Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies are the perfect combination of sweet, salty, chewy, and crunchy. With a buttery blondie base, gooey caramel swirls, and a pretzel crunch, these blondies offer the perfect balance of flavors that will leave your guests craving more. This no-fail, bakery-style recipe is as easy to make as it is indulgent. Whether you’re preparing it for a dessert table, a party, or gifting it to a loved one, these blondies are guaranteed to impress.
What Are Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies?
Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies are a delightful twist on the classic blondie bar. Traditionally made with brown sugar and butter, blondies are a rich, chewy dessert similar to brownies but without the cocoa. What makes these blondies extra special is the addition of crunchy pretzels, gooey salted caramel, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt that elevates the sweetness and adds a salty kick.
This recipe combines the sweetness of caramel with the salty, crunchy texture of pretzels, creating a dessert that’s both satisfying and unforgettable. The final result is a rich, chewy blondie that’s swirled with salted caramel, making every bite a burst of flavor.
The Origin of Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies
Salted caramel desserts have gained significant popularity in recent years, thanks to their perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. The origins of salted caramel date back to the French, where caramel is infused with sea salt to cut through the sweetness. The idea of incorporating pretzels into this combination is an American twist, as pretzels are beloved for their salty crunch and have long been used in various dessert recipes.
Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies combine these two beloved trends into one decadent treat, perfect for any occasion. While pretzels have been used in sweet recipes before, this combination of ingredients is relatively new, making these blondies a modern dessert that’s both innovative and irresistible.
Ingredients for Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies
Blondie Batter
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
Add-ins
- ¾ cup (125 g) chopped pretzels (plus a few extra for topping)
- ½ cup (90 g) chopped white or milk chocolate (optional but delicious)
- ½ cup (120 ml) salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing
Step-by-Step Directions to Prepare Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies
1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting after baking.
2: Make the Blondie Base
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture becomes glossy and fully combined.
- Stir in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, mixing just until there are no dry streaks left in the batter.
- Fold in the chopped pretzels (and chocolate, if using).
3: Layer & Swirl
- Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce over the batter.
- Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the caramel into the batter.
- Spread the remaining batter on top of the caramel layer, then drizzle the rest of the caramel over the top.
- Swirl again lightly, being careful not to overmix.
- Top with a few extra crushed pretzels for added crunch.
4: Bake
- Bake the blondies for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- While the blondies are still warm, sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This step ensures that the caramel will set as the blondies cool.
Quick Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce (Optional)
For an extra special touch, you can make your own salted caramel sauce at home. Here’s how:
- In a saucepan, melt ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar melts and turns amber in color.
- Add 3 tbsp butter and whisk until smooth.
- Slowly add ¼ cup heavy cream, whisking constantly to combine.
- Remove from heat and stir in ½ tsp sea salt.
- Let the caramel sauce cool slightly before drizzling over the blondies.
Tips and Variations for Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies
- Extra Gooey: For an even more indulgent treat, drizzle additional caramel sauce on top right before serving.
- Add Texture: Enhance the texture of the blondies by mixing in ½ cup crushed pretzel pieces and ¼ cup chopped pecans.
- Chocolate Boost: For a twist on the classic, replace ¼ cup of flour with cocoa powder to make salted caramel brownie blondies.
- Make Ahead: These blondies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies
1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought salted caramel sauce for convenience, but making your own adds a personal touch and enhances the flavor.
2. Can I substitute pretzels with another ingredient?
While pretzels provide a unique salty crunch, you can try substituting them with crushed potato chips or salted nuts for a similar texture.
3. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
It’s recommended to use unsalted butter for this recipe to control the amount of salt added. If you must use salted butter, reduce the amount of sea salt in the recipe by half.
4. How can I store the blondies?
Store the cooled blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They also freeze well for up to 2 months.
5. Can I make these blondies in advance?
Yes, these blondies are perfect for making ahead. You can prepare them a day before serving, and they’ll still be delicious!
Conclusion: Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies
Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies are a perfect dessert for anyone who loves the combination of sweet and salty flavors. With their buttery blondie base, gooey caramel swirls, and pretzel crunch, these blondies offer a unique twist on a classic dessert that’s sure to please your family, friends, or guests. Whether you’re preparing them for a party or simply enjoying them as a treat, they are bound to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and indulge in these decadent, mouthwatering blondies. Enjoy!
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