Caramel Chocolate Pretzel Bars

4 steps · 45 min total

1. 01

   Prepare Pretzel Crust

   In a food processor, pulse the pretzels until you have about 5 1/2 cups of finely crushed crumbs. Transfer them to a 9x9 inch baking pan and mix with 1 stick of melted butter and 1/4 cup sugar. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan.

   Bake the crust in an oven preheated to 350 degrees F for about 8 minutes, until it looks lightly golden. Pull it from the oven and let it cool completely while you get the bar filling ready.

2. 02

   Make Bar Batter

   In a saucepan, melt the remaining 1 stick of butter over low heat. Once it's melted, take the pan off the heat and stir in the 1 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1/4 cup evaporated milk until the mixture is smooth.

   Whisk in the 1 egg, then add the 3/4 cup flour and 1 teaspoon baking soda. Mix until everything is just combined; be careful not to overmix the batter.

3. 03

   Bake the Bars

   Arrange the 1 package of caramel Hershey's Kisses in neat rows over the cooled pretzel crust. Carefully pour the prepared batter evenly over the Kisses, making sure they're covered. Return the pan to the oven, still at 350 degrees F, and bake for another 25 minutes, until the top looks set and lightly browned.
4. 04

   Drizzle and Chill

   While the bars are cooling, take any leftover caramel Hershey's Kisses and melt them with 1 teaspoon milk in a double boiler. Stir until the caramel is smooth and pourable, then spread it evenly over the still-warm bars.

   Once drizzled, transfer the pan to the refrigerator. Let the bars chill for at least 3 hours, or even longer, until they are completely cooled and firm enough to slice cleanly.