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- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) - 2 cups granulated sugar - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 cup crushed pretzels - 1 cup chocolate chips - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - Flaky sea salt for topping For the best flavor, I recommend using Ghirardelli chocolate chips. They melt well and taste great. For caramel sauce, Duncan Hines offers a smooth, rich option if you prefer store-bought. If you want to make homemade caramel, use granulated sugar and heavy cream for that perfect chewy texture. You can add chopped nuts for extra crunch. Walnuts or pecans work well here. If you love chocolate, try mixing in some white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks. Another fun twist is to sprinkle some crushed pretzels on top before baking for added crunch! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal later. This step helps the brownies bake evenly and prevents sticking. Next, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Once melted, let it cool slightly. In a large bowl, mix the melted butter with 2 cups of granulated sugar. Whisk well until combined. Now, add 4 large eggs one at a time. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. In a separate bowl, sift together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix. Finally, gently fold in 1 cup of crushed pretzels and 1 cup of chocolate chips. Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven. Immediately drizzle 1 cup of caramel sauce over the top. You can use store-bought or homemade caramel. Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel while it’s warm. This helps the salt stick. Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 1 hour before cutting them into squares. Enjoy these delicious treats! To make the best brownies, follow these tips: - Melt the butter slowly: This keeps your brownies soft and rich. - Do not overmix: Stir until just combined for a fudgy texture. - Choose good chocolate chips: High-quality chocolate enhances the flavor. - Use a toothpick: Check for moist crumbs, not wet batter, for perfect doneness. - Let them cool: Cooling helps set the brownies and makes cutting easier. Avoid these common pitfalls in your brownie journey: - Not measuring ingredients: Accurate measurements ensure the right texture. - Skipping the salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness perfectly. - Using cold eggs: Bring eggs to room temperature for better mixing. - Opening the oven door too soon: This can cause brownies to sink. - Not letting them cool: Cutting too soon leads to messy squares. Here are some fun ways to serve your brownies: - Drizzle extra caramel sauce: This adds a rich touch to each bite. - Top with whipped cream: It creates a delightful contrast in texture. - Serve with ice cream: A scoop of vanilla pairs perfectly. - Garnish with whole pretzels: This makes for a fun and tasty decoration. - Make brownie sundaes: Layer brownies, ice cream, and toppings for a treat. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your eggs and butter to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother and more uniform batter. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to ensure your brownies remain fudgy and tender rather than cakey. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chunks, or even a swirl of peanut butter for a unique flavor twist. Let Them Cool Completely: Allowing the brownies to cool in the pan for at least an hour helps them set properly and makes cutting easier. {{image_2}} You can make these brownies even better with nuts. Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. Just fold in about one cup of your chosen nuts with the pretzels and chocolate chips. You can also add other fun mix-ins. Try white chocolate chips or toffee bits for a different flavor. Want to make these brownies gluten-free? Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Many brands work well, so pick one you like. Ensure the chocolate chips and pretzels are also gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these sweet treats. To turn these brownies vegan, you can make a few easy swaps. Use plant-based butter instead of regular butter. Replace the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. For flax eggs, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. Use dairy-free chocolate chips and caramel sauce to keep it all vegan. Enjoy these delicious brownies guilt-free! To keep your salted caramel pretzel brownies fresh, store them properly. I recommend placing them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You can stack the brownies, but separate layers with parchment paper. Keep the container in a cool, dry place. They last about 3 to 4 days on the counter. If you want them to last longer, refrigeration works too. Just remember, cold brownies can be more firm. Freezing brownies is easy and a great way to save some for later. First, let the brownies cool completely. Cut them into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped brownies in a freezer bag. Be sure to remove excess air from the bag. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, just thaw the brownies in the fridge overnight. To reheat brownies, start by taking them out of the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let them thaw first. You can warm them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This makes them soft and gooey again. If you prefer an oven, preheat it to 350°F. Place the brownies on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat them for about 5 to 10 minutes. This method keeps them moist and tasty. Yes, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate. Each type gives a unique taste. Milk chocolate adds sweetness, while dark chocolate brings rich flavor. You can also mix different types for a fun twist. Just remember, the chocolate chips should still melt well in the brownies. To make homemade caramel, you'll need sugar, butter, and cream. Start by heating sugar in a pot over medium heat. Stir until it melts and turns golden. Then, add butter and mix until smooth. Slowly pour in cream and stir until combined. Let it cool before drizzling on your brownies. This sauce will add a nice touch to your dessert. Use a sharp knife to cut brownies. Make sure it's clean for neat edges. For even squares, score the brownies first before cutting all the way through. You can also dip the knife in hot water, then wipe it dry before cutting. This method helps you get clean cuts. Enjoy those perfect brownie squares! We covered the key ingredients and steps to make tasty brownies. You learned about brands to trust and how to mix and bake them just right. We explored tips to avoid common mistakes and shared creative ways to serve them. Plus, we looked at fun variations and storage tips. Now you can enjoy delicious brownies anytime. Happy baking!

Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies

Deliciously rich brownies topped with a drizzle of caramel and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, combined with crunchy pretzels.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup crushed pretzels
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 cup caramel sauce
  • to taste flaky sea salt for topping

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
  • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk until well combined, then add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
  • In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  • Gently fold in the crushed pretzels and chocolate chips into the brownie batter.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  • While the brownies are baking, if making homemade caramel, do that now, or simply warm the store-bought caramel sauce for easier drizzling.
  • Once the brownies are done, remove them from the oven and immediately drizzle a generous amount of caramel sauce over the top.
  • Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel while it's still warm to let it adhere. Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares.
  • Slice the brownies into squares and serve. Optional: Drizzle more caramel sauce on top before serving.

Notes

Serve the brownies on a decorative plate, drizzled with extra caramel sauce, and garnished with whole pretzels for an added touch.
Keyword brownies, caramel, dessert, pretzels