Super Bowl Dessert Chocolate Pretzel Bars

Name: Super Bowl Dessert Chocolate Pretzel Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 2 cups pretzel sticks; 1 cup chocolate chips (milk and dark mix); 1 cup caramel sauce; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (optional)

Highlighted under: Golden Meals

I am absolutely thrilled to share my Super Bowl Dessert Chocolate Pretzel Bars with you! These delightful treats combine salty pretzels with rich chocolate and sweet caramel, making them the perfect snack for game day. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch paired with a luscious chewiness that keeps everyone coming back for more. I love how easy they are to whip up, and they disappear in an instant at gatherings. Get ready to impress your guests with this crowd-pleaser that will have everyone cheering!

Created by

Delaney Brooks

Last updated on 2026-01-05T21:21:35.631Z

When I first made these chocolate pretzel bars, I was blown away by their perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of crunchy pretzels, gooey caramel, and silky chocolate creates a chewy, addictive treat that’s hard to resist. I opted for a sprinkle of sea salt on top, which elevates the sweetness and richness of the chocolate.

Another tip I found helpful is to use a mix of milk and dark chocolate to create a more complex flavor. The kids love these bars during our Super Bowl parties, and they are always a hit with the adults too. It’s a simple recipe that yields outstanding results!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Irresistible blend of sweet and salty flavors
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for last-minute gatherings
A dessert that looks impressive but is made with simple ingredients

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The choice of pretzels is crucial for achieving the right texture and flavor balance in these dessert bars. I recommend using sturdy pretzel sticks as they provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft caramel and melted chocolate. Avoid using soft pretzels as they won't maintain their structure during baking, leading to soggy bars that fall apart.

For the chocolate, a mix of milk and dark chocolate chips enhances the overall taste. Milk chocolate adds sweetness, while dark chocolate brings a rich complexity. If you want a sweeter cookie, you can substitute with all milk chocolate; conversely, using all dark chocolate will give a more intense flavor that pairs excellently with the caramel.

Baking Tips for Perfect Bars

When melting the butter and caramel, make sure your heat is set to medium. Too high of a heat can cause the butter to separate, resulting in a greasy texture that won’t blend with the caramel. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and glossy; this ensures a cohesive, even layer over the pretzels.

An important tip when baking is to keep an eye on the bars as they bake. You want to see the top bubbling slightly, indicating that the chocolate and caramel are melding together. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to tough texture; remove them from the oven once they start to bubble, and the edges are just beginning to darken.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Super Bowl Dessert Chocolate Pretzel Bars:

Ingredients

2 cups pretzel sticks
1 cup chocolate chips (milk and dark mix)
1 cup caramel sauce
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup mini marshmallows (optional)

Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best taste!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your delicious chocolate pretzel bars:

Prepare the Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper. Break pretzel sticks into smaller pieces and spread them evenly in the dish.

Melt the Toppings

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the caramel sauce and stir until smooth. Remove from heat and pour it evenly over the pretzel base.

Add the Chocolate

Sprinkle chocolate chips over the caramel layer, allowing them to melt slightly. For extra sweetness, add mini marshmallows if desired.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, until the top is bubbly. Remove and immediately sprinkle with sea salt.

Cool and Cut

Allow to cool completely before lifting the bars out of the dish and cutting them into squares.

Enjoy these bars warm or at room temperature!

Pro Tips

For a twist, try adding chopped nuts or a drizzle of white chocolate on top before serving.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Once you've cut your bars into squares, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a humid area, consider refrigerating them to maintain their texture and prevent the chocolate from melting too easily.

For longer storage, these bars freeze wonderfully for up to two months. Just make sure to wrap each square individually in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These chocolate pretzel bars can be served warm or at room temperature. For a fun twist, try drizzling melted white chocolate on top for a contrasting flavor and eye-catching presentation. You could also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience that’s sure to impress your guests.

If you're looking to customize the flavor, consider adding crushed nuts, like pecans or almonds, on top before baking for added crunch. You could also experiment by integrating crushed pretzels into the caramel layer for an even saltier kick; this enhances the texture and flavor balance, making each bite even more irresistible.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the bars a day in advance and store them in an airtight container.

→ What type of pretzels should I use?

Stick pretzels work best for this recipe, but you can use any pretzel type you enjoy.

→ Can I use store-bought caramel?

Absolutely! Store-bought caramel sauce saves time and works perfectly in this recipe.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.