There’s a unique joy in baking that often transcends the simplest ingredients, but when you combine sweet, salty, and crunchy flavors, you truly enter another realm of deliciousness. Picture this: a golden-brown blondie studded with pockets of melted chocolate, flecks of sea salt, and bites of crunchy pretzel twists all drizzled with rich salted caramel. Yes, folks, we’re diving into the world of Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies, a treat that’s bound to impress family and friends alike.

Growing up, my kitchen was always filled with the warm, cozy scents of freshly baked goods. My mother had a knack for creative combinations, often throwing together sweet and salty elements that would tantalize the taste buds. Today, I carry on that legacy with these Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies. The sweet caramel sauce brings back memories of my childhood while the pretzels lend a delightful crunch that reminds me of those carefree days spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, experimenting with flavors.

## Recipe Timing

Prep Duration: 15 minutes
Active Cooking: 50 minutes
Total Duration: 1 hour 5 minutes
Portion Size: 16 squares
Complexity: Moderate

## Nutritional Recipe

Calories per portion: Approximately 260
Protein: 3 g
Carbs: 36 g
Fats: 12 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugars: 20 g
Sodium: 160 mg

## Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies

If you’re craving something that balances sweet and salty, this is your go-to recipe. The blondies are chewy and packed with chunks of chocolate and bits of pretzel – the perfect bite! The salted caramel drizzle adds a luscious finish that elevates these treats to a gourmet level without being overly complicated. Whether for a family gathering, a cozy night in, or simply as a treat for yourself, these blondies will satisfy any sweet tooth.

## The Complete Cooking Journey

Let’s embark on this baking adventure together! We’ll start with the sweetly decadent salted caramel sauce, then swiftly move onto creating that perfectly textured blondie base. Don’t rush; enjoy the process. Cooking should be fun!

## Ingredients:

Salted Caramel Sauce

200 g granulated sugar
85 g unsalted butter, at room temperature
120 ml heavy whipping cream, slightly warmed
2.5 ml fine sea salt

Blondie Base

225 g unsalted butter
125 g all-purpose flour
1.25 ml baking powder
1.25 ml fine sea salt
150 g light brown sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
10 ml vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
50 g mini pretzel twists, roughly chopped
170 g chocolate chips, plus extra for garnish

Garnish

16 mini pretzel twists
Chocolate chips, for topping (optional)
Flaky sea salt, for garnish (optional)
Salted caramel sauce, for drizzling

## Method:

### Step 1: Create the Salted Caramel Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar while stirring continuously with a rubber spatula. Be patient — once the sugar has fully melted and reaches a mesmerizing golden amber hue, you’re on the right track. Reduce the heat to low and promptly whisk in the butter. Gradually stream in the slightly warmed heavy cream while whisking, then incorporate the sea salt. Increase the heat to medium and whisk until the sauce bubbles and becomes smooth. Remove from heat, let it cool briefly and then transfer to a heatproof container. This sauce is pure magic!

### Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Get your oven ready! Preheat it to 175°C (350°F) while we prepare our blondie base.

### Step 3: Prepare the Baking Pan

Grease a 20×20 cm baking pan with nonstick spray and line it with parchment for easy removal once our blondies are baked.

### Step 4: Melt the Butter

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat and allow it to cool slightly. This will help prevent the sugars from seizing when combined.

### Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set it aside for a moistened moment later on.

### Step 6: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla until well combined. The mixture should have that beautiful caramel color as the sugars blend.

### Step 7: Combine the Mixtures

Stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. We’re aiming for a thick batter here!

### Step 8: Fold in the Goodies

Gently fold in the chopped pretzels and chocolate chips. This is where the magic begins — textures and flavors unite beautifully.

### Step 9: Spread the Batter

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, making sure it touches the edges so the blondies bake evenly.

### Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 35-45 minutes, but keep an eye on it after 25 minutes! If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil. The blondies are done when a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs hanging on, which means they will be delightfully chewy.

### Step 11: Cool Completely

Once baked, cool completely in the pan. Patience is key, my friends!

### Step 12: Unmold and Drizzle

Once cooled, lift blondies from the pan using the parchment. Drizzle generously with that cooled salted caramel.

### Step 13: Garnish to Delight

Top with 16 mini pretzel twists, sprinkle some extra chocolate chips, and add flaky sea salt if desired.

### Step 14: Cut and Serve

Using a sharp knife, cut into 16 even squares. And voila! You have a batch of spectacular blondies ready to share or hoard — no judgment here!

## Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These blondies stand beautifully on their own, but why not elevate your dessert table? Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a cup of rich coffee. Feeling adventurous? Grab a pint of salted caramel ice cream to complement your blondies perfectly!

## Storage & Leftovers Guide

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If they last that long, you can freeze them for up to a month! Just thaw them in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to indulge.

## Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips

Temperature Check: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best blend.
Sugar Melting: Use a light-colored saucepan so you can judge the color of the sugar as it melts.
Chop Pretzels: Roughly chop pretzels for the perfect balance of crunch in each bite.
Baking Pan: If you don’t have a 20×20 cm pan, an 8×8 inch pan works just as well!

## Flavor Variations & Adaptations

Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Add Fruits: Dried cranberries or cherries can add a delightful tartness.
Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon or a splash of espresso powder in the batter brings a new flavor dimension.

## Reader Questions & Solutions

Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for caramel?
- No, granulated sugar is necessary for achieving the right caramel texture and flavor.
What if my blondies are too crumbly?
- This might be due to overbaking. Make sure to check with a skewer and take them out when just done!
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
- Yes, but the flavor and texture may not be as rich. Opt for unsalted margarine for best results.
How can I make these blondies vegan?
- Substitute the egg with flaxseed meal or applesauce, and use vegan butter.
What should I do if my caramel sauce crystalizes?
- If this happens, you can gently reheat it with a bit of water to dissolve the sugar.

## Wrapping Up

There you have it: a delightful journey through baking Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies! With its layers of flavor and texture, this recipe is truly a celebration of what happens when sweet meets salty. So roll up your sleeves and get baking — you’re in for a treat! Whether you’re sharing these delights or enjoying them solo, each bite brings back a sprinkle of memory and joy. Happy baking!