Sweet & Salty Bliss: Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies Recipe
If you have a craving for something truly special, let me introduce you to Sweet & Salty Bliss: Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies. This delightful treat masterfully balances rich, buttery blondie base with the crunchy surprise of crushed pretzels and the luxurious softness of gooey salted caramel swirls. Each bite offers a tantalizing dance between sweet and salty flavors that just makes your taste buds sing. Perfect for dessert lovers and snack fans alike, these blondies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you will find yourself making again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy of baking Sweet & Salty Bliss: Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies. Each element plays a vital role—from the creamy melted butter creating a moist texture, to the crunchy pretzels adding a salty contrast, and of course the luscious caramel that ties it all together with a dreamy sweetness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), melted: Provides richness and a luscious moist crumb to the blondies.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and keeps the blondies tender.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and aids in a slight crispy edge.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to a chewy texture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings out the warm, inviting aroma and flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure to the blondies.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the blondies rise slightly for a soft and airy bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acids to enhance texture and browning.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential to elevate all the sweet flavors.
- 1 cup crushed pretzels (plus extra for topping): Adds delightful crunch and the perfect salty hit.
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade): The luxurious swirl that brings everything together.
- Flaky sea salt for finishing: Sprinkled on top to create an irresistible sweet-salty contrast.
How to Make Sweet & Salty Bliss: Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, which will make removing the blondies so much easier once baked. This prep sets the stage for baking success and ensures a clean release.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until beautifully smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. This mixture forms the luscious base of your blondies, packed with buttery sweetness and flavor depth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix brings together the leavening agents that create the blondies’ perfect rise and texture while balancing sweetness with a pinch of salt.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. The key here is to avoid overmixing, which can make blondies tough. A tender, chewy texture is what we’re aiming for in Sweet & Salty Bliss: Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies.
Step 5: Fold in Pretzels
Gently fold in the crushed pretzels until they are evenly spread through the batter. These pretzels inject a crunchy texture and salty spark that perfectly contrast with the sweet blondie base.
Step 6: Layer with Caramel
Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over this layer, then spoon the remaining batter on top. Finish by drizzling the rest of the caramel sauce. Use a knife to swirl that caramel gently through the batter, creating those irresistible ribbons that make this recipe truly special.
Step 7: Add Toppings and Bake
Sprinkle extra crushed pretzels over the top and finish with a generous pinch of flaky sea salt. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. This baking time ensures your blondies stay soft in the middle while crisping slightly at the edges.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the blondies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper or invert them onto a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely before cutting into squares. This resting step helps everything set nicely, so you get perfect bars every time.
How to Serve Sweet & Salty Bliss: Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, sprinkle a little more flaky sea salt right before serving. You can also add a few whole pretzels on top for that eye-catching look and extra crunch. If you want to go the extra mile, drizzle some warmed caramel sauce over each blondie square just before serving.
Side Dishes
These blondies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes the experience to a whole new level. For a beverage pairing, try a rich coffee or a cold glass of milk—their neutral flavors provide the perfect balance to the sweetness and saltiness.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the blondies into smaller bite-sized pieces for dessert trays or party platters. You can even layer them with ice cream in a parfait glass for a fancy, layered dessert. Wrapping individual squares in parchment and tying with a rustic ribbon also makes for a charming homemade gift!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Sweet & Salty Bliss: Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies stay wonderfully fresh stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed locks in moisture while preserving that delightful crunch.
Freezing
If you want to keep these blondies for longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw completely at room temperature before enjoying again.
Reheating
To enjoy warm blondies, microwave an individual piece for about 10-15 seconds or warm them briefly in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for around 5 minutes. This reheating releases the caramel’s gooey magic and refreshes the buttery softness.
FAQs
Can I use homemade caramel sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce adds a personal touch and often a richer flavor. Just be sure it’s at room temperature or slightly cooled before swirling into the batter to prevent melting it too much.
Are these blondies gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you could experiment by substituting a gluten-free flour blend. Be mindful that texture and baking time might vary with substitutions.
What pretzels work best?
Simple crunchy pretzels work best for that perfect salty crunch. Avoid flavored or sweet-coated pretzels as they can alter the balance of the dish’s signature sweet and salty character.
Can I make these in a different size pan?
Yes, but keep in mind that a smaller pan will result in thicker blondies that may require longer baking, while a larger pan will bake thinner blondies faster. Adjust baking time accordingly and watch for doneness.
How do I store leftover caramel sauce?
Keep caramel sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Warm gently before use to restore its pourable texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about Sweet & Salty Bliss: Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies that makes them incredibly hard to resist. They combine comforting flavors and textures with an exciting twist that makes every bite memorable. Whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or just to treat yourself, these blondies will bring a smile with every squared bite. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of pure, sweet, salty happiness!
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Sweet & Salty Bliss: Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and salty with these Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies. Featuring a rich, buttery blondie base loaded with crunchy crushed pretzels and swirled with luscious caramel sauce, finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an irresistible gourmet treat.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), melted
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed pretzels (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Flaky sea salt for finishing
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to incorporate flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of raising agents and seasoning.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the blondies.
- Incorporate Pretzels: Gently fold in the crushed pretzels until evenly distributed throughout the batter for a crunchy texture.
- Add Caramel Sauce and Layer the Batter: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the batter. Spoon the remaining batter on top, then drizzle the remaining caramel sauce. Use a knife to gently swirl the caramel into the batter to create a marbled effect.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle extra crushed pretzels over the top and a generous pinch of flaky sea salt to enhance the sweet and salty contrast.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, ensuring a soft, chewy texture.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before lifting them out onto a wire rack if using parchment paper. Let them cool completely before cutting into 16 squares.
- Enjoy: Serve these delectable salted caramel pretzel blondies as a dessert or a sweet on-the-go snack that delights every bite.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh caramel sauce or a high-quality store-bought variety for rich flavor.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the blondies tender and soft.
- The flaky sea salt on top elevates the flavor but can be adjusted according to your salt preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with an equal amount of gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (about 60g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Salted caramel blondies, pretzel blondies, caramel dessert, salted caramel dessert, sweet and salty blondies, easy blondie recipe
