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- 1 cup unsalted butter - 2 cups granulated sugar - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup crushed pretzel sticks - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1/2 cup caramel sauce - Flaky sea salt The base of these brownies is rich and fudgy. I start with unsalted butter, which gives me control over the salt level. Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps create a soft texture. Eggs add moisture and lift to the batter. Vanilla extract enhances the flavors. Next, I add dry ingredients. All-purpose flour gives structure, while unsweetened cocoa powder brings a deep chocolate taste. Baking powder helps the brownies rise, and salt balances the sweetness. For texture, I crush pretzel sticks. They add a salty crunch that contrasts with the sweetness. Semi-sweet chocolate chips melt into the batter, enriching the chocolate flavor. Lastly, I drizzle in caramel sauce, which adds a gooey sweetness. Flaky sea salt on top finishes these brownies perfectly. - If you need alternatives for unsalted butter, use coconut oil or margarine. - For sugar substitutes, try brown sugar or coconut sugar for a different flavor. - If you want egg replacements, use 1/4 cup applesauce or a flax egg per egg needed. These swaps still keep the brownies tasty and fun to eat. They allow you to adjust the recipe to fit your needs. Whether you avoid dairy or need a different sweetness, you can still enjoy these brownies. {{ingredient_image_2}} Preparing the Oven Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Preparing the Baking Pan Use a 9x13 inch baking pan. Grease it well or line it with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal after baking. Melting Butter In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over low heat. Keep stirring until it’s smooth. Incorporating Sugar Once melted, add 2 cups of granulated sugar. Stir until the mix is smooth and mixed well. Adding Eggs Add 4 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Finally, add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and stir until combined. Mixing Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Folding in Pretzels and Chocolate Chips Gently fold the dry mix into the wet mix. Avoid overmixing. Then, add 1 cup of crushed pretzel sticks and 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Fold until evenly mixed. Spreading the Brownie Batter Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Drizzling Caramel Sauce Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the first layer of batter. This adds a tasty surprise! Swirling and Baking Time Pour the rest of the brownie batter on top. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over this layer. Use a toothpick to swirl the caramel through the batter. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Importance of Cooling Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. This helps them set and makes cutting easier. Sprinkling Sea Salt Before cutting, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top. This will enhance the sweet and salty flavor. To avoid dry brownies, do not overbake. Check them a few minutes early. If a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are done. Always use fresh eggs and good quality butter. This helps in getting that rich taste. For extra fudginess, consider using more chocolate chips. You can replace some flour with chocolate for a denser result. You can add nuts or extra caramel to boost flavor. Chopped walnuts or pecans give a nice crunch. A swirl of extra caramel adds sweetness and richness. Brownies pair well with vanilla ice cream. The coolness of the ice cream contrasts perfectly with warm brownies. For serving, place the brownies on a rustic wooden platter. This makes them look inviting. You can also garnish with whole pretzels for a fun touch. A light drizzle of caramel sauce on top adds flair. Consider using colorful plates for a pop of color. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Eggs: Allow your eggs to come to room temperature before adding them to the batter. This helps create a smoother mixture, leading to better texture in your brownies. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture. Check for Doneness Early: Ovens can vary, so start checking your brownies at the 25-minute mark. Remove them when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs for the perfect fudgy consistency. Let Them Cool: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps them set properly and makes slicing easier for clean, beautiful squares. {{image_4}} If you want gluten-free brownies, you can use alternative flours. Almond flour or coconut flour works well. Both add unique flavors and keep the brownies moist. You may need to adjust the amount slightly. Start with a cup and see how the batter looks. To make these brownies vegan, substitute eggs and butter. Use flax eggs or applesauce in place of eggs. For butter, use coconut oil or a vegan butter spread. These swaps keep the brownies rich and tasty without any animal products. Add extra flavors to your brownies for fun twists. Peppermint extract gives a cool kick. Just a teaspoon can change the whole taste. For coffee lovers, add a tablespoon of espresso powder. It enhances the chocolate flavor and adds depth. To keep your salted caramel pretzel brownies fresh, store them properly. I recommend placing them in an airtight container. This will keep them moist and tasty. You can also layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking. If you want to keep them extra fresh, refrigerate them. Just remember to let them warm up a bit before serving. Freezing these brownies is simple. First, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Next, place the wrapped brownies in a freezer bag or container. This helps to prevent freezer burn. When you want to enjoy them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. You can also microwave them for a few seconds to warm them up. These brownies last quite a while when stored correctly. At room temperature, they stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. If you store them in the fridge, they can last up to a week. When frozen, they keep well for about 2 to 3 months. Just be sure to check for any signs of freezer burn before enjoying! You can tell when brownies are done by using a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. Don’t worry if it’s not clean; you want that fudgy texture. Bake them for about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on them near the end. Yes, you can use different types of pretzels. You can try mini pretzels, chocolate-covered pretzels, or even flavored ones. Each type will add a unique twist to your brownies. Just make sure they are crushed lightly to mix well with the batter. These brownies pair well with many treats. You can serve them with vanilla ice cream for a classic combo. Whipped cream or chocolate sauce also works great. You might even add fresh berries for a fruity touch. Making homemade caramel sauce is simple. You need sugar, butter, and cream. Start by melting sugar in a pan until it’s golden brown. Then, mix in butter and add cream slowly. Stir until smooth. Let it cool before using it in your brownies. Yes, you can make these brownies in advance. They last well when stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap them tightly and thaw when needed. These salted caramel pretzel brownies are easy and fun to make. We covered every ingredient, step, and tip for baking. You can tweak the recipe to fit your needs, whether gluten-free or vegan. Remember to cool the brownies before serving for the best taste. Store extras properly to enjoy later. With these tips, you can impress friends and family. Happy baking!

Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies

Decadent brownies with a rich chocolate base, crunchy pretzels, and a swirl of salted caramel.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 20
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup pretzel sticks, crushed
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 0.5 cup caramel sauce
  • 1 pinch flaky sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
  • In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Stir in the granulated sugar until smooth.
  • Add the eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
  • Gently fold in the crushed pretzels and chocolate chips into the brownie batter.
  • Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over this layer.
  • Pour the remaining brownie batter on top and drizzle the remaining caramel sauce. Swirl the caramel into the batter with a toothpick or knife.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  • Remove from the oven and sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top. Allow to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares.

Notes

Serve these decadent brownies on a rustic wooden platter. Garnish with extra whole pretzels and a light drizzle of caramel sauce before serving.
Keyword brownies, caramel, chocolate, pretzels