Pretzel Millionaire Bars: A Sweet Treat for Busy Families

At the Muscle & Joint Clinic, we know that recovery, wellness, and healthy habits all start with balance. And sometimes, balance also means enjoying a little homemade dessert, especially one that brings the whole family together in the kitchen. These Pretzel Millionaire Bars are a perfect match of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy. They feature a buttery pretzel-infused base, a smooth and rich caramel-style filling, and a glossy layer of chocolate on top. Although they taste indulgent, they’re surprisingly simple to make and can be prepared ahead of time for family gatherings, school lunches, or a well-earned treat after a long week.

Ingredients

Crust

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup finely crushed pretzels
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

Filling

• 1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar, packed
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon corn syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Topping

• 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 teaspoons corn syrup
• Extra pretzels for decorating the top (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the pan and oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra over the sides so you can lift the bars out easily later.

2. Make the pretzel crust

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, white sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture looks light and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla and mix again until fully combined. Stir in the finely crushed pretzels and flour until everything comes together into a sticky dough. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and press it evenly over the bottom using the back of a spatula or clean fingertips.

3. Bake and cool the crust

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges of the crust just start to turn golden. Remove the pan from the oven and let the crust cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

4. Cook the caramel-style filling

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the dark brown sugar, butter, water, corn syrup, and salt. Set the pan over medium-low heat and stir gently until everything melts together. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly, and let it boil for about 5 minutes. Carefully pour in the cream while stirring—take your time so it doesn’t splatter. Bring the mixture back to a boil and continue cooking for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until it reaches 245°F (113°C) on an instant-read thermometer (this is firm-ball stage). Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla and lemon juice.

5. Pour and chill the filling

Carefully pour the hot filling over the baked crust, spreading it to the edges. Place the pan in the freezer for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the caramel layer is cool and firm to the touch.

6. Make the chocolate topping

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, cream, and corn syrup. Microwave on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.

7. Finish the bars

Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the chilled caramel layer and spread it into an even layer. If you’d like, gently press a few pretzels into the soft chocolate for decoration. Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 1 hour, or until the chocolate is set.

8. Slice and serve

Once fully chilled, lift the entire slab out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Peel the paper away. Run a sharp knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and cut the bars into 16 squares, rinsing and wiping the knife between cuts for clean edges.

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy one small square as a rich treat alongside a balanced, healthy diet.