Caramel Pretzel Bites

Total Time Prep: 45 min. + cooling

Yield 6 dozen

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

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

Line a 13x9-in. pan with foil; grease foil with softened butter. Spread pretzels and pecans on bottom of prepared pan.
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.
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.
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.

Recipe Creator