Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Seven Layer Bars
If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s a perfect blend of sweet, salty, chewy, and crunchy, look no further than these Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Seven Layer Bars. This indulgent treat layers together a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a sweet snack, or just want to treat yourself after a long day, these bars are sure to impress.
Imagine biting into a rich, buttery crust topped with sweetened condensed milk, gooey caramel, chocolate chips, crunchy pretzels, and toasted coconut. Each layer works in harmony, creating a delightful dessert that’s as attractive as it is delicious. So, let’s dive into making these irresistible bars!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
– A symphony of flavors: the sweet chocolate, rich caramel, and salty pretzels create a taste sensation.
– Simple to prepare: with just a few steps, you’ll have a stunning dessert that looks and tastes like it took hours.
– Versatile: perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to casual get-togethers.
– Make it your own: feel free to add your favorite nuts or chocolate variations to customize these bars.
Ingredients at a Glance
- 1 stick butter (1/2 cup)
- 7 oz (1/2 can) sweetened condensed milk
- 7 oz (1/2 can) La Lechera Dulce De Leche (or all regular sweetened condensed milk if unavailable)
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup crushed pretzel crumbs (about 2 heaping cups prior to crushing)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (divided into 1/2 cup portions)
- 1 cup chopped nuts
- 1 cup Kraft Caramel Bits (divided into 1/2 cup portions)
- 1 cup broken but not completely crushed pretzel pieces
- 1 1/2 cups flaked coconut
- Approx 1-2 TBSP of water (for caramel drizzle)
Tools & Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking pan: Perfect size for these layered bars.
- Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to success.
- Spatula: Great for spreading layers evenly.
- Oven: To bake the bars to gooey perfection.
Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Seven Layer Bars in Steps
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease your 9×13-inch baking pan with a bit of butter or cooking spray. This will help the bars come out easily after baking.
Step 3: Make the Base Layer
In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, crushed pretzel crumbs, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create an even base.
Step 4: Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust, spreading it gently with a spatula to ensure it covers the entire surface.
Step 5: Layer the Caramel
Drizzle the La Lechera Dulce De Leche (or additional sweetened condensed milk) over the sweetened condensed milk layer. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly for a luscious caramel layer.
Step 6: Sprinkle the Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Sprinkle half of the chocolate chips and chopped nuts over the caramel layer. This will add texture and flavor to your bars.
Step 7: Add the Pretzel Pieces
Evenly distribute the broken pretzel pieces and flaked coconut over the chocolate and nut layers. This adds a delightful crunch and additional flavor to the bars.
Step 8: Finish with More Chocolate and Caramel
Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips and Kraft Caramel Bits over the top, ensuring every bite will be rich and gooey.
Step 9: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the middle is set. Keep an eye on it to prevent overbaking!
Step 10: Drizzle with Caramel
While the bars are baking, combine the Kraft Caramel Bits with 1-2 tablespoons of water in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until melted and smooth. Once the bars are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top.
Step 11: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. This will help them hold their shape and avoid crumbling.
Health-Conscious Tweaks
- Use whole grain graham crackers: Opt for whole grain options for added fiber.
- Substitute coconut oil for butter: A plant-based alternative for a healthier fat.
- Try dark chocolate chips: They add a rich flavor and are often lower in sugar.
- Reduce the sugar: Use less caramel or chocolate to lower the overall sweetness.
Testing Timeline
- Preparation Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
- Baking Time: 25-30 minutes.
- Cooling Time: 1 hour or until completely cooled before slicing.
Make-Ahead & Storage
These Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Seven Layer Bars can be made ahead of time, making them a perfect treat for busy schedules.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare and bake the bars a day in advance.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Freezing: These bars freeze well! Just wrap them tightly and they can last for up to three months in the freezer.
Popular Questions
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a different flavor profile.
What if I can’t find La Lechera Dulce De Leche?
No worries! Just use all regular sweetened condensed milk, and the bars will still be deliciously sweet and creamy.
Can I omit the coconut?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of coconut, simply leave it out. The bars will still be delightful without it.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the edges are golden brown and the center is set. The top should look slightly puffed and not too jiggly.
See You at the Table
These Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Seven Layer Bars are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. The combination of flavors and textures makes each bite an experience worth savoring. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself to a batch of these utterly scrumptious bars. Whether you share them or keep them all to yourself (no judgment here!), they are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy every delicious layer!
Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Seven Layer Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure that your bars bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
- Grease your 9x13-inch baking pan with a bit of butter or cooking spray to help the bars come out easily after baking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, crushed pretzel crumbs, and melted butter. Stir until well combined and resembles wet sand. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create an even base.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust, spreading it gently with a spatula.
- Drizzle the La Lechera Dulce De Leche over the sweetened condensed milk layer and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the chocolate chips and chopped nuts over the caramel layer.
- Evenly distribute the broken pretzel pieces and flaked coconut over the chocolate and nut layers.
- Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips and Kraft Caramel Bits over the top.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the middle is set.
- While the bars are baking, combine the Kraft Caramel Bits with 1-2 tablespoons of water in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Once the bars are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares.
Notes
- These bars can be made ahead of time, perfect for busy schedules.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- These bars freeze well! Wrap them tightly for up to three months in the freezer.
