Dreamy Pretzel Bottom Caramel Brownies Recipe for Chocoholics

Decadent chocolate and salty pretzel bottom caramel brownies dance together in a symphony of sweet and savory flavors.

These irresistible treats merge the crunch of salted pretzels with rich, gooey caramel and intense chocolate goodness.

The pretzel crust adds a surprising twist that sets these brownies apart from ordinary desserts.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures that will make your taste buds sing with delight.

Layers of caramel weave through dense, fudgy chocolate, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and addictive.

The combination of salty and sweet creates a magical experience that transforms a simple brownie into a gourmet sensation.

You’ll want to share these show-stopping brownies – or keep them all to yourself.

Get ready to become the dessert hero with this game-changing recipe that promises pure deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25-30

Total Time: 7 hours (including cooling time)

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 17

Ingredients List for Pretzel Bottom Caramel Brownies

• Pretzels: Crunchy base providing a salty, textural contrast to the sweet brownies.
• Sugar: Enhances the binding and adds a subtle sweetness to the crust.
• Butter: Helps bind the pretzel crumbs and creates a rich, moist foundation.

• Dark Chocolate: Delivers intense, deep chocolate flavor and smooth texture.
• Butter: Contributes richness and helps create a fudgy brownie consistency.
• Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the brownie ingredients.
• Cocoa Powder: Intensifies chocolate flavor and adds depth to the brownies.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall chocolate taste.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and create a light, airy texture.
• White Sugar, Brown Sugar: Add sweetness and contribute to moist, tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out chocolate flavor and adds aromatic depth.
• Optional Chopped Chocolates: Introduces extra chocolate chunks for texture.

• Sugar: Primary caramelizing ingredient creating golden, rich flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and smooth consistency to caramel.
• Heavy Cream: Creates silky, luxurious caramel texture.
• Flaky Sea Salt: Optional garnish that enhances caramel's sweetness.

What You Need to Make Pretzel Bottom Caramel Brownies

• Food processor or rolling pin: Crush pretzels into fine crumbs.
• Mixing bowls: Prepare pretzel crust, chocolate mixture, and dry ingredients.
• Saucepan: Melt butter, chocolate, and caramel sugar.
• Electric mixer: Beat eggs, sugars, and vanilla until fluffy.
• 20×20 cm baking pan: Bake and set brownies.
• Parchment paper: Line pan for easy removal.
• Whisk: Combine caramel ingredients and dry ingredients.
• Toothpick: Test brownies for doneness.
• Spatula: Fold ingredients and spread batter evenly.

Simple Steps for Pretzel Bottom Caramel Brownies

• Pretzel Foundation

Crush pretzels into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin. Mix with sugar and melted butter, creating a sandy mixture. Press firmly into lined baking pan to form a solid base that will support the rich chocolate layer.

• Chocolate Batter Preparation

Create a silky chocolate mixture by melting butter and dark chocolate together. In a separate bowl, whip eggs with sugars until they become light and voluminous. Gently combine chocolate with egg mixture, folding in dry ingredients carefully to maintain the batter’s delicate texture.

• Brownie Baking

Pour chocolate batter over pretzel crust and bake until edges are set and center remains slightly soft. The perfect brownies should have a crackly top and moist interior that hints at decadence.

• Caramel Drizzle

Transform sugar into a golden caramel by slowly melting it in a pan. Add butter and cream, whisking until smooth and glossy. Once cooled slightly, pour the amber liquid evenly across the brownie surface, allowing it to create beautiful, swirling patterns.

• Final Resting

Allow brownies to cool completely, giving the layers time to settle and flavors to meld. For best results, let them rest for several hours or overnight. Before serving, consider a light sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the sweet and salty experience.

Tasty Twists for Pretzel Bottom Caramel Brownies

• Add extra chocolate chunks or mix different chocolate percentages like milk and dark to create complex depth in your brownie batter.
• Infuse caramel with espresso powder, bourbon, or cinnamon for unexpected sophisticated flavor profiles that elevate the classic recipe.
• Prepare brownies up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature to develop richer, deeper flavor combinations.

Presenting Pretzel Bottom Caramel Brownies

• Sweet and Salty Party Platter: Create a stunning dessert board featuring these brownies alongside other complementary treats like salted nuts, caramel popcorn, and chocolate-covered pretzels for a delightful texture and flavor mix.
• Decadent Dessert Companion: Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the rich chocolate and caramel notes, creating a luxurious after-dinner indulgence.
• Gourmet Coffee Pairing: Complement these brownies with a robust espresso or smooth cappuccino, allowing the intense chocolate and caramel flavors to dance beautifully with the coffee's deep, complex profile.
• Gift-Worthy Presentation: Package individual brownie squares in clear cellophane with a pretty ribbon, making them a perfect homemade gift for birthdays, holidays, or as a thoughtful edible present for friends and family.

How to Store Pretzel Bottom Caramel Brownies

• Fridge-Friendly Storage: Keep brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Freezer Magic: Slice brownies into individual portions and layer between parchment paper. Store in a freezer-safe container for maximum 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying.
• Room Temperature Tips: For optimal texture, let brownies sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This helps soften the caramel and brings out the rich chocolate flavors.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare the entire dessert 1-2 days before serving. The flavors will intensify, creating an even more delicious treat. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to keep edges from drying out.

Gooey Pretzel Bottom Caramel Brownies

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours (including cooling time)
• Yield: 17 1x

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Description

Gooey caramel and rich chocolate merge in these irresistible pretzel bottom caramel brownies, creating a salty-sweet masterpiece. Chocolate lovers will savor each decadent bite of this indulgent dessert that balances crunchy pretzels with silky caramel layers.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 200 g (1 cup, 7 oz) dark chocolate, chopped
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 120 g (½ cup, 4.2 oz) unsalted butter
• 90 g (3.17 oz, 6.3 tbsps) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 80 g (⅔ cup, 2.8 oz) all-purpose flour
• 80 g (⅓ cup, 5.6 tbsps) butter, melted
• 200 g (1 cup, 7 oz) granulated sugar
• 100 g (½ cup, 3.5 oz) brown sugar
• 100 g (½ cup, 3.5 oz) granulated sugar
• 80 g (2.8 oz, ⅓ cup) heavy cream
• 50 g (1.76 oz) chopped dark chocolate
• 50 g (1.76 oz) chopped milk chocolate
• 30 g (2 tbsps, 1 oz) granulated sugar
• 15 g (2 tbsps) cocoa powder, sifted
• 100 g (3.5 oz) pretzels
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Pretzel Foundation: Pulverize pretzels into fine crumbs using a food processor, then blend with sugar and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into a lined baking pan and refrigerate.
2. Chocolate Preparation: Melt butter in a saucepan, incorporate chopped dark chocolate until smooth, and allow to cool slightly to prevent egg scrambling.
3. Batter Creation: Whip eggs, sugars, and vanilla extract until pale and voluminous. Gradually blend in the cooled chocolate mixture, then gently fold in sifted flour, cocoa powder, and salt, maintaining a tender texture.
4. Baking Process: Spread brownie batter evenly over the chilled pretzel crust. Bake in a preheated oven until a toothpick inserted reveals moist crumbs.
5. Caramel Crafting: Carefully melt sugar to a golden amber color, then whisk in butter and heavy cream until the mixture bubbles and thickens. Remove from heat and allow to cool briefly.
6. Finishing Touches: Drizzle caramel sauce uniformly across the baked brownies. Let the dessert set completely, ideally overnight. Optionally, sprinkle flaky sea salt before serving to enhance the sweet-savory profile.

Notes

• Crush Pretzels Precisely: Use a food processor or rolling pin to create fine, uniform crumbs for a perfect crust foundation.
• Prevent Egg Scrambling: Cool chocolate mixture slightly before adding eggs to maintain smooth, silky texture.
• Minimal Mixing Magic: Gently fold dry ingredients to keep brownie batter tender and avoid overdeveloping gluten.
• Salt Enhances Sweetness: Sprinkle flaky sea salt to elevate the caramel and chocolate flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg