Salted caramel pretzel blondies are the perfect harmony of sweet and salty in one irresistible dessert. With a soft, chewy blondie base rich in brown sugar and vanilla, and a crunchy topping of pretzels drizzled with golden caramel, each bite delivers a balanced contrast of textures and flavors. They’re easy to make, bake in under 30 minutes, and are ideal for parties, holidays, or when you just crave something indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These blondies stand out because they combine everything we love about desserts — sweetness, crunch, and a touch of salt to balance it all. The browned butter gives a nutty depth of flavor, while the caramel drizzle adds richness and shine. Pretzel pieces add an irresistible crunch, making every bite dynamic. Plus, the recipe is simple, quick, and uses everyday pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted and lightly browned
1 large egg
1 cup (200 g) packed light brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ cups lightly crushed mini pretzels, measured loosely
16 mini pretzel twists (for topping)
⅔ cup caramel sauce, divided
Sea salt or kosher salt for sprinkling, optional

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it with nonstick spray.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter until it turns light brown and aromatic (about 6 minutes). Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly pale in color (about 5 minutes by hand).
5. Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined — do not overmix.
6. Fold in the crushed pretzels using a rubber spatula. The batter will be thick.
7. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Arrange the whole pretzel twists on top (4 across and 4 down).
8. Drizzle about ⅓ cup of caramel sauce over the top in a zigzag pattern.
9. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted in a spot without caramel comes out mostly clean. Avoid overbaking.
10. Once out of the oven, drizzle the remaining ⅓ cup of caramel sauce on top and sprinkle with sea salt if desired. Allow to cool in the pan for 1 hour before slicing into 16 squares.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 16 squares
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: Add a melted dark chocolate drizzle over the caramel for extra richness.
• Nutty Blondies: Stir in ½ cup chopped pecans or almonds for added texture.
• Peanut Butter Twist: Replace half of the caramel sauce with peanut butter sauce for a nutty flavor combination.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free pretzels to make the recipe suitable for those with sensitivities.
• Extra Chewy: Substitute half the brown sugar with dark brown sugar for a deeper caramel taste.

Storage/Reheating

Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave individual squares for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven texture.

FAQs

How do I know when blondies are done baking?

They’re ready when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center (avoiding caramel spots) comes out mostly clean.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly. Homemade caramel can also be used for a richer flavor.

What if I don’t have pretzels?

You can substitute pretzels with crushed crackers or even potato chips for a similar salty crunch.

Can I brown the butter in advance?

Yes, browned butter can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat until melted before mixing.

Are these blondies chewy or cakey?

They’re chewy with a slightly crisp top, thanks to the brown sugar and melted butter combination.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time may increase slightly (35–40 minutes).

Can I make this recipe without eggs?

You can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) or a commercial egg substitute.

Do I need to refrigerate them?

Not necessary unless your kitchen is warm. Room temperature storage works fine for 2–3 days.

Why is my blondie center too gooey?

You may have added too much caramel or underbaked slightly. Allow them to cool completely — they’ll firm up as they set.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Yes! Add ½ cup of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips to the batter for a sweeter, richer bite.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies are a heavenly fusion of buttery, chewy sweetness and crispy, salty perfection. With their quick prep time and simple ingredients, they make the perfect dessert for busy days, holidays, or whenever your sweet tooth strikes. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoyed on their own, these blondies are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.

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