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No Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars Recipe

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4 from 9 reviews

These No Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars are a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and crunchy flavors with a nutty oat-pretzel crust and a rich chocolate-caramel topping. Naturally vegan and freezer-friendly, these bars are incredibly easy to make with no oven required, making them ideal for holiday treats, snack trays, or last-minute indulgences.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 16 Bars

Ingredients

For the Base:

  • 2 cups (68g) crushed pretzels (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 cup (80g) rolled oats
  • ¾ cup (150g) Medjool dates, pitted
  • 6 tablespoons (96g) nut or seed butter (almond butter, peanut butter, or sunflower seed butter)
  • 2 tablespoons (40g) brown rice syrup (or honey for non-vegan)
  • 1–2 tablespoons (15–30ml) non-dairy milk, only if needed

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup (175g) dairy-free chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) coconut oil
  • Optional toppings: crushed pretzels, sea salt flakes, or chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Create the Base Layer: In a food processor, combine crushed pretzels and rolled oats. Pulse until the mixture resembles a coarse flour. Add in the pitted dates, nut or seed butter, and brown rice syrup. Process until the mixture begins to clump and form a sticky dough. Test the texture by pinching some dough; if it doesn’t hold, add non-dairy milk 1 tablespoon at a time until it sticks.
  2. Press the Crust: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang for easy lifting. Transfer the dough into the pan and use a spatula or clean hands to press the mixture evenly and firmly into the bottom.
  3. Make the Chocolate-Caramel Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each until smooth and fully melted. Pour the chocolate mixture evenly over the base layer and smooth with a spatula.
  4. Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle crushed pretzels, sea salt flakes, or chopped pecans over the chocolate layer if desired for extra texture and flavor. Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate topping is fully set.
  5. Slice and Serve: Remove the bars using the parchment or foil overhang. Let them sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before slicing to achieve clean cuts. Serve chilled or at room temperature according to preference.

Notes

  • Use gluten-free pretzels if you need a gluten-free version.
  • The bars are naturally vegan and can be made non-vegan by substituting honey for brown rice syrup.
  • Adjust the amount of non-dairy milk carefully to avoid making the dough too wet.
  • Optional toppings add a delightful crunch and enhance the salted caramel flavor.
  • These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Baked Goods
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian