These Chocolate Covered Pretzels are easy to whip up with Medjool dates, creamy peanut butter, and chocolate chips for a delicious homemade snack that’ll leave your taste buds delighted. They’re a sweet and salty treat you won’t want to miss out on.
Irresistible Chocolate Covered Pretzels Recipe: A Sweet and Salty Delight
Are you in the mood for a delectable treat that combines the perfect blend of sweet and salty? These irresistible Chocolate Covered Pretzels are a delightful snack that are not only delicious but also easy to make. Whether you’re craving a midday indulgence or planning a sweet surprise for your next gathering, these chocolate caramel pretzel bites are sure to hit the spot.
Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need:
Caramel Layer
- Medjool dates: Provides natural sweetness and a sticky, caramel-like texture when blended. Soaking the dates makes them easier to process, resulting in a creamy and smooth caramel layer.
- Unsweetened almond milk: Adds moisture and helps blend the dates, ensuring a silky and creamy texture. You can also sub with any milk of your choice.
- Creamy peanut butter or nut butter of choice: Contributes a rich, nutty flavor but also enhances the creaminess of the caramel layer. It’s a key component for both taste and texture.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a delightful aroma and subtle vanilla flavor, elevating the overall taste and adding depth to the caramel layer.
- Salt: To balance the sweetness in the caramel layer. It creates the classic sweet and salty contrast that’s so satisfying in this treat.
Pretzel Bites
- Gluten-free pretzel twists or pretzel squares: The foundation of the recipe and provide the crucial salty and crunchy element. They serve as the base for the layers of caramel, nut butter, and chocolate. We like FitJoy, Quinn or Savor Street by Suzie for grain-free. Regular pretzels work too if you’re not gluten-free.
- Creamy peanut butter or nut butter of choice: Complements the saltiness of the pretzels, adding another layer of nutty richness and acting as a binding agent for the other components.
- Peanuts, cashews or pecans: Add an extra layer of nutty flavor and provide a satisfying crunch to each bite. Omit or sub with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
Chocolate Coating
- Chocolate chips: The crowning glory of these chocolate pretzels. Chocolate chips, whether dairy-free or regular, melt into a smooth, velvety shell that envelops the pretzels and adds a luxurious, chocolatey layer.
- Coconut oil: Coconut oil is added to the chocolate to ensure it covers the pretzels evenly and smoothly. It aids in creating a glossy finish, enhances the texture, and provides a subtle hint of coconut flavor.
Garnish
- Flakey salt: Elevates the sweet and salty contrast, adding a touch of sophistication and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Finely crushed pretzels: Offers an extra layer of crunch and reinforcing the pretzel theme.
Instructions: How to make Chocolate Covered Pretzels
Follow this step-by-step guide to create these sweet and salty Chocolate Covered Pretzels:
Caramel Layer:
- Blend: In a food processor, blend soaked Medjool dates, liquid, milk, nut butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and caramel-like.
Assemble:
- Arrange pretzel squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spread nut butter on each pretzel, followed by a layer of caramel.
- Top with crushed nuts and freeze for 30-60 minutes.
Chocolate Coating:
- Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil.
- Dip pretzels into the chocolate, coat evenly, and return to parchment paper.
- Sprinkle with flakey salt and garnish with mini pretzels or crushed pretzels.
- Freeze for at least 30 minutes until the chocolate sets. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Soak the Dates: While you can skip soaking the dates, it’s recommended as it makes blending easier and results in a smoother caramel layer.
- Consistency is Key: Ensure the caramel layer reaches a caramel-like consistency. Adjust the liquid and nut butter as needed.
- Quick Chocolate Coating: Work swiftly when dipping the pretzels in chocolate to ensure an even coating.
Serving Suggestions
These pretzels covered with chocolate make a fantastic snack, dessert, or even a thoughtful gift. Serve them at:
- Parties: Your guests will adore this sweet and salty combination.
- Movie Nights: The perfect movie snack.
- Gifts: Package them beautifully for a homemade gift that shows you care.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with these chocolate covered pretzels since these versatile treats are all about making them your own.:
- Nut Allergies: If you have nut allergies, opt for a nut-free butter.
- Different Nut Butter: Experiment with different nut butters for unique flavors.
- Different Chocolate: Use white chocolate chips to make white chocolate pretzels instead.
- Toppings: Get creative with toppings – try drizzling caramel on top or adding sprinkles for a fun twist.
Storage and Freezer Instructions
Once your chocolate pretzel bites are ready, you might find it challenging to resist eating them all at once. If you manage to save some for later, here’s how to store them:
- Fridge: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for several days.
- Freezer: If you want to keep them for an extended period, you can freeze your pretzel chocolate bites. Just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1: Can I use a different nut butter for the caramel layer? A1: Yes, you can use your favorite nut butter for a unique flavor.
Q2: Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk for the caramel layer? A2: Certainly, regular milk works as a substitute.
Q3: How should I store Chocolate Pretzels? A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freeze for longer storage.
Q4: Can I customize the garnishes on the pretzels? A4: Get creative with toppings, such as caramel drizzle or sprinkles.
Q5: Are there nut-free alternatives for the nut butter? A5: Try sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
Q6: Can I use a different type of chocolate for the coating? A6: Experiment with dark, white, or milk chocolate for unique flavor.
More homemade candy recipes you will love:
These Chocolate Covered Pretzels are easy to whip up with Medjool dates, creamy peanut butter, and chocolate chips for a delicious homemade snack that'll leave your taste buds delighted. It's a sweet and salty treat you won't want to miss out on.
- 8 pitted Medjool dates , soaked in warm water for about 10 minutes, then drained (skip this step if preferred - soaking helps to blend easier)
- 1/2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk , or more as needed to reach caramel consistency
- 2/3 tbsp creamy peanut butter , or more as needed - can also sub with nut butter of choice
- 2/3 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1-2 tbs maple syrup , only as needed if you want it sweeter and to thin out as needed
- 18 gluten-free pretzel twists or pretzel squares, , such as FitJoy, Quinn or Savor Street by Suzie for a grain-free option. Regular pretzels work too if you're not gluten-free.
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter or nut butter of choice , more or less as needed
- 1/4 - 1/2 cup peanuts, cashews or pecans , more or less as needed. Omit or sub with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
- 1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips , such as Hu's Kitchen, Pascha's Chocolate, Enjoy Life or Lily's Sweets. Regular chocolate chips work too if you're not dairy-free.
- 1 tsp coconut oil , you can also use avocado oil, vegan butter or another neutral tasting oil.
- Flakey salt
- Finely crushed gluten-free pretzels , or regular pretzels if you're not gluten-free
Combine the dates, milk, nut butter, vanilla and salt into the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth and creamy, until the mixture resembles a sticky caramel texture, scraping down the sides as often as needed, and adding more milk / nut butter / maple syrup / vanilla as needed.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Assemble the pretzels in a single layer on the parchment paper, leaving some space in between.
Spread the nut butter on top of each pretzel, then add a layer of the date caramel.
Top with a few nuts. Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and freeze for 30-60 minutes, or until set.
Melt the chocolate chips and oil in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring well in between or in a double boiler.
- Working quickly with 1 square at a time, dip each pretzel square into the melted chocolate, coating well completely. Transfer the coated square back to the parchment paper. Sprinkle each with a tiny bit of flaky salt over each square and just a few with the crushed pretzels or press one very mini pretzel on top. Repeat with the remaining squares.
- Chill in the freezer again for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate sets. Serve once ready or store in the fridge or freezer, letting the squares sit out a bit at room temperature for 3-5 minutes, or more as needed, if freezing.
How to store:
- Fridge: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll stay fresh for several days.
- Freezer: If you want to keep them for an extended period, you can freeze your pretzel chocolate bites. Just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes when you're ready to enjoy them again.
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