If you’re a fan of sweet and salty flavor combinations, you’re going to love these Salt River Bars! This delightful dessert brings together layers of chewy caramel, rich chocolate, and crunchy pretzels for a delicious treat that will satisfy all your cravings. Perfect for gatherings, parties, or just enjoying as a special treat, these bars are easy to make and hard to resist. Whether you’re making them for loved ones or simply to indulge yourself, these bars are bound to become a staple in your dessert collection.
Let’s get started on how to create these irresistible bars!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Sea salt for sprinkling
Directions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. This will give the bars a rich, chewy texture.
Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bars tender.
Step 5: Fold in the Pretzels
Gently fold the crushed pretzels into the dough. The pretzels add a crunchy, salty element that perfectly balances the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate.
Step 6: Press the Dough into the Pan
Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. You can use your hands or the back of a spoon to ensure the mixture is spread out evenly, forming the base layer of your bars.
Step 7: Bake the Base
Bake the base for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the base to remain soft and chewy.
Step 8: Add the Caramel and Chocolate
Once the base is baked, remove the pan from the oven and immediately drizzle 1 cup of caramel sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the caramel layer.
Step 9: Melt the Chocolate
Return the pan to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, just long enough for the chocolate chips to melt. Remove from the oven and use a spatula to gently spread the melted chocolate over the caramel, creating a smooth layer.
Step 10: Sprinkle with Sea Salt
While the chocolate is still melted, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top. The salt enhances the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate, creating that perfect sweet-salty flavor balance.
Step 11: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cool, cut them into squares or bars and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving: These bars are best served once cooled to allow the layers to set. However, if you love a gooier texture, serve them slightly warm! They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Storage: Store leftover Salt River Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you prefer, you can also refrigerate them to make the caramel and chocolate layers firmer, but be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing: You can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.
Helpful Notes:
- Pretzels: For extra crunch, don’t crush the pretzels too finely. Leaving some larger pieces adds great texture to the bars.
- Caramel Sauce: If you prefer to make your own caramel sauce, you can easily do so by melting caramel candies with a splash of heavy cream over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Chocolate Options: Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a great balance of sweetness, but you can swap them for milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate if you prefer.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs:
- Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman) suggests adding a layer of peanut butter between the caramel and chocolate for a delicious, nutty twist on the classic Salt River Bars.
- Sally McKenney of Sally’s Baking Addiction recommends using a bit of coarse sea salt on top of the chocolate for a more pronounced salty contrast, which pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the caramel.
- Ina Garten advises using high-quality butter and chocolate in simple recipes like this, as they bring out the best flavors in each bite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, if you prefer a sweeter bar, feel free to substitute milk chocolate chips for semi-sweet chocolate. Keep in mind that this will make the bars sweeter overall.
2. What if I don’t have caramel sauce?
You can melt caramel candies with a tablespoon of heavy cream to create a smooth, homemade caramel sauce. Simply melt the caramels over low heat, stirring constantly.
3. How do I prevent the pretzels from getting soggy?
To keep the pretzels crunchy, you can add them only to the base layer and avoid mixing them into the dough. Alternatively, you can also add some pretzel pieces on top of the caramel and chocolate layer for extra texture.
4. Can I use salted butter in the recipe?
Yes, but if you’re using salted butter, reduce the salt in the recipe to prevent the bars from becoming too salty.
5. How do I make the bars extra gooey?
To make the bars even gooier, add an extra 1/4 cup of caramel sauce or drizzle more caramel on top before serving.
6. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pretzels to make the recipe gluten-free.
7. Can I add nuts to the bars?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would add great flavor and crunch to these bars. You can fold them into the dough or sprinkle them on top of the caramel and chocolate.
8. How do I cut the bars cleanly?
For clean cuts, wait until the bars are completely cool before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe the blade between cuts for neat squares.
9. Can I add other toppings to these bars?
Definitely! Try adding toffee bits, crushed cookies, or a drizzle of peanut butter or Nutella on top of the caramel layer before adding the chocolate.
10. What can I do if the chocolate doesn’t melt evenly?
If the chocolate chips don’t melt smoothly, place the pan back in the oven for an additional 1-2 minutes. You can also gently melt the chocolate in the microwave before spreading it over the caramel.
These Salt River Bars are the perfect balance of sweet and salty, crunchy and chewy. With layers of pretzels, caramel, and chocolate, each bite is packed with texture and flavor. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them at home, these bars are sure to be a hit! Enjoy!