Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars: A Sweet and Salty Treat You’ll Love

Craving a sweet, salty, and irresistible treat that won’t break your Weight Watchers points bank? Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars are the perfect solution! These bars offer a delicious combination of crunchy pretzels, smooth caramel, and a satisfying layer of chocolate. Best of all, we’ve lightened them up to make them Weight Watchers-friendly without sacrificing any of the flavor. Let’s jump into this easy-to-follow recipe that’s sure to become your new favorite indulgence!

Ingredients

• 3 cups mini pretzels (or broken regular pretzels)
• 1/2 cup fat-free sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup light butter, melted
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (or sugar substitute for fewer points)
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
• A pinch of sea salt (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray. This will make it easier to remove the bars later.

2. Prepare the Pretzel Base

1. Place the pretzels in a large bowl and break them into smaller pieces. You want them in bite-sized pieces, so breaking up some of the mini pretzels or regular pretzels is ideal.
2. Pour the pretzel pieces into the prepared baking dish, spreading them evenly across the bottom.

3. Make the Caramel Mixture

1. In a saucepan, combine the fat-free sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, and brown sugar.
2. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
3. Once the caramel is smooth and bubbling, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract (optional).

4. Pour the Caramel Over the Pretzels

1. Pour the warm caramel mixture evenly over the pretzel pieces, spreading it out to coat all of them.

5. Bake

1. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly and the pretzels are lightly toasted. Be sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.

6. Add the Chocolate Layer

1. Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top.
2. Let the warm caramel soften the chocolate chips for 2-3 minutes, then spread the melted chocolate over the top with a spatula to create a smooth layer.

7. Chill the Bars

1. Let the bars cool at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
2. Once the chocolate has set a little, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top for a nice sweet and salty contrast.
3. Refrigerate the bars for at least 2-3 hours (or longer) to allow them to firm up. The caramel and chocolate will solidify as they chill, making the bars easier to slice and serve.

8. Slice and Serve

1. Once chilled and firm, use a sharp knife to slice the bars into small squares or rectangles. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Makes 16 Bars)

• Calories: 130
• WW Points: 4 points (per bar)
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 6g

Why You’ll Love These Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars

1. Sweet & Salty: The balance between the sweet caramel and rich chocolate, combined with the salty pretzels, creates a mouthwatering treat that satisfies all your cravings.
2. Low in Points: With only 4 points per bar, you can indulge in these delicious treats without feeling guilty or going over your daily points limit.
3. Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, these bars come together quickly and effortlessly, making them perfect for last-minute snacks or desserts.
4. Great for Sharing: These bars are perfect for gatherings, parties, or as a sweet gift. Everyone will love the sweet and salty combo!

Tips for Success

• Use a Non-Stick Pan: If you’re not using parchment paper, be sure to line your pan with non-stick spray to make sure the bars come out easily.
• Customize the Toppings: If you prefer a different type of chocolate, feel free to swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk or dark chocolate chips, or even white chocolate chips.
• Chill Thoroughly: Chilling the bars is essential for getting that perfectly firm texture. Be patient and let them cool completely before cutting into them.
• Make Ahead: These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage.

Variations

• Nutty Version: Add a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for added crunch and richness.
• Peanut Butter Caramel Pretzel Bars: Swirl in a little peanut butter into the caramel mixture for a peanut butter version of these bars!
• Coconut Lover’s Delight: Sprinkle some shredded coconut on top of the chocolate layer for a tropical twist.

Pairings

These Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars pair wonderfully with:

• A cup of hot coffee, tea, or a cold glass of almond milk.
• A side of fresh fruit like apple slices or strawberries to balance out the sweetness.
• A scoop of fat-free Greek yogurt for a protein-packed snack.

Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars are the ultimate treat for satisfying your sweet tooth without blowing your points budget. They’re crunchy, gooey, and filled with the perfect combination of caramel, chocolate, and pretzels. Plus, they’re super easy to make, so you’ll have a delicious, guilt-free dessert or snack ready in no time!