where the “salted” in salted caramel pretzel bites comes in!
6. Chill to Set
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the chocolate to harden completely. Once firm, your easy dessert recipes are ready to enjoy.
Variation Ideas:
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle with melted white chocolate for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Nutty Bites: Press a pecan or almond into the softened caramel before adding the top pretzel.
- Sprinkle Fun: Add festive sprinkles instead of sea salt for a colorful touch.
- Spicy Kick: A tiny pinch of cayenne pepper in the melted chocolate adds an unexpected warmth.
Storage Instructions:
You can store your salted caramel pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. They are best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I use other types of pretzels?
Yes, you can use pretzel rods broken into pieces, but the mini twists hold the caramel best.
What if my caramels are too hard to melt?
Ensure they are soft-chew caramels. If they are very firm, you can microwave them briefly (without pretzels) for 10-15 seconds to soften them before placing them on the pretzels.
Do I have to use parchment paper?
It’s highly recommended. The caramel and chocolate can stick to the baking sheet without it, making them difficult to remove.
Can I freeze these easy dessert recipes?
Yes, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Why add coconut oil to the chocolate?
Coconut oil helps to thin the chocolate slightly, making it smoother and easier to drizzle. It also helps it set with a nice shine.
Can I skip the sea salt?
You can, but the sea salt is key to the “salted caramel” flavor and balances the sweetness. It’s highly recommended.