If you’re the kind of dessert lover who swoons over the blend of sweet and salty, Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies will quickly earn a top spot in your recipe rotation. This irresistible dessert fuses soft, buttery blondie batter with crushed pretzels and rich caramel, offering a bite full of contrast and comfort.
These blondies don’t just look indulgent—they are indulgent. Think chewy centers, gooey caramel swirls, and crunchy pretzel bits. Whether you’re serving them at a casual gathering or sneaking a piece with your afternoon coffee, they’re guaranteed to impress.
Craving even more sweet treats? Try our Carrot Cake Cookies or the rich and chocolatey Hot Fudge Brownie Bread for equally delightful options.
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Why You’ll Love These Blondies
The real magic lies in the balance: chewy, buttery blondie base + crunchy salted pretzels + silky caramel. They’re essentially everything you love about chocolate bars and cookie cakes wrapped into one satisfying bite.
And if you’re a fan of Chocolate Sorbet with Warm Salted Dates, these bars give you that same salty-sweet profile but in a much more portable (and shareable) form.
Ingredients for Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies
Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Toppings & Mix-ins:
- 1 cup crushed pretzels (plus more for topping)
- ¾ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Sea salt flakes (for sprinkling)
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup white or milk chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it for easy blondie removal.
2. Make the Batter
Whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Stir in the eggs and vanilla.
In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually combine both mixtures.
Need a gluten-free alternative? Try our Best Gluten-Free Bread Guide to learn how to make swaps for dietary needs.
3. Add Mix-Ins & Assemble
Fold in the crushed pretzels and any optional goodies like chocolate chips.
Spread half the batter in the pan, drizzle with half the caramel, then repeat. Swirl the caramel gently and top with pretzels and sea salt.
4. Bake & Cool
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean or with moist crumbs. Cool completely before slicing to let the caramel set.
Creative Twists
- Brown Butter Blondies: Swap melted butter for browned butter for a nutty aroma. Learn how in our Cowboy Butter recipe—just use the same browning technique.
- Nutty Caramel Crunch: Add candied nuts or even Peanut Butter Crackers for a layered flavor profile.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once baked, drizzle with melted chocolate for a dessert-bar aesthetic.
- Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin spice for fall vibes.
- PB & Caramel Fusion: Swirl in some peanut butter before baking—it pairs perfectly with salted caramel.
Tips for Success
- Line your pan with parchment for clean cuts.
- Don’t overbake—they’ll finish setting as they cool.
- Sprinkle sea salt after baking while it’s still warm.
- Chill before slicing for clean, Instagram-worthy bars.
- Store in an airtight container or freeze in layers between parchment.
Need more dessert ideas? Check out our Easy Churro Cheesecake for a no-fuss alternative!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a cappuccino or Breve Coffee for a cozy afternoon.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
- Drizzle with butterscotch or chocolate for a finishing touch.
FAQs – All Your Blondie Questions Answered
Can I use store-bought caramel?
Yes, and it’s a great time-saver! When choosing a store-bought caramel sauce, opt for one that’s thick and buttery in texture—it should pour slowly and coat a spoon easily. Thin, watery syrups (often meant for ice cream or coffee) can overly saturate the blondie batter, leading to a soggy texture. For the best results, use a caramel dip or baking caramel specifically formulated to hold up during baking. If you have extra time, making your own caramel adds a rich, homemade touch—check out our how to make pistachio cream for caramel-like techniques you can adapt.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Making gluten-free blondies is simple with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure the blend includes xanthan gum or a similar binder to help maintain structure and chewiness. Don’t forget to swap regular pretzels with certified gluten-free pretzels—there are several great-tasting options available today. This small change keeps the texture intact while making the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. For more ideas on flour swaps, check out our detailed gluten-free baking guide.
What’s the best way to crush pretzels?
For ideal texture, you want crushed—not powdered—pretzels. The easiest method is to place pretzels in a heavy-duty zip-top bag and gently crush them using a rolling pin, cast iron pan, or the bottom of a measuring cup. Aim for uneven, bite-sized bits that create delicious pockets of crunch throughout the blondies. Avoid using a food processor, which can turn them into crumbs too quickly. For a fun twist, try using flavored pretzels like honey mustard or garlic parmesan (just make sure they complement the caramel!).
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, blondie dough freezes beautifully and is great for prepping ahead. You can freeze the entire unbaked batch in your baking pan lined with parchment paper or scoop portions into balls for quick single servings. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. To bake, place directly in the oven from frozen—just add 5–10 minutes to the baking time. Make sure the center is fully baked by testing with a toothpick. You can also freeze baked blondies by letting them cool completely, cutting into squares, and storing them in layers with parchment paper in between.
Conclusion: Sweet Meets Salty Perfection
Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies are your go-to if you love desserts that do it all—chewy, crunchy, gooey, and a bit salty. With easy steps, tons of variation ideas, and ingredients you likely have on hand, this is one recipe that will never disappoint.
And for even more creative takes, don’t miss the rich dessert ideas from Recipetineats and clever baking twists from Mom on Timeout.