Caramel Pretzel Bites

Total Time

Prep: 45 min. + cooling

Makes

6 dozen

Updated: Sep. 24, 2022
I created this recipe wanting to make my own version of a popular candy store pretzel log dipped in caramel, chocolate and nuts. These bites are smothered with homemade caramel. —Michilene Klaver, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Caramel Pretzel Bites Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons butter, softened
  • 4 cups pretzel sticks
  • 2-1/2 cups pecan halves, toasted
  • 2-1/4 cups packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup butter, cubed
  • 1 cup corn syrup
  • 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 package (11-1/2 ounces) milk chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon shortening, divided
  • 1/3 cup white baking chips

Directions

  1. Line a 13x9-in. pan with foil; grease foil with softened butter. Spread pretzels and pecans on bottom of prepared pan.
  2. In a large heavy saucepan, combine brown sugar, cubed butter, corn syrup, milk and salt; cook and stir over medium heat until a candy thermometer reads 240°(soft-ball stage). Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Pour over pretzel mixture.
  3. In a microwave, melt chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon shortening; stir until smooth. Spread over caramel layer. In microwave, melt white baking chips and remaining shortening; stir until smooth. Drizzle over top. Let stand until set.
  4. Using foil, lift candy out of pan; remove foil. Using a buttered knife, cut candy into bite-sized pieces.

Nutrition Facts

1 bar: 146 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 76mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.