Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies

Introduction to Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies

There’s something magical about the combination of sweet and salty. These Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies bring together chewy blondies, crunchy pretzels, and rich salted caramel into one delightful treat. As a busy mom, I often crave a recipe that not only satisfies my sweet tooth but also impresses my family and friends. This delicious dessert is perfect for a quick fix when you need a sweet pick-me-up or a fantastic dish to share at gatherings. Trust me, once you try these, it will be your go-to dessert when time is tight.

Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies

These Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies are a game-changer in my dessert lineup. They come together quickly, making them ideal for those hectic days when you want something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the blend of creamy caramel, buttery blondie, and salty pretzel bites creates an irresistible flavor explosion. Your taste buds will dance, and you’ll enjoy every delicious bite—perfect for impressing guests or indulging solo!

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies

Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating mouthwatering Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Salted Caramel Sauce: The star of the show! It adds that sweet, buttery richness and a touch of saltiness. You can make your own, or store-bought options work perfectly in a pinch.
• Granulated Sugar: This classic sweetener gives the blondies their delightful sweetness. You can’t have blondies without sugar!
• Unsalted Butter: We use it to create that rich, chewy texture. Be sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: This helps create a luscious caramel sauce. Slightly warming it is a little trick that keeps things smooth.
• Fine Sea Salt: A must for balancing the sweetness of the caramel and enhancing flavors. Don’t skip this—it’s the magic ingredient!
• All-Purpose Flour: This is the building block of your blondie base, providing structure and fluffiness.
• Baking Powder: Just a pinch helps the blondies rise a bit, keeping them soft and chewy.
• Light Brown Sugar: It adds a hint of molasses flavor that perfectly complements the caramel while contributing to the blondies’ moistness.
• Large Egg: This binds everything together, creating a rich, gooey texture. Room temperature makes for better blending.
• Vanilla Bean Paste or Extract: You can’t have sweets without a dash of vanilla! It provides warmth and depth of flavor.
• Mini Pretzel Twists: These little bites add a crunchy texture and that delightful salty contrast against the sweet blondies.
• Chocolate Chips: Essential for melty goodness! You could use dark, milk, or even white chocolate depending on your preference.
• Garnishes: Think extra mini pretzel twists for a fun look, sea salt for that finishing touch, and of course, more chocolate if you’re feeling indulgent!

Want to know exact measurements? Don’t worry—I’ve covered that at the bottom of this article, available for quick printing. Happy baking!

How to Make Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies

Step 1: Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce

To create a tempting salted caramel sauce, start by placing granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. As it begins to clump, stir continuously with a spatula. Soon, it will melt into a light golden hue, turning translucent and bubbling. Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the room temperature butter until it’s silky smooth. Now, slowly stream in the warmed heavy whipping cream while whisking. Add a pinch of fine sea salt and mix until everything is blended and bubbly. Set aside your decadent caramel to cool while you prepare the rest of your delicious blondies.

Step 2: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish

Next, let’s get that oven fired up! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Now, grab a 20×20 cm baking pan and spray it with nonstick spray. Line the bottom and sides with parchment paper for easy removal later. This little trick will save you from a messy cleanup and helps your blondies come out perfectly.

Step 3: Make the Blondie Batter

In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat and let it cool slightly. In a medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt until blended. In another larger bowl, whisk your melted butter with light brown sugar, the egg, and vanilla bean paste until it has a glossy appearance. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined—remember not to overmix! Now, gently fold in those crunchy chopped pretzel twists and chocolate chips to create a delightful, chunky batter.

Step 4: Bake the Blondies

Pour that luscious batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for 35–45 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the top turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them; the goal is a perfectly chewy texture!

Step 5: Cool and Garnish

Once baked, allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan—this takes about 30 minutes. Now comes the fun part! Drizzle your warm salted caramel sauce generously over the top. Add those extra mini pretzel twists as a garnish, sprinkle on some sea salt if you’re feeling fancy, and don’t forget to toss on a few more chocolate chips for good measure. Your salted caramel pretzel blondies are now ready to steal the show!

Tips for Success

• Always use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and consistency.
• Don’t overbake your blondies; aim for a few moist crumbs on the toothpick for that perfect chewy texture.
• Feel free to customize your blondies with nuts or different chocolate types for variety!
• For a more intense caramel flavor, let your sauce simmer a bit longer before cooling.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy.

Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan: For making the caramel sauce. A sturdy pot works too!
• Baking pan: Use a 20×20 cm (8×8 inch) pan for blondies. An alternative size can work, just adjust baking time.
• Parchment paper: Essential for easy removal. Wax paper can be a substitute, but it’s not recommended.
• Mixing bowls: Use medium and large sizes for wet and dry ingredients; even a one-bowl principle can work in a pinch!

Variations of Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies

• Nutty Addition: Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy twist and added flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make these blondies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
• Vegan-Friendly: Replace the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
• Dark Chocolate Bliss: Use dark chocolate chips for a rich, decadent flavor that pairs beautifully with caramel.
• Flavor Infusion: Incorporate a splash of almond extract along with or instead of vanilla for a delightful twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair your Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Drizzle extra salted caramel sauce on top for an irresistible finish.
• Serve alongside a cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness.
• For a festive touch, add some whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings.
• Present on a pretty plate and garnish with fresh mint leaves for color.

FAQs about Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies

How should I store my Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies?

To keep your blondies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, though I usually find they disappear much faster!

Can I use store-bought salted caramel for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought salted caramel can save you time without sacrificing flavor. Just ensure it’s high quality for the best results.

What if I don’t have mini pretzel twists?

No worries! Regular pretzels or even crushed potato chips can add that lovely salty crunch. Get creative and use what you have!

Can I freeze Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies?

Yes, you can! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw on the counter for a couple of hours.

Are these blondies suitable for my gluten-free friends?

If you swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, your Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies will be delicious and safe for gluten-sensitive friends to enjoy! Just make sure to check that all additional ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

There’s something special about baking Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies. The joy of watching those chewy squares come to life and the aroma of melted caramel wafting through your kitchen is simply delightful. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or surprising your loved ones with a sweet surprise, these blondies are a worthy addition to any dessert table. Plus, they’re perfect for gatherings, making everyone smile. So, grab your ingredients and let the culinary adventure begin—these blondies are sure to create sweet memories both in flavor and shared moments around the table!

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