• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • All Recipes
  • IP Calculator
  • SV Chart
  • Using Grow
  • Subscribe

Smells Like Delish

menu icon
go to homepage
  • All Recipes
  • IP Calculator
  • SV Chart
  • Using Grow
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • All Recipes
    • IP Calculator
    • SV Chart
    • Using Grow
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Desserts

    Published: Nov 3, 2022 · Modified: Dec 16, 2022 by Kelly Bloom · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • Yummly
    • YouTube

    Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bark

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
    chocolate caramel pretzel bark.

    This delicious Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bark is the perfect sweet and salty treat for any occasion! It's easy to make and always a hit with guests. All you need are some pretzels, chocolate, and caramel, and you'll have a delicious snack in no time!

    Chocolate caramel pretzel bark is a favorite during the Holiday season. We also have a great selection of Holiday Recipe Ideas for many of the popular holidays.

    chocolate caramel pretzel bark on a platter.

    Why You Will Love This Recipe

    Making chocolate caramel pretzel bark is one of the easiest and most versatile recipes around. You can use any combination of ingredients you like, and it’s a great way to use up odds and ends in your pantry. It's also a perfect treat to make for holidays, just change the candies to match up with your holiday theme!

    Jump to:
    • Why You Will Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Pretzel Bark
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Tips for Success
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Food Safety
    • Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love
    • Connect with Smells Like Delish!
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bark Video

    Ingredients

    M&M's, peanuts, and caramel are perfect for any time of the year. Switch to Holiday M&M's for Christmas, Valentines, and Easter to make this easy chocolate caramel bark fit any season you want to serve it in!

    ingredients for making christmas pretzel bark.
    • Semi sweet chocolate chips
    • M&M candies (any color combination)
    • Peanuts, chopped
    • Pretzels
    • Butter
    • Sugar
    • Heavy Cream
    • Salt

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    How to Make Pretzel Bark

    These are the basic instructions for making a pretzel bark. We are making chocolate caramel pretzel bark, but you can easily change that to white chocolate on pretzels, or any color of candy melting wafers (there is Grinch Green and Purple too!).

    Step 1. Create the Pretzel Base

    pretzels on a cookie sheet.
    1. Place parchment paper on a rimmed cookie sheet. Don't use wax paper! Spread pretzels out, any shape of pretzels work, even sticks.
    chocolate spread on pretzels.
    1. Carefully melt the semi sweet chocolate in the microwave in short bursts. Stir and pour on top of the layer of pretzels. Spread out.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Step 2. Add the Toppings

    candies scattered on pretzel bark.
    1. Sprinkle the M&M's or other candies of choice (Candy Corn? Ike & Mike candies?, the options are limitless).
    peanuts and candy scattered on chocolate pretzel barkk.
    1. Sprinkle the chopped peanuts on next. Again, you can use your favorite nuts.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Step 3. Make the Caramel & Drizzle

    melted caramels.
    1. In a medium saucepan heat the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly.
    1. The sugar will begin to form clumps and turn light amber color. Reduce the heat and continue stirring as the sugar can easily burn.
    butter added to caramel.
    1. Once the sugar is completely melted, add the butter. The butter will bubble so be careful.
    1. 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.
    1. Let the caramel boil for 1 - 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt, allowing the caramel to set up a little. Pour over the chocolate pretzel bark.

    Serving Suggestions

    Cook the sugar and make homemade caramel and then drizzle it over the chocolate pretzel bark. Let the tray of pretzel bark sit in the refrigerator until it sets up. You can also use the freezer.

    Remove and quickly snap it into pieces. The refrigerator allow for the chocolate to snap easier. Put the chocolate caramel pretzel bark in bags or serve on a platter. For more candy, see our 3 Minute Fudge recipe for PERFECT Fudge!

    Be sure to see our other great Holiday Recipes.

    chocolate caramel pretzel bark.

    Substitutions

    You can substitute the semi sweet chocolate morsels for any type of candy melting wafer, in any color. Make pretzel bark for every holiday!

    Variations

    Here are a few pretzel bark ideas for other times of the year:

    • Valentines Pretzel Bark - Pour white candy melting wafers on the pretzels, then sprinkle a Valentines blend of M&M's. Drizzle with red candy melts.
    • Fourth of July Pretzel Bark - Pour white candy melting wafers on the pretzels, then sprinkle with red hots and drizzle with blue candy melting wafers.
    • Halloween Pretzel Bark- pour milk chocolate morsels over the pretzels, then scatter candy corn and candy eyeballs on the bark for a hocus pocus look.

    Equipment

    Large Rimmed Cookie sheet with cooling racks

    Storage

    Store in plastic bags or a plastic storage tub.

    Tips for Success

    • When microwaving the chocolate to melt it, use a microwave safe bowl and start with a 1 minute interval on defrost mode. Stir and use 30 second intervals afterward, stirring each time until melted. Be careful not to overheat.
    • If chocolate or candy melts start to stiffen, or seize, from too much heat, add a teaspoon of coconut oil to help smooth it out again.
    • Short cut caramel tip: Melt about 10 wrapped caramels in the microwave on low for 30 seconds and drizzle on the chocolate pretzel bark at the very last.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I use a candy melter?

    Yes, and it is actually easier to control the heat and prevent the chocolate morsels or melting wafers from seizing when you do. Not everyone has a candy melter, so a double boiler will recreate one.

    Food Safety

    • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
    • Wash hands after touching raw meat
    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended
    • Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

    Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love

    • Lemon zest garnished Lemon thumbprint cookies.
      Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies
    • mini Lamington squares coated in chopped peanuts to make Blarney stone
      Blarney Stones
    • baked peanut butter cookies.
      Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
    • platter of peanut butter brownies.
      Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies

    Connect with Smells Like Delish!

    Be sure to follow us on our social media accounts.

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • Yummly
    • YouTube

    📖 Recipe

    christmas candy pretzel bark.
    Print Recipe SaveSaved!
    5 from 2 votes

    Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bark

    This delicious Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bark is the perfect sweet and salty treat for any occasion! It's easy to make and always a hit with guests. All you need are some pretzels, chocolate, and caramel, and you'll have a delicious snack in no time!
    Prep Time30 mins
    Cook Time1 hr
    Total Time1 hr 30 mins
    Course: Christmas, Desserts, Halloween, Holiday, Thanksgiving
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 454kcal
    Author: Kelly Bloom

    Equipment

    • Large Rimmed Cookie sheet with cooling racks

    Ingredients

    For the Pretzel Bark

    • 2 cup semi sweet chocolate morsels or any color of candy melts
    • 1½ cup mini pretzels salted
    • ½ cup M&M candies any color
    • ½ cup chopped peanuts or any nuts you prefer

    For the Homemade Caramel

    • 1 cup white granulated sugar
    • ½ cup butter cubed in small pieces
    • ½ cup heavy cream
    • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    For the Chocolate Pretzel Bark

    • Begin by lining a rimmed baking or cookie sheet with parchment paper. Don't use wax paper, the pretzel bark will stick and be a mess.
    • Spread pretzels over the parchment paper in a layer.
      1½ cup mini pretzels
    • Melt the semi sweet chocolate morsels (or candy melting wafers) over a double boiler, a candy melter, or in the microwave. Pour the melted chocolate over the layer of pretzels on the cookie sheet.
      2 cup semi sweet chocolate morsels
    • Spinkle the M&M candies on the melted chocolate. Next, sprinkle the chopped peanuts over the melted chocolate.
      ½ cup M&M candies, ½ cup chopped peanuts
    • Make the homemade caramel and drizzle over the pretzel bark. Let set up until firm in the refrigerator. Remove and snap or crack the pretzel bark into chunks. Serve on a platter or in plastic bags.

    For the Homemade Caramel

    • In a medium saucepan heat the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly. The sugar will begin to form clumps and turn light amber color. Reduce the heat and continue stirring as the sugar can easily burn.
      1 cup white granulated sugar
    • Once the sugar is completely melted, add the butter. The butter will bubble so be careful.
      ½ cup 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.
      ½ cup heavy cream
    • Let the caramel boil for 1 - 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt, allowing the caramel to set up a little. Pour over the chocolate pretzel bark.
      ¼ teaspoon sea salt

    Video

    Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bark Video

    Looking for a festive and easy Christmas dessert? This chocolate caramel pretzel bark is perfect! It's made with only a few ingredients and takes just minutes to put together. Plus, it's always a hit ...

    Notes

    • If chocolate or candy melts start to stiffen, or seize, from too much heat, add a teaspoon of coconut oil to help smooth it out again.
    • When microwaving the chocolate to melt it, use a microwave safe bowl and start with a 1 minute interval on defrost mode. Stir and use 30 second intervals afterward, stirring each time until melted. Be careful not to overheat.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 454kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 143mg | Potassium: 270mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 417IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 3mg
    Keyword : caramel chocolate bark, chocolate caramel bark, chocolate caramel pretzel bark, chocolate pretzel bark, salted caramel bark

    Like this recipe? Be sure to share it, pin it, or add it to your collection!

    • Facebook
    • Yummly
    • Email
    • Twitter

    More Ice Creams, Candy, Puddings, and other Desserts

    • cream cheese frosting with no butter.
      Cream Cheese Frosting Without Butter
    • cut square of coconut pecan topped Tornado cake.
      Texas Tornado Cake
    • princess tiana's beignets covered with powdered sugar on a serving plate.
      Princess Tiana’s Beignets
    • cut strawberry filled donuts.
      Fat Tuesday Paczki - (Polish Donuts)

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Author photo for Kelly Bloom

    Hi, I'm Kelly! and I have a love affair with herbs & spices! Here at Smells Like Delish, I'm all about creating food that has three aspects: flavor, aroma, and texture - to create satisfying fare!

    More about me →

    Newest Recipes

    • jumbo gluten-free chocolate chip muffins on a cooling rack.
      Bakery Style Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Muffins
    • air fryer frozen french toast sticks.
      Air Fryer Frozen French Toast Sticks
    • replicated Longhorn Rice Pilaf in a serving bowl.
      Longhorn Rice Pilaf
    • platter of roasted asparagus garnished with cheese and lemon.
      Air Fryer Frozen Asparagus
    recipe newsletter

    Diet Friendly Recipes

    • serving dish with blackened mahi mahi and lemon wedges with tartar sauce in a bowl.
      Blackened Mahi Mahi
    • plate of cajun chicken and shrimp pasta.
      Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
    • baked branzino glazed with miso sauce on a serving platter with lemon wedges.
      Miso Baked Branzino
    • serving platter of tri color carrots garnished with herbs, olive oil, and lemon.
      Roasted Rainbow Carrots

    Asian Inspirations

    • beef & broccoli stir fry in a skillet.
      Panda Express Beef and Broccoli
    • powdered sugar dusted croffles on a serving platter.
      Croffles (Croissant Waffles)
    • platter of thai chicken cashew on rice.
      Thai Cashew Chicken
    • teriyaki salmon steaks garnished with sesame seeds and thai basil leaves.
      Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon

    Recommended

    • del frisco's butter cake with ice cream, caramel sauce, and whip cream.
      Del Frisco's Butter Cake
    • serving bowl of mashed potatoes garnished with butter & parsley.
      Bob Evans Mashed Potatoes
    • A corn muffin with the wrapper removed.
      Cracker Barrel Cornbread Recipe
    • small plate with cut pork lumpia and a small bowl of dipping sauce nearby
      Traditional Pork Lumpia
    • close up of serving bowl with black beans, tostones, cilantro.
      Instant Pot Cuban Black Beans
    • close up of white serving platter with three grilled pork chops and a green napkin on a white background
      Pan Grilled Steakhouse Pork Chops

    International Favorites

    • air fried samosa appetizers with dip.
      Air Fryer Frozen Samosa
    • Fried Sweet Plantains in a serving dish.
      Fried Sweet Plantains (Platanos Maduros)
    • Bowl of Chimichurri rice.
      Chimichurri Rice
    • ghana meat pies on a platter.
      Ghanaian Meat Pie

    Footer

    ↑ back to top
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Contact
    • About
    • Amazon Store
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • Youtube
    • LinkedIn

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Smells Like Delish