Introduction to Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies
There’s something magical about the combination of sweet and salty, and these Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies bring that magic right to your kitchen! As a busy mom, I understand how challenging it can be to whip up a dessert that impresses everyone while being simple enough to fit into a hectic schedule. These blondies are deliciously soft, with a crunchy pretzel twist and the richness of caramel. Plus, they’re perfect for satisfying that late-night craving or bringing to a gathering. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be on your go-to dessert list!
Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies
These Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies are not just a sweet treat; they’re a lifesaver for any busy mom! With simple ingredients and just one bowl needed, you can whip these up in no time. The delightful blend of rich caramel and the unexpected crunch of pretzels makes each bite heavenly. Plus, they look gorgeous with those drizzles of caramel and chocolate, making any gathering a bit sweeter!
Ingredients for Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies
Gathering ingredients is a fun part of baking, and this Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies recipe calls for delightful components that create a beautiful harmony of flavors!
- Granulated Sugar: This sweet staple forms the base of our luscious salted caramel sauce.
- Unsalted Butter: We’ll use it in both the caramel and blondie base for a rich, buttery flavor.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: This creamy addition helps create the smooth texture of our decadent caramel.
- Fine Sea Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors, making the sweet and salty contrast pop!
- All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for the blondie base, giving structure while keeping them soft.
- Baking Powder: This little leavening agent helps achieve that dreamy, soft texture.
- Light Brown Sugar: The molasses in this sugar adds a toasty flavor that will have your taste buds dancing.
- Egg: Essential for binding everything together and adding moisture to the blondies.
- Vanilla Bean Paste or Extract: Either will infuse these blondies with a delightful aroma that screams homemade.
- Mini Pretzel Twists: These contribute the all-important crunch and that irresistible salty aspect; I often snack on them while baking!
- Chocolate Chips: Pockets of melty chocolate make each bite a little slice of heaven; who can resist them?
- Optional Garnishes: More pretzels, chocolate chips, sea salt, and caramel drizzle for beautiful presentation and extra flavor—don’t skip this step!
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article. I promise it’s worth it to bake these beauties!
How to Make Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies
Now, let’s dive into the deliciousness of making Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies. The steps are simple, but each one brings you closer to a decadent treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started!
Making the Salted Caramel Sauce
First up, we need that rich salted caramel sauce that steals the show!
In a medium saucepan, add your granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously with a spatula. It will clump initially but soon it’ll melt into a lovely amber color. Keep an eye on it—burnt sugar is the ultimate party pooper!
When you see that beautiful golden hue, reduce the heat to low. Now, slowly whisk in the unsalted butter until it melts and everything blends smoothly. My kitchen fills with the most heavenly aroma at this stage!
Next, gradually pour in the slightly warmed heavy whipping cream while whisking. This will bubble up, so don’t be startled! Add that fine sea salt, whisk until it’s a smooth and bubbling delight. Remove from heat and let it cool a bit while you prep the blondies. Trust me; this sauce will be divine!
Preparing the Blondie Batter
Now, let’s make the batter for our Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 20×20 cm baking pan using nonstick spray, then line with parchment paper to make removing the blondies easy.
In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, set it aside to cool slightly.
Meanwhile, in a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder—no one likes a pocket of baking powder!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with light brown sugar, egg, and vanilla. Whisk until it’s glossy and inviting. This step is where the magic happens and the sweet aroma begins to take over!
Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Remember, don’t overmix! Gently stir in those chopped pretzel twists and chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed. The chocolatey goodness mixed with crunchy pretzels creates a symphony of flavors!
Baking the Blondies
Time to bake those golden beauties!
Spread the blondie batter evenly into your prepared pan and pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for about 35-45 minutes. The edges will be golden brown, and the center should be set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.
If you notice the blondies browning too quickly, tent them loosely with foil after about 25 minutes. Once baked, let them cool completely in the pan. The waiting is the hardest part, but it’s totally worth it!
When cooled, drizzle generously with that luscious salted caramel sauce you made earlier. Sprinkle on some extra chocolate chips and mini pretzel twists for extra flair. You’ve transformed simple ingredients into a decadent dessert that tastes like a labor of love!
Tips for Success
- Make sure to watch the sugar closely while making the caramel; it can go from perfect to burnt in seconds!
- Use room temperature ingredients for the best blend—keep eggs and butter out before baking.
- Always fold the dry ingredients gently to maintain that delightful blondie texture.
- For even baking, rotate the pan halfway through if your oven has hot spots.
- Let blondies cool completely before cutting to ensure they hold their shape.
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan: A heavy-bottomed saucepan works best for even heating when making caramel.
- Mixing bowls: One large and one medium will help keep your ingredients organized.
- Whisk: A good whisk ensures everything is blended beautifully—if you don’t have one, a fork can do!
- Baking pan: A 20×20 cm square pan is ideal; you can also use an 8×8 inch pan.
- Parchment paper: Line your pan for easy removal; if you’re out, just grease the pan well!
Variations
- Nutty Addition: For a lovely crunch, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the batter.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend; just ensure it’s a 1:1 substitute for best results.
- Dark Chocolate: If you’re a dark chocolate lover, use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer flavor.
- Spiced Delight: Add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the batter for a warm, cozy flavor that pairs beautifully with caramel.
- Salted Caramel Swirl: Instead of drizzling, swirl the salted caramel sauce into the batter before baking for a gooey surprise.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combo.
- Serve alongside a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate to enhance the flavors.
- Present on a rustic wooden board, drizzled with extra caramel and sprinkled with sea salt for a beautiful display.
- Include fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries to add a pop of color.
- Wrap individual squares in clear cellophane for a delightful homemade gift!
FAQs about Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies
As I’ve enjoyed baking these Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies, I’ve come across a few questions that often pop up. Here are some answers to common inquiries to help you on your baking journey!
Can I make these blondies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the blondies a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The flavors actually develop a bit more overnight!
What can I use instead of pretzels?
If you’re not a pretzel fan, try adding crushed potato chips for that salty crunch. Or go nuts—literally! Chopped nuts like pecans or almonds can add a great twist!
How do I store leftovers?
To keep your blondies fresh, simply wrap them in plastic wrap or place them in a container with a lid. They should last about three days at room temperature or longer in the fridge!
Can I freeze the blondies?
Yes, these blondies freeze wonderfully! Just cut them into squares and wrap them in foil or plastic wrap. When you need a treat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and enjoy!
What can I substitute for heavy cream in the caramel?
If you’re out of heavy cream, you can use full-fat coconut milk instead! It gives a nice texture to the caramel and adds a hint of coconut flavor, which pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Creating these Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies is more than just baking; it’s crafting sweet memories in your kitchen! The delightful blend of gooey caramel, crunchy pretzels, and chocolate swirls will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also warm your heart. As you cut into these golden squares, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that only comes from homemade treats. Whether sharing them at gatherings or enjoying a late-night bite, these blondies will undoubtedly bring smiles to your loved ones. So roll up your sleeves and create a delicious escape that will have everyone begging for more!
Print
Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies combining rich flavors of caramel and chocolate with a sweet and salty pretzel crunch.
Ingredients
- 200 g granulated sugar (for Salted Caramel Sauce)
- 85 g unsalted butter, room temperature (for Salted Caramel Sauce)
- 120 ml heavy whipping cream, slightly warmed (for Salted Caramel Sauce)
- 2.5 g fine sea salt (for Salted Caramel Sauce)
- 225 g unsalted butter (for Blondie Base)
- 125 g all-purpose flour (for Blondie Base)
- 1.25 ml baking powder (for Blondie Base)
- 1.25 ml fine sea salt (for Blondie Base)
- 160 g light brown sugar (for Blondie Base)
- 1 large egg, room temperature (for Blondie Base)
- 10 ml vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract (for Blondie Base)
- 60 g mini pretzel twists, roughly chopped (for Blondie Base)
- 170 g chocolate chips plus extra for garnish (for Blondie Base)
- 16 mini pretzel twists (for Garnish)
- Sea salt for finishing (optional, for Garnish)
- Chocolate chips additional (for Garnish)
- Salted caramel sauce for drizzling (for Garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, continuously stir the granulated sugar with a spatula until it clumps, melts, and turns a light golden color.
- Once melted and amber-hued, reduce heat to low and whisk in the butter until smooth.
- Slowly stream in the warmed heavy cream while whisking, then add fine sea salt and whisk until smooth and bubbling. Remove from heat and let cool briefly.
- Preheat oven to 175°C. Grease a 20×20 cm baking pan with nonstick spray and line with parchment paper.
- In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, then set aside to cool slightly.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt; set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk melted butter, light brown sugar, egg, and vanilla until glossy.
- Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in chopped pretzel twists and chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Spread batter evenly into prepared pan and bake for 35-45 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- If browning too quickly, tent with foil after 25 minutes.
- Let blondies cool completely, then drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce and garnish as desired.
- Using parchment paper, lift blondies from the pan, cut into 16 squares, and serve.
Notes
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to preserve the blondie texture.
- For an extra touch, serve with a scoop of ice cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
