Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No-bake salted caramel pretzel bites are the ultimate quick and easy treat. With their perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy, they make a fun snack or dessert for any occasion. Each bite has layers of pretzels, gooey caramel, and smooth chocolate, finished with a sprinkle of sea salt. What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is—you don’t even need to turn on the oven. I once tried making them with peanut butter added under the caramel, and it gave them a delicious Reese’s-style twist. Whether you’re preparing these for a party, holiday platter, or just a cozy night in, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.
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No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bites
- Total Time: 20 mins + chilling
- Yield: 20 bites
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet and salty no-bake salted caramel pretzel bites made with pretzels, caramel, and chocolate for an easy party snack or dessert.
Ingredients
- 40 mini pretzels
- 20 soft caramel candies (unwrapped)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay out half of the pretzels.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt caramels with heavy cream in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of caramel onto each pretzel, then top with another pretzel to form a sandwich. Chill for 10–15 minutes to set.
- In another bowl, melt chocolate chips with coconut oil until smooth.
- Dip each pretzel bite halfway into the chocolate, then place back on parchment paper.
- Sprinkle lightly with sea salt and refrigerate until chocolate is firm.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Try using dark chocolate or white chocolate for variation.
- You can drizzle extra caramel or chocolate on top for decoration.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Mini pretzels – Provide the crunchy, salty base and top layer.
Soft caramels – Melted into a gooey filling that binds the pretzels together.
Heavy cream – Helps melt the caramels smoothly into a rich filling.
Chocolate chips – A luscious coating that balances the caramel and pretzels.
Coconut oil or butter – Ensures the chocolate melts smoothly and sets with a glossy finish.
Sea salt – A light sprinkle enhances the sweet-and-salty flavor contrast.
Directions
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange half of the pretzels in a single layer.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the soft caramels with heavy cream in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Spoon a small amount of caramel onto each pretzel, then top with another pretzel to create a sandwich. Place in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to set.
Meanwhile, melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil or butter until smooth. Dip each pretzel bite halfway into the chocolate and return to the parchment-lined tray. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt while the chocolate is still soft. Refrigerate again for 20 minutes, or until firm. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 30 pretzel bites. Prep time is 20 minutes, plus 35 minutes of chilling, making it a quick no-bake treat ready in under an hour.
Storage/reheating
Store pretzel bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Peanut butter layer – Spread a thin layer of peanut butter under the caramel for extra richness.
Dark chocolate coating – Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a more intense flavor.
White chocolate drizzle – Drizzle melted white chocolate over the top for contrast.
Nutty crunch – Add chopped pecans, peanuts, or almonds inside the caramel layer.
Holiday version – Decorate with festive sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
Salted caramel upgrade – Stir a pinch of sea salt directly into the melted caramel.
Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free pretzels to make them allergy-friendly.
Extra caramel – Double the caramel layer for an ultra-gooey bite.
FAQs
Can I use homemade caramel?
Yes, homemade caramel works beautifully and gives the bites a richer flavor.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely, they keep well in the fridge for up to a week.
Do I have to dip them fully in chocolate?
No, dipping halfway or drizzling chocolate is just as tasty.
Can I use square pretzels instead of mini twists?
Yes, square pretzels work great and make layering easier.
Can I use almond bark instead of chocolate chips?
Yes, it melts easily and sets firmly.
How do I prevent the caramel from being too hard?
Adding cream keeps the caramel soft and chewy.
Can I freeze pretzel bites?
Yes, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Are these messy to eat?
Not at all—the chocolate coating keeps the caramel neatly inside.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free caramel and chocolate alternatives.
Do I need to refrigerate them?
Yes, chilling helps the chocolate set and keeps the caramel firm.
Conclusion
No-bake salted caramel pretzel bites are the perfect mix of sweet, salty, chewy, and crunchy—all in one bite-sized treat. With minimal ingredients and no baking required, they’re as easy to make as they are delicious. Whether you’re whipping up a quick dessert for guests, prepping holiday trays, or simply craving something indulgent, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite. Once you try them, you’ll want to keep a batch in the fridge at all times.
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