Name: Caramel Pretzel Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: PT-486300H33M4S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (14 ounce) bag individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped, divided; 1 (18.3 ounce) package fudge brownie mix (such as Betty Crocker®); ½ cup vegetable oil; ¼ cup water; 2 large eggs; ¼ cup unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon milk; 1 cup chopped pretzels; ¾ cup chocolate chips; ⅓ cup chocolate-covered toffee bits

Indulgence doesn’t get much better than these Caramel Pretzel Brownies. Imagine biting through thick, fudgy chocolate, only to meet pockets of gooey caramel and the delightful crunch of salty pretzels—it’s the dessert mash-up you never knew you needed. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply want something sweet to savor after dinner, these brownies bring those beloved flavors together in one unbeatable treat. Prepare to wow your family and friends, because once they try these Caramel Pretzel Brownies, you’ll be on dessert duty for every gathering!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Caramel Pretzel Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need for these brownies are a few easy-to-find essentials, but trust me, each ingredient plays a special role in creating those unforgettable layers of flavor and texture. Here’s how every component adds to the magic of Caramel Pretzel Brownies:

Caramels: These little candies don’t just lend sweetness—they turn into luscious pockets of melty caramel throughout your brownies, plus a luxurious drizzle on top.
Fudge brownie mix: A shortcut for chewy, rich chocolate flavor that’s always reliable and crowd-pleasing.
Vegetable oil: This keeps your brownies extra moist and helps the batter come together smoothly.
Water: Just enough to hydrate the mix and get that perfect batter consistency.
Eggs: Eggs are the secret to a fudgy texture, binding every bite together with richness.
Unsalted butter: Adds depth to the caramel topping and a hint of irresistible creaminess.
Milk: Helps melt the caramels down into the perfect, pourable sauce you’ll want on everything.
Chopped pretzels: The salty crunch you never knew brownies needed—just try to resist snacking as you assemble!
Chocolate chips: For even more melty, gooey chocolate in every corner of your pan.
Chocolate-covered toffee bits: Sweet, buttery crunch sprinkled across the top for that extra wow factor.

How to Make Caramel Pretzel Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Caramels

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), then grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or nonstick spray. Unwrap your caramels and cut 9 of them in half—these will be nestled right into the brownies for creamy caramel explosions in every bite!

Step 2: Mix Up That Brownie Batter

Grab a big mixing bowl and combine the fudge brownie mix, vegetable oil, water, and eggs. Beat everything together until you have a shiny, thick batter—don’t overmix! Pour the batter into your prepared dish, spreading it evenly. Gently press the caramel halves into the batter in three rows, so when you slice the Caramel Pretzel Brownies, there’s a gooey caramel center in each square.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Place your pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out almost clean (a little moisture means fudgy brownies). The kitchen will smell incredible and that’s your cue: brownies are ready. Pull them from the oven and set aside.

Step 4: Melt the Caramel Topping

While the brownies cool slightly, put the remaining caramels, unsalted butter, and milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, giving everything a stir after each interval. It’ll take 1 to 3 minutes, depending on your microwave, but don’t rush—the goal is a smooth, pourable caramel.

Step 5: Finish with Toppings

Pour the warm caramel over your brownies, spreading it out so every bite is a little sticky-sweet. Quickly shower the top with chopped pretzels, chocolate chips, and toffee bits. Let the whole thing cool for about 20 minutes—if you can wait!—then slice into 18 irresistible squares.

How to Serve Caramel Pretzel Brownies

Garnishes

Dress up your Caramel Pretzel Brownies with an extra sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a dusting of cocoa powder, or a drizzle of melted chocolate. Fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms a brownie into a restaurant-worthy dessert.

Side Dishes

Balance out the richness with a bowl of fresh berries or a crisp, salty snack mix. If you’re serving these at a party, consider pairing with espresso or a chilled glass of milk to cut through the sweetness—the perfect finish to any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Layer slices with ice cream in parfait glasses for grown-up sundaes, or cut the brownies smaller and serve as part of a dessert board with other bite-sized treats. For special occasions, wrap individual brownies in wax paper with a ribbon for show-stopping edible gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Caramel Pretzel Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The caramel stays soft and the pretzels keep their crunch, making them just as delicious on day two or three.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each brownie in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature overnight, and you’ll have a treat ready any time a chocolate craving hits.

Reheating

Microwave individual brownies for 10 to 15 seconds to revive that gooey caramel and make the chocolate chips melty again. You can even pop the whole pan (covered loosely with foil) in a low oven for 10 minutes to gently warm a big batch for guests.

FAQs

Can I use homemade brownie or caramel recipes instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite brownie or caramel recipe, use it as your base. Homemade elements bring even more depth and personal flair to your Caramel Pretzel Brownies.

Do the pretzels stay crunchy after baking?

Most of the pretzels are scattered on top after baking, which helps them keep their crispy crunch, even after the brownies sit for a couple of days.

What size pan should I use if I want thicker brownies?

A smaller pan, like a 9×9-inch, will give you thicker Caramel Pretzel Brownies but you might need to adjust the baking time (add 5 to 10 extra minutes and use a toothpick to test).

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Go for it! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even extra toffee bits blend right in and add a whole new layer of flavor and texture.

Are these brownies kid-friendly?

They’re always a hit with kids (and adults alike). Just be mindful of any nut allergies if you’re adding extra ingredients and supervise little ones with the caramel if serving warm.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about that combination of rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and salty pretzel crunch—it gets everyone around the table smiling. Give Caramel Pretzel Brownies a try and don’t be surprised if they become your new signature bake. Happy baking and happy sharing!