Chocolate-Caramel-Pecan Pretzel Bites
This recipe creates easy chocolate-caramel-pecan pretzel bites. Mini pretzels are topped with softened caramel and a toasted pecan, then set onto dollops of melted chocolate. A simple no-bake treat combining sweet, salty, and nutty flavors.
Equipment
- 1 Baking Sheet
- 1 Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat
- 1 Small Bowl For melting chocolate (if using microwave)
- 1 Spoon For handling nuts and dolloping chocolate
Ingredients
Main
- 24 pecan halves
- 24 mini pretzel twists
- 24 individually wrapped soft caramel squares
- 8 ounces good-quality milk chocolate melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
- Put the pecan halves on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake, shaking the sheet once halfway through, until lightly toasted, 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer the nuts to a plate to cool.
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Arrange the pretzels neatly on the baking sheet, then top each pretzel with an unwrapped caramel. Bake until the caramels soften (but are definitely not melting), 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and gently press a pecan half onto each caramel, just enough for the caramel to fill the pretzel. Set aside to cool completely.
- Remove the cooled pretzel/caramels from the baking sheet. Spoon 24 small dollops (1 1/2-teaspoon helpings) of the melted chocolate all over the baking sheet, then lightly drop a pretzel onto the middle of each dollop, making sure the pretzel is centered. Allow them to cool completely before serving (you can hasten this along in the fridge).
Notes
Ensure the pecans are toasted until fragrant but watch carefully to avoid burning. The caramel should be softened just enough to accept the pecan; over-melting will cause it to spread too much. Melt the chocolate gently, either in a microwave on low power in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, or over a double boiler, to prevent seizing. Allow sufficient cooling time for both the caramel/pecan and the final chocolate layer for clean handling and presentation. Using a silicone mat can make removing the finished bites easier.