Salted Caramel Monster Bars Recipe

Dive into a world of sweet and salty bliss with our irresistible Salted Caramel Monster Bars recipe. These decadent bars are a delightful fusion of crunchy pretzel crust, creamy nougat, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate, all topped off with a sprinkle of flakey salt. Whether you’re hosting a party, treating yourself, or looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert, these monster bars are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave everyone wanting more. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a deliciously indulgent adventure.

Ingredients:

For the Pretzel Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups salted pretzels, finely ground
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

For the Nougat:

• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 7 oz marshmallow creme fluff
• 1 cup powdered sugar

For the Caramel Layer:

• 11 oz caramels, unwrapped
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3/4 cup unsalted peanuts, roasted

For the Chocolate Topping:

• 16 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• Flakey salt, to garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make Pretzel Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the finely ground pretzels, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
3. Prepare Nougat Layer: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the marshmallow creme fluff in 30-second intervals until softened. Stir in the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Spread the nougat mixture evenly over the pretzel crust.
4. Melt Caramels: In a saucepan, melt the caramels together with the heavy whipping cream over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and creamy. Stir in the roasted peanuts. Pour the caramel-peanut mixture over the nougat layer in the baking pan.
5. Make Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Spread the chocolate mixture evenly over the caramel layer.
6. Chill and Serve: Sprinkle flakey salt over the chocolate layer for a touch of saltiness. Refrigerate the monster bars for at least 2 hours, or until firm. Once set, cut into bars and serve.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Nut-Free Option: Omit the peanuts and use an alternative nut or seed butter in place of peanut butter for a nut-free version.
• Customize with Toppings: Experiment with different toppings such as chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or drizzled caramel for added flavor and texture.

Keto and Low Carb Versions:

For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, we’ve adapted this Salted Caramel Monster Bars recipe to suit your dietary preferences:

• Keto Version: Replace the pretzels with a mixture of almond flour and crushed pork rinds for a low-carb crust. Use a keto-friendly sweetener in place of sugar in the crust and nougat layers. Opt for sugar-free caramels or make your own caramel sauce using a keto-friendly sweetener. Choose sugar-free chocolate chips for the topping and use a sugar-free peanut butter.
• Low Carb Version: Use almond flour or a combination of almond flour and coconut flour for the crust. Replace sugar with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Opt for a sugar-free marshmallow creme fluff or make your own using a low-carb sweetener. Use sugar-free caramel sauce or omit the caramel layer altogether. Choose sugar-free chocolate chips and opt for a low-carb peanut butter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of melting caramels? A: Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce as a shortcut. Simply heat the sauce gently to make it easier to spread over the nougat layer.

Q: How long do these monster bars last? A: These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Q: Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate for the topping? A: Yes, you can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Adjust the sweetness of the bars accordingly by reducing the amount of sugar in the other layers.

With their irresistible combination of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy layers, our Salted Caramel Monster Bars are a true delight for the senses. Whether enjoyed as a special treat for yourself or shared with friends and family, these bars are sure to make any occasion memorable. So, indulge your sweet tooth, unleash your creativity, and treat yourself to the ultimate indulgence with these decadent monster bars.