Sweet & Salty Bliss: Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies Recipe

If you are craving a dessert that perfectly balances indulgence and crunch, look no further than Sweet & Salty Bliss: Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies. These blondies capture that magical combination of buttery richness, chewy caramel swirls, and crunchy pretzel pieces all sprinkled with a hint of flaky sea salt to make your taste buds dance. Imagine biting into a soft, golden square where sweet caramel meets the satisfying saltiness of pretzels, creating a treat that feels both comforting and exciting. This recipe is your next must-try if you adore desserts that are more than just sweet—they’re an experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Sweet & Salty Bliss: Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies is wonderfully straightforward because each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor and texture. From the rich melted butter giving moistness to the crispy pretzels adding crunch, every element matters to achieve that delightful balance.

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), melted: This is the base that keeps the blondies soft and rich without overpowering sweetness.
• 1 cup packed brown sugar: Adds deep molasses flavor and moisture for that perfect chew.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar with a subtle sweetness and helps with texture.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness to the batter.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with a warm, fragrant note that complements the caramel.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure so the blondies hold their shape but remain tender inside.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the blondies rise just enough for soft bites without being cakey.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Adds a slight lift and helps balance the acidity in the batter for a fine crumb.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and enhances the sweet-salty contrast.
• 1 cup crushed pretzels (plus extra for topping): Adds the signature salty crunch that makes these blondies so irresistible.
• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade): Swirled throughout to deliver gooey, buttery pockets of sweetness.
• Flaky sea salt for finishing: A sprinkle on top gives that lovely burst of salty flavor in each bite.

How to Make Sweet & Salty Bliss: Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, which will make getting the blondies out a total breeze once baked. This simple step sets the scene for success.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and both sugars until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. This combination creates a rich, velvety base that promises a moist and flavorful blondie.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients give your blondies structure and just the right amount of rise for tender, chewy texture. Mixing them separately ensures an even distribution throughout the batter.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Overmixing here can lead to tough blondies, so mix gently and stop as soon as you see no flour streaks.

Step 5: Fold in That Crunch

Gently fold in the crushed pretzels, making sure they spread evenly throughout the batter. These bits are key to capturing the Sweet & Salty Bliss: Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies title, adding delightful texture with every bite.

Step 6: Layer Batter and Caramel

Spoon half of the batter evenly into your prepared pan, then drizzle half the caramel sauce over it. Spread the remaining batter on top, followed by the remaining caramel. Use a knife to swirl the caramel through the batter, creating gooey pockets of flavor throughout.

Step 7: Add Final Touches and Bake

Sprinkle extra crushed pretzels over the top for crunch and a generous pinch of flaky sea salt to highlight those wonderful salty notes. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges turn golden and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. This precise bake time helps keep them soft yet set perfectly.

Step 8: Cool and Cut

Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift out using the parchment paper (if used) to a wire rack. Let them cool completely before slicing into squares so they hold together beautifully. This patience pays off with every luscious bite.

How to Serve Sweet & Salty Bliss: Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies

Garnishes

To elevate your presentation and flavor, consider lightly drizzling more caramel sauce or melted chocolate on top just before serving. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or even some whole pretzels artfully arranged adds a charming touch that makes these blondies as visually appealing as they are tasty.

Side Dishes

These blondies are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes them to dessert superstar status. A cup of rich coffee or freshly brewed tea complements the salty-sweet flavor duo perfectly, turning your treat into a cozy indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gifting, cut the blondies into bite-sized squares or bars, then wrap them individually in parchment with a tied ribbon. Alternatively, serve them on a platter with a few extra pretzels and caramel dips on the side for a fun interactive dessert station. This recipe is versatile enough to impress in any setting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store these blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the texture soft, while the pretzels preserve their crunch and the caramel remains delectably gooey. Just avoid the fridge to prevent drying out.

Freezing

If you want to save your Sweet & Salty Bliss: Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies for later, the best way is to freeze the uncut bar wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Frozen blondies will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To enjoy warm blondies, reheat individual portions briefly in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds), or warm the thawed pan in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven gooeyness without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the blondies from becoming too salty since we want that perfect balance of sweet and salty.

Is it possible to make these blondies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum to keep the texture chewy and the structure intact.

Can I make homemade caramel sauce for this recipe?

Yes, homemade caramel sauce works wonderfully and adds a personalized touch. Just ensure it is thick enough to swirl without sinking entirely through the batter.

How do I prevent the pretzels from getting soggy in the blondies?

Crushing the pretzels rather than using whole pieces helps maintain their crunch. Folding them in gently and using a caramel sauce that isn’t too runny also keeps the texture just right.

Can I use a smaller baking pan?

You can use a smaller pan, but keep in mind the baking time will increase. Start checking around 30 minutes and adjust as needed until a toothpick comes out mostly clean with moist crumbs.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to delight your friends, family, or yourself, don’t wait to whip up these Sweet & Salty Bliss: Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies. They are the perfect blend of flavors and textures that make dessert-time truly special. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to recipe for sweet treats that impress every time!

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