Salted Pretzel Brownies

5.0 from 64 votes

I absolutely love baking and one of my favorite things to make is salted pretzel brownies. These delicious treats combine the rich, chocolatey flavor of traditional fudgy brownies with the salty crunch of pretzels. The result is a dessert that is both sweet and savory, and perfect for satisfying any craving.

To make salted pretzel brownies, you’ll need a few simple ingredients, including butter, bittersweet chocolate, sugar, eggs, cocoa powder, flour, and of course, pretzels. The process is relatively straightforward, but there are a few key tips and tricks that can help ensure your brownies turn out perfectly.

For example, it’s important to melt the butter and chocolate together slowly over low heat, and to mix in the dry ingredients gradually to avoid over-mixing the batter.

Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: I prefer unsalted butter to control how salty these brownies will be and only add a pinch of salt in the mixture at the end.

• Diced dark chocolate: Opt for high-quality dark chocolate for a rich and intense flavor in your brownies.

• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Enhance the depth of chocolate flavor without adding extra sweetness

• Large eggs: Ensure the eggs are at room temperature to achieve a smoother batter.

• Sugar

• Pure vanilla extract

• All-purpose flour

• Instant espresso powder: Add a pinch of instant espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor

• Dark chocolate chips

• Mini pretzels, divided: Sprinkle mini pretzels on top of your treats for a delightful salty and crunchy contrast.

How to make Pretzel Brownies

Let’s get started by preheating the oven to 350° degrees F and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with a piece of parchment paper. This will make clean-up a breeze later on.

I add the butter and chocolate to a medium saucepan and melt them over low medium heat. The aroma that fills the kitchen is just delightful!

Next, I stir in the cocoa powder and whisk it to dissolve the cocoa in the warm mixture. This step ensures a smooth and rich chocolatey flavor.

Once that’s done, I remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the sugar and vanilla. 

One by one, I add the eggs, whisking constantly between each addition. This helps create a creamy and luscious texture.

Now it’s time to fold in the flour, instant espresso powder, and dark chocolate chips. This adds an extra kick of chocolatey goodness!

For a fun twist, I lightly crush half of the pretzels and fold them into the brownie batter. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and salty.

Carefully, I pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, making sure it’s evenly spread.

I then arrange the remaining pretzels on top of the brownie batter, which not only adds a decorative touch but also a delightful crunch.

Now, into the oven it goes! I bake the brownies until they are mostly set but still slightly gooey in the middle. This takes about 40 minutes, and I start checking for doneness at 35 minutes with a toothpick. The moist crumbs should come out clean, not completely dry.

Once they’re out of the oven, I allow the brownies to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This ensures they hold their shape and are easier to cut into perfect squares.

When cutting the brownies, make sure to use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. This will help create clean slices and prevent the brownies from sticking to the knife.

Finally, if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. They’ll stay moist and delicious for several days, but I doubt they’ll last that long!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving salted pretzel brownies, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy this delicious treat:

• As is: These brownies are so good, they don’t need any accompaniments. Just grab a square and enjoy the perfect combination of sweet and salty flavors.
• With a scoop of ice cream: If you’re feeling indulgent, serve your brownie with a scoop of your favorite ice cream. Vanilla, chocolate, or salted caramel all work well with the flavors of the brownies.
• With whipped cream and caramel sauce: For an extra decadent treat, top your brownie with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. This is a great option for a special occasion or when you want to impress your guests.
• As part of a dessert platter: If you’re serving a variety of desserts, include a plate of salted pretzel brownies for a sweet and salty contrast to other treats like cookies or cake.

No matter how you choose to serve them, these salted pretzel brownies are sure to become a new favorite treat. The delicious pretzel crust, flaky sea salt, and rich chocolate make them stand out from other brownie recipes. And with the addition of crunchy pretzels and a layer of salted caramel, these brownies are taken to the next level. So go ahead, indulge in a middle-of-the-brownies piece and savor every bite.

Storing and Reheating

As much as I would love to eat all the salted pretzel brownies in one go, sometimes I need to save some for later. Here are my tips for storing and reheating these delicious treats.

Storing

To keep your salted pretzel brownies fresh for longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer.

Reheating

There are a few ways to reheat your salted pretzel brownies. The easiest way is to microwave them for 10-15 seconds. This will warm them up and make them gooey again. If you don’t have a microwave, you can also reheat them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake them for 5-10 minutes until warm.

If you want to go the extra mile, you can also add a little extra treat to your reheated brownies. Try adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Variations and Tips

When it comes to making salted pretzel brownies, there are a few variations and tips that can help you create the perfect dessert. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Add artificial flavor: If you want to add a unique twist to your brownies, consider adding a drop or two of artificial flavoring. Mint, raspberry, or almond extract can all add a delicious flavor to your brownies.
• Use a box mix: If you’re short on time or don’t have all the ingredients on hand, consider using a box mix. Betty Crocker and other brands offer salted caramel pretzel brownies or pretzel brownie mixes that can be a quick and easy dessert option.
• Mix in milk or white chocolate: For an extra burst of sweetness, consider mixing in milk or white chocolate chips into your brownie batter. The combination of salty pretzels and sweet chocolate can be irresistible.
• Bake for an additional minute: Depending on your oven, you may need to bake your brownies for an additional minute or two. Keep an eye on them and use a toothpick to test for doneness.
• Crush pretzels finely: When making the pretzel crust, be sure to crush the pretzels finely so they stick together better. You can use a food processor or place them in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin.

Overall, salted pretzel brownies are a delicious and unique dessert that can be customized to your liking. Try out some of these variations and tips to create the perfect batch of brownies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any tips for making sure my brownies don’t turn out too salty?

Yes, there are a few tips you can follow to make sure your salted pretzel brownies come out perfectly balanced. First, make sure to use unsalted pretzels to avoid adding too much salt to the recipe. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of salted butter used in the recipe and add a pinch of salt to the brownie batter to your taste preference. Finally, taste the batter before baking and adjust the salt level as needed.

Can I add caramel to my salted pretzel brownies for extra flavor?

Absolutely! Adding caramel to your salted pretzel brownies can take them to the next level of deliciousness. You can either use store-bought caramel sauce or make your own by melting sugar and adding cream and butter. Swirl the caramel into the brownie batter before baking and sprinkle crushed pretzels on top for an extra crunch.

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