Imagine biting into the ultimate comfort treat: Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies. These dreamy bars marry a perfectly chewy, buttery blondie base with crunchy pretzel pieces, gooey chocolate chips, and a lavish drizzle of homemade salted caramel sauce. Equal parts sweet, salty, and incredibly decadent, this recipe guarantees a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s shockingly easy to pull off—and just as easy to devour. Whether you’re craving a bake sale standout or a cozy night-in treat, these Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies have got you covered with every irresistible bite.

Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something magical about recipes that require just a handful of familiar ingredients and deliver bold, unforgettable flavor. Every component in these Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies plays a starring role, from the butter that provides richness to the sea salt that amplifies all the other flavors. Here’s what you’ll need and why you really don’t want to skip a single item!

Granulated sugar: This is the foundation for that luscious homemade salted caramel sauce—melts down to create sweet, golden goodness.
Unsalted butter: Used in both the blondie base and caramel, it brings a richness and depth that can’t be beat.
Heavy whipping cream: Adds creaminess and a hint of luxury to the salted caramel.
Fine sea salt: A pinch balances sweetness and elevates all the flavors—don’t skip it!
All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for these chewy blondies.
Baking powder: Gives the blondies a little lift for a soft, tender crumb.
Light brown sugar: Offers caramel-like taste and that irresistible chewy texture.
Large egg: Binds everything together and keeps your blondies moist.
Vanilla bean paste or extract: Boosts the flavor with warm, aromatic notes—choose whichever you have on hand.
Mini pretzel twists: Roughly chopped for a delightful crunch and that signature salty pop.
Chocolate chips: Melt into sweet pockets throughout the bars and make every bite a treat.
Mini pretzel twists (for topping): Crown the blondies for extra crunch and visual wow factor.
Sea salt (for garnish): If you love a pronounced salty kick, sprinkle a tiny bit more on top before serving.
Extra salted caramel sauce: Either your homemade version or store-bought for that sticky, golden finishing touch.

How to Make Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies

Step 1: Prepare the Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce

Start by making your salted caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the granulated sugar. Stir frequently with a rubber spatula, letting the sugar melt evenly and gradually change to a deep golden hue. Once melted and beautifully golden, switch to a whisk, reduce the heat, and quickly add in your butter. Whisk briskly to combine and calm the bubbles. Slowly pour in the warm heavy cream, whisking the whole time until completely smooth. Sprinkle in your sea salt, return to medium heat for just another moment until bubbling, and then remove from heat. Let this cool while you prep the blondie batter.

Step 2: Prep the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray an 8×8-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. This ensures your Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies lift right out of the pan when they’re ready—no sticking, no fuss!

Step 3: Melt the Butter

In a small saucepan, gently melt your butter over medium heat. Once fully melted, set it aside to cool for a few minutes. Making sure your butter is slightly cooled helps ensure your batter mixes smoothly and doesn’t scramble the egg.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt. This quick step evenly distributes the leavening and salt throughout the flour so your blondies bake up perfectly.

Step 5: Make the Blondie Batter

In your largest mixing bowl, whisk together the melted (and slightly cooled) butter, light brown sugar, egg, and vanilla bean paste until everything is beautifully combined. Pour in the dry ingredients and stir until just incorporated for a tender, chewy blondie every time.

Step 6: Fold in the Mix-Ins

Switch to a rubber spatula and gently fold in the roughly chopped mini pretzel twists and chocolate chips. This ensures the mix-ins are evenly distributed without over-mixing, keeping your blondies delightfully soft.

Step 7: Bake

Spread the blondie batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Slide it into the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. Oven times can vary, so check at 25 minutes—if the top is browning too quickly, loosely tent with foil. The blondies are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Top and Garnish

Allow the blondies to cool in the pan. Once cool, drizzle generously with that gorgeous salted caramel sauce. Press whole mini pretzel twists gently into the top and sprinkle with extra chocolate chips and sea salt if you’d like an extra salty-sweet finish. Let the caramel set for at least a couple of hours or overnight before cutting into tidy squares.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Using the parchment paper, lift the whole batch of Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies out of the pan. With a sharp knife, cut into 16 even squares—resist the urge to cut early; letting them settle will give you those clean, beautiful edges with crisp pretzel pieces!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies

Garnishes

For a bakery-worthy finish, drizzle a little extra salted caramel sauce over each square right before serving. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a few extra chocolate chips really make these Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies pop, both visually and in flavor. Don’t forget the crowning touch—a crunchy mini pretzel twist on top of each piece!

Side Dishes

Pair these indulgent blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic, creamy contrast. If you’re serving a party spread, offer them alongside fresh berries or a bold espresso for a grown-up dessert board. Their sweet-salty combo shines alongside anything with a hint of tartness or warmth.

Creative Ways to Present

Go all-out by layering your Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies into parfait glasses with whipped cream and more caramel drizzle, or cut mini squares to serve on a dessert platter for casual gatherings. For a showy touch, wrap individual blondies in parchment paper tied with kitchen twine—a perfect homemade gift for any sweet-toothed friend!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the party (or if you somehow manage to have leftovers), store your Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. For maximum freshness, keep them in a single layer or separate with parchment paper so the caramel doesn’t make them stick together.

Freezing

Good news: these blondies freeze beautifully! Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months—perfect for satisfying sudden cravings down the road. Thaw at room temperature for half an hour, or give them a brief zap in the microwave for that just-baked ooze.

Reheating

If your blondies have been chilled or frozen, just pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore that gooey center and soften the caramel. You can also warm them in a low oven (300°F for a few minutes) if you’re reheating several at once and want a melty, back-to-bakery feel.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead?

Absolutely! While homemade caramel adds a special touch and depth of flavor, a good-quality store-bought salted caramel sauce will save time and still taste delicious. Just make sure it’s thick enough to drizzle without running right off your blondies.

Can I substitute regular pretzels instead of mini twists?

You can use regular-sized pretzels—just give them a rough chop so you still get those crunchy nuggets in every bite. You can even experiment with pretzel rods or sticks for a fun texture change!

What if I don’t have an 8×8-inch pan?

If you only have a 9×9-inch pan, your Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies will be slightly thinner and may bake a bit faster, so start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark. You can double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch pan for a bigger batch.

Can I make these Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and use gluten-free pretzels. The results are still soft, chewy, and just as addictive—no one will suspect a thing.

How do I get clean cuts when slicing blondies?

Let the blondies cool completely and use a very sharp knife, cleaning it between cuts if needed. Chilling the pan (even briefly) helps the caramel set and makes slicing neat squares much easier.

Final Thoughts

If ever a dessert could check every box—chewy, salty, sweet, crunchy, gooey—Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies would be it. I always find myself making a double batch “just in case,” and there are rarely leftovers! Give these a try, share them with friends or family (if you’re willing!), and watch them disappear faster than you ever expected. Happy baking!