Treat Yourself Tuesday: Salted Caramel Pretzel Fudge Bars

If you have a sweet tooth, these are the treats for you! The original recipe was from Rachael Ray's Everyday Magazine. I adapted it by adding the caramel and sea salt. I also think it would be delicious with a teeny sprinkle of cayenne pepper, if you're feeling adventurous!

I challenge you to find someone who doesn't love these!
(Note: If you want to make these vegan-friendly, use 100% dark chocolate that doesn't contain milk, and use margarine instead of butter.)

Ingredients

1/2 cup peanut butter
2 cups dark chocolate chips
6 tablespoons butter
2 cup pretzels, half of them crushed
1 cup sugar
1 cup jarred caramel sauce (or you can make your own)
course sea salt

Directions

• Line a baking dish (8 inch or bigger) with foil and lightly spray with oil.
• In a microwave safe bowl, microwave the peanut butter, 1/2 of the chocolate chips, and the butter on high in 20-second increments, stirring in between until melted.
• To the melted peanut butter mixture, add the crushed pretzels and sugar. Blend thoroughly by hand or with an electric mixer.
• Immediately press the mixture into the foil-lined pan, creating an even layer.
• Microwave the remaining chocolate chips in the same manner. Once melted, pour over cookie base in the pan.
• Decorate immediately with whole pretzels. Lightly drizzle caramel sauce on top and sprinkle liberally with sea salt.
• Let stand until set, about 1 hour. Cut into squares and enjoy!

I appreciate you reading and hope you enjoy this recipe! Treat yourself!
xoxo