Quick Description:
These bars are the perfect combination of sweet, salty, crunchy, and chewy—all without turning on the oven. Featuring a rich caramel layer, chocolate, crispy cereal, and crunchy pretzels, they truly live up to their “crack” name. You won’t be able to stop at one!
🍴 Servings and Timing:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (stovetop only)
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: ~1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: Makes about 16 squares (depending on cut size)
🧾 Ingredients:
Base Layer:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups crushed pretzels (small bits, not dust)
- 1½ cups crisped rice cereal (like Rice Krispies)
Topping:
- 1¼ cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup soft caramels (like Kraft), unwrapped
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- Extra mini pretzels for garnish (optional but cute!)
🔪 Instructions:
1. Prep the pan:
Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper or foil, leaving a slight overhang for easy lifting. Lightly grease.
2. Make the base:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and bring to a gentle boil for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. Immediately fold in the crushed pretzels and cereal until well combined.
Press this mixture firmly into the prepared pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to flatten it evenly.
3. Add the chocolate layer:
Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the base while it’s still warm. Wait a minute or two for the chips to melt, then gently spread them into a smooth layer with a spatula.
4. Make the caramel topping:
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream. Heat in 30-second intervals (or over low heat on the stovetop), stirring until smooth and fully melted.
Pour the caramel over the chocolate layer and gently spread it to the edges.
5. Top it off:
While the caramel is still soft, press a few mini pretzels on top for decoration and crunch.
6. Chill:
Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour or until completely set.
7. Cut and serve:
Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang. Slice into squares using a sharp knife (lightly greased or warmed if needed to cut cleanly).
🍪 Storage:
- Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Can be frozen (layer between parchment paper) for up to 2 months.
🔁 Variations and Tips:
- Peanut Butter Twist: Add ¼ cup of peanut butter to the melted chocolate before spreading.
- Sea Salt Finish: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel for extra depth.
- Nutty Option: Add chopped peanuts or almonds to the base layer.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter and coconut cream in place of cream, and dairy-free chocolate.
📸 Final Notes:
These bars are dangerously addictive. They’re a hit at bake sales, holidays, game nights, or any event where indulgence is welcome. Best of all? No baking required.
