Description
Delight in the perfect balance of sweet and salty with this easy-to-make Chocolate Pretzel Toffee recipe. Layers of buttery brown sugar toffee coat crunchy salted pretzels, topped with melted semi-sweet chocolate, roasted peanuts, and a sprinkle of sea salt for a decadent treat that’s ideal for sharing or gifting.
Ingredients
Toffee Base
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, cubed
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pretzel Layer
- 1 cup salted mini pretzel twists
Toppings
- 2–3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup roasted salted peanuts (optional)
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Arrange the salted mini pretzels evenly across the bottom of the pan to form the base layer.
- Make the Toffee Sauce: In a medium pot over medium heat, combine the cubed salted butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Stir constantly and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it bubble for about 4 minutes, ensuring the sugar fully dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the hot toffee sauce evenly over the arranged pretzels in the baking pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set and bond with the pretzels.
- Add Chocolate: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle 2 to 3 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips over the warm toffee-covered pretzels. Return to the oven for about 1 minute, just long enough to soften and melt the chocolate chips.
- Finish and Chill: Use a spatula or knife to spread the melted chocolate evenly over the toffee layer. Sprinkle the roasted salted peanuts on top, followed by a light dusting of sea salt to enhance the flavor. Place the pan in the freezer or refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or until fully set.
- Serve: Once set, break the toffee into small pieces. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Use parchment paper to ensure easy removal and clean-up.
- Roasted salted peanuts are optional but add a nice crunch and flavor.
- Adjust chocolate chip quantity based on preferred chocolate coverage thickness.
- For a nut-free version, omit peanuts and consider adding crushed pretzels on top.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 1 week.