No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bites

No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bites

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These no-bake salted caramel pretzel bites are everything you want in a sweet treat: salty, sweet, crunchy, and chewy—all in one irresistible bite. They come together in just minutes and are dangerously easy to eat by the handful. Whether you’re prepping for a party or craving something fun to share, this is your new go-to crowd-pleaser.

Each bite is built on a crunchy pretzel base, topped with melty caramel, then smothered in rich chocolate and finished with a sparkle of flaky sea salt. It’s that satisfying balance of flavor and texture that makes them disappear fast. Plus, they require zero oven time, making them the ultimate lazy-day dessert.


What Kind of Pretzels Should I Use?

Mini twist or square pretzels (like snaps) work best for this recipe. They provide a sturdy, bite-size base for stacking the caramel and chocolate layers without being too bulky. The salt on the pretzels enhances the caramel and chocolate combo perfectly.


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Ingredients for the No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bites

Mini Pretzels
The crunchy, salty base of each bite. Go for twists or snaps—whichever you prefer.

Soft Caramel Candies
These get melted to form the gooey center. Choose high-quality caramels for the best texture.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips or Melting Wafers
This forms the glossy outer shell. You can also use dark chocolate for a richer taste.

Flaky Sea Salt
The final sprinkle adds a gourmet finish and brings out all the flavors.

Optional: Heavy Cream or Coconut Oil
Just a splash can help make the melted chocolate smoother and easier to dip.


How To Make the No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bites

Step 1: Set Up Your Tray

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay out half of your mini pretzels in a single layer. This will be the base for your bites.

Step 2: Melt the Caramel

Unwrap the soft caramel candies and place them in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of heavy cream or a bit of water. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth and pourable.

Step 3: Assemble the Caramel Layer

Spoon about a teaspoon of melted caramel onto the center of each pretzel base. Allow them to sit for 5 minutes so the caramel slightly sets.

Step 4: Add the Pretzel Tops

Press another pretzel on top of the caramel layer, creating a little sandwich. Gently press so they stick but don’t squeeze the caramel out.

Step 5: Melt the Chocolate

In a separate bowl, melt your chocolate chips or melting wafers. You can use the microwave in short bursts or a double boiler. Add a small amount of coconut oil if desired for a smoother dip.

Step 6: Dip and Decorate

Dip each pretzel bite halfway or fully into the melted chocolate. Place them back on the parchment-lined tray. Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Step 7: Chill to Set

Place the tray in the fridge for about 15 minutes or until the chocolate has hardened. Once set, they’re ready to serve!


How to Serve and Store These Pretzel Bites

These bites are best served slightly chilled or at room temperature. They make perfect additions to dessert platters, party trays, or gift boxes. Want to dress them up? Drizzle with white chocolate or add sprinkles for a festive twist.

To store, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. If you want to prepare ahead, you can also freeze them. Just separate the layers with parchment paper and thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.


Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the caramel from sliding off the pretzels?

Let the caramel sit for a minute or two before adding the top pretzel. Slightly cooled caramel is less likely to ooze out.

Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade caramel recipe, go for it. Just make sure it’s firm enough to hold between the pretzels.

What kind of chocolate works best?

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate works beautifully here, but milk chocolate is also great for a sweeter version. Use good-quality chips or melting wafers.

Are they gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pretzels and double-check your caramel and chocolate ingredients to make them safe for gluten-free diets.

Can kids help make this recipe?

Yes! This is a great no-bake project for little hands. Just help with the melting steps, and let them do the dipping and decorating.

How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing?

Make sure no water gets into the chocolate while melting. If using a microwave, melt in short bursts and stir frequently.


Want More No-Bake Dessert Ideas?

If you’re loving these no-bake salted caramel pretzel bites, here are a few more quick, easy, and no-oven-needed treats to try next:

Explore even more delicious ideas on my Pinterest board: Life with Nina Recipes


Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a drizzle of white chocolate? Try a sprinkle of crushed nuts?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other snack smarter.


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No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bites

No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bites

  • Author: Nina Johnson
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: About 20 bites 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Sweet, salty, and totally addictive—these no-bake salted caramel pretzel bites are the perfect quick treat. With just a few ingredients, they combine crunchy pretzels, gooey caramel, rich chocolate, and flaky sea salt into one bite-sized delight. Great for holidays, parties, or whenever the craving hits.


Ingredients

Scale

40 mini pretzels

20 soft caramel candies

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or melting wafers

1 teaspoon flaky sea salt

1 tablespoon heavy cream or coconut oil (optional)


Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay out half of the pretzels.

2. Unwrap the caramel candies and melt them in the microwave with a splash of heavy cream. Stir until smooth.

3. Spoon a teaspoon of caramel onto each pretzel on the tray. Let sit for 5 minutes.

4. Top each with a second pretzel to form a sandwich. Gently press to secure.

5. Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler. Add a little coconut oil if needed.

6. Dip each pretzel sandwich into the chocolate (fully or halfway) and return to the tray.

7. Sprinkle sea salt on top of the chocolate before it sets.

8. Refrigerate the tray for 15 minutes or until the chocolate firms up.


Notes

For easier dipping, use melting wafers—they produce a smoother chocolate shell.

Let the caramel sit for 1–2 minutes before topping with a second pretzel so it holds better.

Add crushed nuts or drizzle white chocolate for extra flair.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bite
  • Calories: 115
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 3mg

Keywords: salted caramel, pretzel bites, no-bake desserts, chocolate snacks

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