Pretzel Peanut Caramel Squares Recipe

Warm up your ovens, as we're about to delve into the delicious world of pretzel peanut caramel squares! This heavenly combination of soft pretzels, crunchy peanuts, and gooey caramel is a treat that's perfect for sharing - or not. We won't judge if you want to keep these sweet and salty delights all to yourself.

Pretzel peanut caramel squares are a fantastic blend of textures and flavors, offering a satisfying crunch from the peanuts, chewy softness from the pretzels, and an irresistible, sweet and salty contrast from the caramel. Plus, they're incredibly easy to make, saving you a trip to the store-bought candy aisle.

Ingredients and Equipment

Before we dive into the recipe, let's talk about what you'll need. You'll find that most of the ingredients are pantry staples, except for maybe the pretzels and caramel bits.

Here's your shopping list:

• 1 bag of square-shaped pretzels (about 90)
• 1 cup of roasted, salted peanuts
• 1 bag of caramel bits
• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
• ¼ cup of light corn syrup
• ¾ cup of butter
• ½ teaspoon of salt (or to taste)

Prepared Equipment

While your oven is preheating, line a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick foil, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will help with easy removal and cleanup once the squares are set.

You'll also need a medium saucepan, a wooden spoon or heatproof silicone spatula, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Preparing the Baking Dish

Once your baking dish is lined, the next step is to create the base for your pretzel peanut caramel squares. This is where your bag of square-shaped pretzels comes into play.

Pretzel Base

The pretzels will form the base and the top layer of your candy bars. Start by lining the bottom of your prepared baking dish with a single layer of pretzels. It's okay if they break or overlap a bit; just try to create an evenly distributed base.

After adding your first layer, sprinkle half of your roasted, salted peanuts over the pretzels. This will add a delightful crunch and provide a nice contrast to the soft caramel.

Creating the Caramel Layer

The caramel layer is the heart and soul of these squares, so let's give it the attention it deserves. It's surprisingly easy to make and comes together quickly on the stove.

Caramel Sauce

In your medium saucepan, combine the bag of caramel bits, the can of sweetened condensed milk, light corn syrup, and butter. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the caramel bits have melted and everything is well combined.

Once melted, bring the caramel sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the salt. Taste test your caramel, and add more salt if needed.

Assembly

Now it's time to assemble your pretzel peanut caramel squares. Pour the hot caramel sauce over the pretzel and peanut layer in your baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the caramel evenly, ensuring all the pretzels are covered.

Create the top layer by placing the remaining pretzels in a single layer over the caramel. Don't fret if some of them break; just do your best to create an even surface. Sprinkle the remaining peanuts evenly over the pretzels.

Baking and Serving

With your squares assembled, it's time to pop them into the oven.

Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your baking dish on a baking sheet (just in case any caramel bubbles over) and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on the squares to ensure the top pretzels don't burn. Once done, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes.

Serving

After cooling, lift the caramel squares out of the baking dish using the foil overhang. Carefully cut the squares into 2-inch pieces using a sharp knife. It's best to do this while they're still a bit warm, as the caramel will be softer and easier to cut through.

Enjoy your homemade pretzel peanut caramel squares! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. The caramel squares will keep for about a week - if they last that long!

We hope you enjoyed this mouthwatering recipe! Next time you're craving a sweet and salty treat, give these pretzel peanut caramel squares a try. Happy baking!