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- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks): Use high-quality butter for rich flavor. - 2 cups granulated sugar: This sweetens the brownies and gives them a nice crust. - 4 large eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and add moisture. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds depth and sweetness to the batter. - 1 cup all-purpose flour: This gives structure to the brownies. - 1 cup cocoa powder: Choose unsweetened cocoa for deep chocolate flavor. - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: This helps the brownies rise slightly. - 1/2 teaspoon salt: Salt balances the sweetness and enhances flavor. - 1 cup pretzel pieces, roughly crushed: These add crunch and a salty bite. - 1 cup caramel sauce: Go for store-bought or homemade, depending on your time. - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (for topping): This adds a salty finish to each bite. When choosing butter, pick unsalted for best control of flavor. Use fresh eggs for the best rise. The quality of cocoa powder matters, as it impacts the chocolate taste. - Egg substitutions: Use applesauce or mashed bananas if you want a vegan option. - Flour alternatives: Almond flour or gluten-free blends work well for gluten-free diets. - Caramel options: Use a quick microwave caramel if you want a homemade touch without the fuss. For extra flavor, consider adding: - Chocolate chips: These can enhance the chocolate flavor. - Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch and flavor contrast. Tailoring these ingredients can make your brownies fit your needs while keeping them delicious. Start by melting 1 cup of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. This helps the butter blend smoothly. Once melted, remove the pan from heat. Stir in 2 cups of granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and shiny. Next, add 4 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg to keep the batter light. Then, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps to avoid clumps. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Overmixing can make your brownies tough. Finally, fold in 1 cup of roughly crushed pretzel pieces, ensuring they spread evenly. Pour half of the brownie batter into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Spread it evenly. Then, drizzle half of the 1 cup of caramel sauce over the batter. This adds a sweet layer. Next, add the rest of the brownie batter on top, spreading it gently. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top. To create a beautiful marbled effect, use a knife to gently swirl the caramel into the brownie batter. This technique adds a nice touch and enhances flavor. Bake the brownies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out mostly clean. If it has wet batter, give it a few more minutes. Once baked, allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. This cooling time helps them set. After cooling, cut them into squares for serving. Enjoy your delicious salted caramel pretzel brownies! To get the sweet and salty mix just right, sprinkle a little sea salt on top before baking. Use about 1/4 teaspoon before the brownies go in the oven. After baking, add a bit more salt to bring out the flavors. This makes each bite pop with taste! While mixing, taste a small bit of the batter. You can adjust the salt if needed. This helps you find the perfect flavor for your taste buds. Just remember, the salt should enhance the sweetness, not overwhelm it. The texture of your brownies is key. To avoid overmixing, mix the batter just until you see no flour. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. You want them soft and chewy. Use the toothpick test to check if they’re done. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready. If it’s wet with batter, bake them a little longer. This simple test ensures you get that perfect brownie texture every time. {{image_2}} If you want to make these brownies gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. This keeps the texture light and chewy. For those who prefer vegan options, you can replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use vegan butter and a plant-based caramel for a tasty treat. To lower the sugar, try using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit. You can also reduce the granulated sugar by one-third without harming the flavor. The caramel sauce can be made with less sugar too, using natural sweeteners. Adding flavors can make these brownies even more exciting. For a nutty twist, mix in some peanut butter. Swirl a few tablespoons into the batter before baking. This gives a rich taste that pairs well with the caramel. You can also add espresso powder for a coffee flavor. Just one teaspoon can enhance the chocolate notes without making it taste like coffee. For a layered brownie, try mixing in different ingredients. You can add chocolate chips or nuts between the brownie layers for a fun surprise. This creates a blend of textures and flavors that everyone will love. To keep your salted caramel pretzel brownies fresh, store them right. For short-term storage, place brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for about three days. If you want them to last longer, use the fridge. The cool air helps keep them fresh for a week. Just remember, the colder they get, the firmer they become. If you want to freeze brownies, follow these steps: 1. Allow the brownies to cool completely after baking. 2. Cut them into squares for easy serving. 3. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. This keeps them from drying out. 4. Place all wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. 5. Label the bag with the date. Brownies will last for about three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, just take out the desired amount. No need to thaw overnight; you can eat them frozen or let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. To reheat brownies, use the oven for best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the brownies on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes. This warms them without making them dry. If you want a quick way, use the microwave. Heat in 10-second bursts until warm. Just be careful not to overheat them, as that can make them tough. You can tell your brownies are done by looking for a few signs. First, the edges should look set and slightly pull away from the pan. The top should have a shiny finish. You can also gently press the center; it should feel firm but not jiggly. Besides the toothpick test, which should come out mostly clean, watch for these visual cues to judge doneness. Yes, you can use homemade caramel sauce! Making it at home can give a fresher taste and allow you to control the sweetness. However, it can be tricky to get just right. Store-bought caramel is quick and reliable, saving you time. If you're short on time, go for store-bought. If you have some extra minutes, homemade can add a personal touch. Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last about 3-4 days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months this way. When ready, just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying! In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious salted caramel pretzel brownies. We covered key ingredients, helpful tips for perfect texture, and popular variations to suit different diets. Understanding the balance of sweet and salty is crucial. Remember to check for doneness and store your brownies properly. Baking is a rewarding journey. With these insights, you can enjoy tasty brownies every time. Try the recipe, and let your creativity shine!

Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies

Indulge in the ultimate treat with these Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies! These decadent brownies combine rich chocolate, crunchy pretzels, and silky caramel for a dessert that's sure to impress. Perfect for parties or a sweet personal treat, these brownies are easy to make and deliciously addictive. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your baking game with this irresistible dessert!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)

2 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup pretzel pieces, roughly crushed

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1/2 teaspoon sea salt (for topping)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

    In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar until smooth.

      Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

        In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

          Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.

            Fold in the crushed pretzel pieces, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

              Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the batter.

                Add the remaining brownie batter on top and gently spread. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top.

                  Use a knife to gently swirl the caramel into the brownie batter, creating a marbled effect.

                    Sprinkle sea salt evenly over the top of the brownies.

                      Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.

                        Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

                          Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 16

                            - Presentation Tips: Serve the brownies on a rustic wooden board, drizzled with extra caramel sauce and garnished with additional pretzel pieces and a light sprinkle of sea salt for a beautiful finish.