Easy Caramel Pretzel Brownies
I’ve taken all the shortcuts possible to make these luscious Easy Caramel Pretzel Brownies quick and simple. If you have an hour to spare, make a pan of these chewy, chocolate brownies topped with milk chocolate frosting, pretzels, caramel sauce, and butterscotch. Then enjoy the rave reviews from family and friends.
Don’t you just love a chewy, ooey-gooey, chocolate treat? I do! Even better if it has some caramel on top. Then add on a few salty pretzels and a drizzle of butterscotch. Wow.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy, over the top, decadent treat, give these Easy Caramel Pretzel Brownies a try. I’ve used every trick in the book to make these as simple as possible.
Fair warning: if you don’t like taking shortcuts in the kitchen then this recipe won’t be for you. It uses (gasp!) a boxed mix.
💗 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Kid friendly (adults, too!)
- Very easy (rates about a 2 on a 1-10 scale)
- Decadent enough to serve to guests
- Can be made ahead
🥘 Ingredients You’ll Need
- Mini pretzels (any size or kind of pretzel works fine; I just like the look of the minis)
- Caramel bits (did you know you can buy caramels in bits now? no more unwrapping all those individual caramel squares!)
- Milk chocolate frosting
- Brownie mix (any brand you like work fine)
- Butterscotch chips
You’ll find detailed measurements for all ingredients in the printable version of the recipe at the bottom of this post.
🥨 How to Make Easy Caramel Pretzel Brownies
Bake the Brownies
Prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions. Allow the cooked brownies to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before proceeding.
Add Frosting
Cover the top of the brownies with the milk chocolate frosting. (Note: you’ll only use 8 ounces of frosting for this recipe. Save the leftover for something else like slathering on a pancake or waffle with a dollop of whipped cream.)
Layer the Pretzels
Cover the top of the frosting with a layer of mini pretzels.
Melt the Caramel Bits
In a small microwave-safe bowl, add the caramel bits and water. Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the caramels are melted.
TIP: Caution: Use oven mitts and be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave – it will be HOT!
Drizzle the Caramel
Drizzle the melted caramel over the layer of pretzels.
Add Melted Butterscotch Chips
In another small microwave-safe bowl, add the butterscotch chips. Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chips are melted. Again, take care when removing the hot bowl from the microwave.
Transfer the melted butterscotch to a zip top bag. Twist the top of the bag closed and cut a very small snip off one corner to make a piping bag.
Drizzle the melted butterscotch over the top of the caramel layer.
TIP: To make cutting the brownies easier, use a sharp serrated edge knife.
🔀 Variations/Options
- Use your imagination for additional or alternate toppings such as chopped nuts, chopped peanut butter cups, Rolos, M&Ms.
❓ FAQs
I cut them into serving sized pieces and stack them with waxed paper between the layers in a covered container. Store at room temperature for about 3 days or longer (up to 7 days) in the refrigerator.
Yes. Cut into individual servings and wrap individually in plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 6 months. To serve, allow the brownies to thaw in the refrigerator over night.
HAVE YOU TRIED THIS RECIPE?
I’d LOVE to know what you thought!
Leave a rating below in the comments and let me know how you liked it!
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📖 Recipe
Easy Caramel Pretzel Brownies
Ingredients
- 18.3 ounces fudge brownie mix (recommend: Betty Crocker)
- 8 ounces milk chocolate frosting (recommend: Betty Crocker)
- 1.5 ounces mini pretzels
- 5.5 ounces caramel bits (recommend: Kraft)
- 1 tablespoon water
- ½ cup butterscotch chips
Instructions
- Prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before proceeding.
- Cover the top of the brownies with the milk chocolate frosting.
- Cover the top of the frosting with a layer of mini pretzels.
- In a small microwave safe bowl, add the caramel bits and water. Microwave on high for 30 second intervals, stirring after each, until the caramels are melted. Use oven mits and be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave – it will be hot.
- Drizzle the melted caramel over the layer of pretzels.
- In another small microwave safe bowl, add the butterscotch chips. Microwave on high for 30 second intervals, stirring after each, until the chips are melted. Again, take care when removing the hot bowl from the microwave.
- Transfer the melted butterscotch to a zip top bag. Twist the top of the bag closed and cut a very small snip off one corner to make a piping bag.
- Drizzle the melted butterscotch over the top of the caramel layer.
Notes
- Store at room temperature for about 3 days or longer (up to 7 days) in the refrigerator.
- To freeze, cut into servings and wrap individually in plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 6 months. To serve, allow the brownies to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your health care provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.
These look oh so GOOD! I love caramel and love adding it to brownies!
Caramel is my favorite to combine with chocolate, too!
OK!! Will be making these THIS WEEKEND!!! They look AMAZING!!!!!
Hope you like them, Audrey! They’re a favorite here.
Wow, chocolate, caramel and pretzels together is definitely a winning combination! I cannot wait to make these, they look amazing!
Thanks, Terri. We love these brownies. They’re perfect for dessert or an afternoon snack.