If you’re looking for a dessert that’s equal parts sweet, salty, crunchy, and totally irresistible, this Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bark is calling your name! Made with mini pretzels, melty chocolate, homemade salted caramel, and a colorful sprinkle of M&Ms and peanuts, it’s everything you want in a treat—and more.
Perfect for gifting, sharing, or sneaking straight from the fridge, this is one of our favorite pretzel bark recipes for the holidays (or really, any day).
Ingredients for Chocolate Pretzel Bark
You’ll need just a handful of ingredients to make this crowd-pleasing chocolate caramel pretzel bark:
Bark Base:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
- 1½ cups mini salted pretzels
- ½ cup M&M’s
- ½ cup chopped peanuts
Homemade Salted Caramel:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼–½ tsp sea salt, to taste
How to Make Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark
Step 1: Prep the Base
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay your mini pretzels in a single layer—cover as much of the surface as possible.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
Melt the semi-sweet chocolate using a double boiler or the microwave (30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth).
Pour the melted chocolate over the pretzels and gently spread to cover.
Step 3: Add the Toppings
Sprinkle your M&M’s and chopped peanuts evenly over the melted chocolate.
Make the Homemade Salted Caramel
- In a medium saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts and turns amber in color.
- Add in the butter (careful—it will bubble!) and stir until melted.
- Slowly whisk in the heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Let it boil for 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the sea salt.
- Once slightly cooled and thickened, drizzle your caramel over the chocolate layer. (You might not use it all—but we won’t judge if you do!)
Step 4: Chill and Cut
Place the tray in the refrigerator for several hours (or the freezer if you’re in a hurry). Once set, break or cut into squares or bars.
Quick Recipe Info:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 2–3 hours
- Servings: 12–15 pieces
Why You’ll Love This Pretzel Dessert
- The sweet-salty combo is next-level delicious
- Looks impressive, but is secretly super simple
- Perfect for gifting, potlucks, or easy Christmas candy recipes
- Can be made ahead and frozen
- It’s one of the best chocolate pretzel dessert recipes ever!
Variations & Tips
- Use white chocolate or dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet
- Add crushed peppermint or toffee bits for a holiday twist
- Make it nut-free by swapping peanuts for crushed pretzels or sprinkles
- Want to skip homemade caramel? Use store-bought salted caramel sauce in a pinch
Perfect For:
- Christmas candy trays
- Bake sales & holiday gifting
- Party snack tables
- Fun food craft nights
- Last-minute pretzel bar ideas
📸 Show Us Your Bark!
Tried this salted caramel pretzel bark? We want to see your candy creations! Tag #BiteSizedFun on social so we can celebrate your sweet success.
More Candy Recipes Homemade-Style:
- Coming soon…
This chocolate caramel pretzel bark is sweet, salty, crunchy, and full of holiday cheer. Whether you’re whipping up treats for a cookie tray or stashing a secret batch in the freezer just for yourself (no judgment here), it’s a must-make treat for any snack lover.
One More Thing!
This recipe is part of our collection of sweet recipes. Check it out!
Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bark
Ingredients
- 2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate
- 1 ½ cups Mini Salted Pretzels
- ½ C M&M’s
- ½ C Peanuts chopped
Homemade Salted Caramel:
- 1 cup Sugar
- ½ cup Butter
- ½ cup Heavy Cream
- ¼-1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt
Instructions
- Begin with a parchment lined baking sheet and place your pretzels in an even layer.
- Melt the semi-sweet chocolate.
- Double-Boiler Method
- Melting Chocolate in the Microwave
- If you choose to melt the chocolate in the microwave, start off with a microwave-safe bowl. Place the chocolate and cook in 30-second increments, stirring well after each increment, until completely melted and smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the pretzels, place M&M’s and peanuts in an even layer on top of the chocolate.
To make Homemade Caramel:
- In a medium saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly. The sugar will begin to form clumps and will turn into a light amber color. Continue stirring as the sugar can easily burn.
- Once the sugar is completely melted, add the butter. The butter will bubble so be careful when adding the butter.
- Stir the butter into the sugar until it is completely melted. Use a whisk to stir the sugar and butter. Drizzle the heavy cream into the mixture and stir.
- Let it boil for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in sea salt, allowing the caramel to set up. Once the caramel is done, pour over the pretzels. You may not use all of the caramel.
- Cover and place in the refrigerator to chill for several hours. If you want to speed up the process, it can be placed in the freezer.
- Cut into squares and serve.
