Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies: The Ultimate Sweet & Salty Treat

Chewy caramel swirls meld into a tender, fudge-like base for a perfect texture contrast.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 17, 2025

Chewy caramel swirls meld into a tender, fudge-like base for a perfect texture contrast.

Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies blend the rich flavor of blondie bars with chewy caramel and salty, crunchy pretzels. This dessert is a celebration of contrasts: a gooey, buttery base is loaded with caramel swirls and topped with crisp pretzels, creating the perfect sweet and salty indulgence. Ideal for home bakers looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert, these blondies offer straightforward steps, tips for taste and texture, and plenty of options for customization.

What Makes These Blondies Stand Out?

The magic of salted caramel pretzel blondies lies in their contrasting flavors and textures. Chewy caramel ribbons melt into the soft, brown sugary blondie base, while pretzel pieces deliver satisfying crunch and a burst of salt. Each bite is a balance of buttery sweetness and savory edge, making this bar a standout on any dessert tray.

Classic blondie base: Simple ingredients, packed with vanilla and brown sugar.
Caramel infusion: Use chewy caramel candies or caramel sauce for a distinct toffee-like taste.
Pretzel crunch: Mini twists are broken up and mixed in, with whole pretzels artfully arranged on top.
Easy technique: Melted butter adds depth and helps create a fudgy, tender blondie.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredient	Measurement	Purpose
All-purpose flour	1 cup (125 g)	Structure
Baking powder	1/2 tsp	Lift
Salt	1/4 tsp	Balance flavors
Unsalted butter	1/2 cup (113 g), melted	Richness, nutty flavor
Light brown sugar	1 cup (200 g)	Sweetness and moisture
Egg	1 large	Binding and texture
Vanilla extract	2 tsp	Flavor
Mini pretzels (crushed)	1 1/2 cups	Crunch, salty kick
Mini pretzel twists (whole)	16 pieces	Decoration
Caramel sauce	2/3 cup (separated)	Sweet drizzle & swirls
Sea salt/kosher salt (optional)	sprinkle	Finishing touch

Optional Variations

Chewy Caramel Candies: Chop and mix into the batter for added pockets of caramel.
Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth.
Chocolate: Toss in chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate for more decadence.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Brown the Butter: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat until fragrant and golden, about 6 minutes. Allow to cool slightly.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cooled melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla until lighter in color and smooth.
Blend: Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in Pretzels: Gently incorporate crushed pretzels (for crunch and scattered saltiness).
Prepare Pan: Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper and spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Smooth batter into pan.
Decorate: Arrange whole pretzel twists on top, evenly spaced. Drizzle about 1/3 cup caramel sauce in zig-zag patterns over the surface.
Bake: Place pan in preheated 350°F oven and bake 28 to 32 minutes. The center should appear just set—avoid overbaking or blondies will dry.
Drizzle More Caramel: Remove from oven and immediately drizzle the remaining caramel over the top. Sprinkle with sea salt for extra pop.
Cool and Serve: Allow to cool in pan for 1 hour. Lift out using parchment, slice into squares, and serve.

Related: Best Blondies Recipe Ever

Tips for Perfect Blondies

Texture Matters: Use a mix of finely and coarsely crushed pretzels for layers of crunch.
Don’t Overbake: Check a part of the dough without caramel with a toothpick; moist crumbs are ideal.
Parchment Paper: Makes removing and slicing blondies much easier.
Brown Eggs and Butter: Let butter cool slightly before whisking, and beat egg in well for chewy texture.

Expert Ingredient Notes

Choosing Caramel

For the most luscious result, use chewy caramel—either candies chopped and stirred in, or a high-quality caramel sauce for marbling and finishing. Hard caramels don’t melt smoothly in the batter and can create unwanted hard spots. If chewy caramel candies aren’t available, use spoonfuls of caramel sauce for both layering inside and topping the blondies.

Pretzel Picking and Prep

Mini twists are ideal for topping and decoration—they bake up crisp and picture-perfect.
Chop some pretzels finely for even distribution through the batter, but keep some bigger pieces for added crunch.
Salted pretzels enhance flavor contrast. Extra salt on top can take these bars to bakery-level.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these blondies gluten free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the standard flour. Make sure your pretzels are certified gluten-free.

How do I store Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies?

Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. They may be frozen up to 2 months; thaw at room temp before serving.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, for a party-sized batch, double ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Baking time may need to increase by 5–10 minutes.

What’s the difference between blondies and brownies?

Blondies use vanilla and brown sugar for a caramel-like base, while brownies rely on cocoa and chocolate for their richness. Both are chewy, bar-style desserts, but blondies deliver a butterscotch flavor profile.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Absolutely! Use your favorite commercial brand or homemade sauce. Look for a smooth, thick sauce for best results.

Serving Suggestions

With ice cream: Serve warm blondie squares topped with vanilla or salted caramel ice cream for a decadent treat.
Drizzle extra sauce: Add more caramel or a chocolate drizzle for presentation and flavor boost.
Party style: Cut bars into bite-size pieces for dessert tables at gatherings.

Customization Ideas

Nutty Blondies: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for extra crunch.
Spiced Blondies: Stir in a dash of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.
Chocolate Lovers: Toss in chocolate or white chocolate chips.
Fruity Touch: Pair with dried cranberries or cherries.

Nutritional Information

Serving Size	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein
1 blondie (1/16 recipe)	~210 kcal	28 g	10 g	2 g

Values are approximate and vary with brands and additional ingredients.

Why Sweet & Salty Always Wins

Blondies offer a versatile base for flavor experimentation. The salted caramel pretzel combination is especially beloved for these reasons:

Layered flavor: Every bite brings sweet, salty, buttery, and caramelized notes.
Total crowd-pleaser: Appeals to dessert lovers of all ages and tastes.
Easily portable: Great for bake sales, picnics, and lunchbox treats.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Room temperature: Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
Freezer-friendly: Individually wrap blondie squares and freeze up to 2 months.
Reheat: Microwave a cold blondie 10–15 seconds for a warm, gooey snack.

Recipe Recap: Your New Favorite Dessert Bar

If you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself at home, these salted caramel pretzel blondies combine simple ingredients with show-stopping flavor and texture. Use chewy caramel for gooey swirls, and salty pretzels for a dynamic finish. Customize as desired, and follow the tips above for perfectly chewy, golden bars every time.

Bake It Yourself: Full Recipe Card

Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies

1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups crushed mini pretzels
16 mini pretzel twists (whole)
2/3 cup caramel sauce, separated
Sea salt for sprinkling (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment and grease.
Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Melt butter over medium-low heat until fragrant. Slightly cool.
Whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and egg until smooth.
Stir in dry ingredients, folding gently.
Mix in crushed pretzels. Spread batter in pan. Top with whole pretzels and half the caramel.
Bake for 28–32 minutes or until center is just set. Drizzle with remaining caramel and sea salt.
Cool, slice, and serve.

No-bake peanut butter pretzel bars: Layer peanut butter and pretzel pieces for an easy snack.
Chocolate pretzel cupcakes: Top chocolate cupcakes with crushed pretzels for added crunch.
Easy caramel cookies: Use extra caramel in classic cookie dough.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are these blondies chewy or cakey?

A: They are chewy thanks to melted butter and brown sugar, but not dense; they keep a soft, moist center when baked correctly.

Q: Do I need a stand mixer?

A: No. These blondies are easily made by hand; a whisk and spatula are all you need.

Q: How do I get the perfect caramel swirl?

A: Drizzle caramel sauce before and after baking in a zig-zag pattern, using a spoon or piping bag.

Conclusion: Enjoy the Sweet & Salty Sensation!

Salted caramel pretzel blondies are easy to prepare, bursting with texture, and deliciously balanced. Bring together caramel, pretzel, and classic blondie flavors for your next celebration or cozy treat—warm from the oven or sliced cold, they’re guaranteed to satisfy any dessert craving.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb