Caramel Pretzel Brownies

$- 1 cup unsalted butter - 2 cups granulated sugar - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup pretzel pieces - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 cup caramel sauce - Additional pretzel pieces for garnishing - Sea salt for topping - Nuts (optional) - 9x13 inch baking pan - Medium saucepan - Mixing bowls - Spatula - Toothpick Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these amazing brownies. You will need unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and large eggs. Each of these brings moisture and sweetness. The vanilla extract adds a lovely aroma. For the dry mix, we use all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. These create the rich brownie base. Pretzel pieces add a fun crunch and salty flavor. Semi-sweet chocolate chips bring extra sweetness and gooeyness. You can also use caramel sauce, which can be store-bought or homemade. For the top, grab some extra pretzels. If you want to elevate the taste, sprinkle sea salt on top. Nuts can also add texture but are optional. Before you start, make sure you have a 9x13 inch baking pan. A medium saucepan will help melt the butter. Mixing bowls and a spatula will assist in combining ingredients. Finally, a toothpick is essential for checking if the brownies are done. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe. - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease or line a baking pan. - Melt butter and mix with sugar in a saucepan. - Incorporate eggs and vanilla into the mix. - Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a bowl. - Fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently. - Pour half the batter into the pan evenly. - Add caramel and the remaining batter, then top with more caramel and pretzels. - Bake for 30-35 minutes in the oven. - Test doneness with a toothpick; it should have a few moist crumbs. - Cool the brownies on a wire rack after baking. - Slice them into squares when they are cool. This method gives you a rich, gooey treat that blends sweet and salty flavors. You can find the full recipe for Caramel Pretzel Brownies, which details each step for perfect results. To get the best brownies, avoid overmixing the batter. Mix just until combined for a fudgy texture. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements. This ensures you use the right amount of each ingredient. A little extra flour can make your brownies dry, so be careful. For a great presentation, drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top of the brownies. This adds a nice touch and makes them look fancy. Serve these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of coffee. The warm brownies and cold ice cream create a perfect balance. One common mistake is not cooling the brownies properly before slicing them. If you cut too soon, they may fall apart. Also, avoid overbaking the brownies. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time. They should be soft in the center for that perfect, gooey bite. {{image_4}} You can change things up with different chocolates. Try using white chocolate for a sweet twist. Dark chocolate can bring a rich taste that pairs well with caramel. You can also add flavors. A bit of espresso can give your brownies a coffee kick. If you love the holidays, add peppermint extract for a fresh touch. If you need gluten-free brownies, substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour. This keeps the texture light and tasty. For a vegan option, use flax eggs instead of real eggs. You can mix one tablespoon of flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Get creative with toppings! You can add nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch. Shredded coconut can give a tropical vibe. Want something fun? Toss in your favorite candy bars or sprinkles. Another idea is swirling in peanut butter or Nutella. This adds a creamy touch and a new flavor layer. For the full recipe, check out the details provided earlier. To keep your brownies fresh, always store them in an airtight container. This helps keep out air and moisture. If you leave them out, they can dry out quickly. For the best taste, room temperature is ideal. Just make sure to place them away from direct sunlight. If you prefer a chilled treat, you can refrigerate them. However, they may lose some of their gooey texture. Freezing brownies is a great way to save them for later. Cut the brownies into squares before freezing. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps them fresh for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, thaw the brownies in the fridge overnight. For a better texture, let them sit at room temperature for a bit before eating. These brownies stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. You might notice they get a bit firmer over time. Look out for signs of spoilage, like a dry or hard texture. If they develop an off smell or mold, it’s best to toss them. Enjoy your delicious Caramel Pretzel Brownies while they are at their best! Caramel pretzel brownies are a rich dessert. They mix sweet and salty flavors. The brownies are fudgy and soft. They have crunchy pretzels and creamy caramel. The chocolate and caramel blend well together. This dessert is a sweet treat that everyone loves. Yes, you can make these brownies ahead of time. Prepare the brownies and let them cool completely. Then, slice them into squares. Store them in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just wrap them well before freezing. To make caramel sauce, start with sugar. Heat the sugar in a saucepan over low heat. Stir it gently until it melts. Once it turns golden brown, remove it from heat. Add in butter and heavy cream slowly. Stir until smooth. Let it cool before using. This sauce is perfect for drizzling over brownies. If you want a vegan option, use flax eggs. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens. You can also use unsweetened applesauce. Use 1/4 cup for each egg. This keeps the brownies moist and tasty. To check for doneness, use a toothpick. Insert the toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out clean, the brownies are overbaked. Bake them for about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake. You now have a simple guide to make delicious Caramel Pretzel Brownies. From ingredients to baking tips, each step is easy to follow. Enjoy the mix of sweet and salty flavors. Remember, avoid common mistakes for the best results. Whether for a party or a sweet treat at home, these brownies will impress. Don't forget to try different variations above to find your favorite! Make sure to store them well, so they remain fresh and tasty. Enjoy your baking adventure!$

Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with these Caramel Pretzel Brownies! This delicious recipe combines rich chocolate brownies with a sweet and salty caramel drizzle and crunchy pretzel pieces. Perfect for any occasion, these brownies are easy to make and sure to impress.

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Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter (equivalent to 2 sticks)

2 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup pretzel pieces (plus additional for garnishing)

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup caramel sauce (can be store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan thoroughly, or alternatively, line it with parchment paper for easier removal after baking.

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Once melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and incorporate the granulated sugar, mixing until the ingredients are well combined and smooth.

Gradually add the large eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, one at a time. Ensure you mix thoroughly after each addition for a well-emulsified batter. After all eggs are added, stir in the pure vanilla extract until it is fully integrated into the mixture.

In a separate mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt to eliminate lumps. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until the batter is just combined—take care not to overmix.

Carefully fold in the pretzel pieces and semi-sweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the brownie batter for a perfect blend of flavors and textures.

Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it out into an even layer.

Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over this layer of brownie batter, ensuring even coverage. Then, pour the remaining brownie batter on top and gently spread it out to cover the caramel layer completely.

Top this final layer of brownie batter with the remaining caramel sauce, allowing it to drip into the batter a bit, then sprinkle extra pretzel pieces generously over the top for added crunch and visual appeal.

Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, indicating the brownies are baked perfectly.

Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan placed on a wire rack. Once completely cooled, slice the brownies into squares and indulge in the delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 16 squares

- Presentation Tips: Serve the brownies on a decorative plate, drizzled with a little extra caramel sauce and garnished with whole pretzels for a stunning presentation.