Easy Caramel Pretzel Brownies Recipe

5 from 4 votes

I’ve taken all the shortcuts possible to make these luscious Easy Caramel Pretzel Brownies quick and simple. If you have an hour to spare, make a pan of these chewy, chocolate brownies topped with milk chocolate frosting, pretzels, caramel sauce, and butterscotch. Then enjoy the rave reviews from family and friends.

A serving of Easy Caramel Pretzel Brownies on a white serving plate with the full pan of brownies in the background.

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Don’t you just love a chewy, ooey-gooey, chocolate treat? I do! Even better if it has some caramel on top. Then add on a few salty pretzels and a drizzle of butterscotch. Wow.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy, over the top, decadent treat, give these Easy Caramel Pretzel Brownies a try. I’ve used every trick in the book to make these as simple as possible.

Fair warning: if you don’t like taking shortcuts in the kitchen, then this recipe won’t be for you. It uses (gasp!) a boxed mix.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Kid friendly (adults, too!)
Very easy (rates about a 2 on a 1-10 scale)
Decadent enough to serve to guests
Can be made ahead

🛒 Ingredient Notes

Ingredients needed for Easy Caramel Pretzel Brownies -- mini pretzels, caramel bits, milk chocolate frosting, brownie mix, butterscotch chips.

Mini pretzels – Any size or kind of pretzel works fine; I just like the look of the minis.
Caramel bits – Did you know you can buy caramels in bits now? No more unwrapping all those individual caramel squares!
Milk chocolate frosting
Brownie mix – Any brand you like works fine.
Butterscotch chips

You’ll find detailed measurements for all ingredients in the printable version of the recipe at the bottom of this post.

🥨 How to Make Easy Caramel Pretzel Brownies

Bake the Brownies

Baking pan containing cooked and cooled brownies.

Prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions. Allow the cooked brownies to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before proceeding.

Add Frosting

Milk chocolate frosting being spread on cooled and cooked brownies in a baking pan.

Cover the top of the brownies with the milk chocolate frosting. (Note: you’ll only use 8 ounces of frosting for this recipe. Save the leftover for something else like slathering on a pancake or waffle with a dollop of whipped cream.)

Layer the Pretzels

Brownies topped with a layer of milk chocolate frosting and mini pretzels.

Cover the top of the frosting with a layer of mini pretzels.

Melt the Caramel Bits

Melted caramel dripping from a spoon into a small glass bowl.

In a small microwave-safe bowl, add the caramel bits and water. Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the caramels are melted.

👉 PRO TIP: Caution: Use oven mitts and be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave – it will be HOT!

Drizzle the Caramel

Brownies, milk chocolate frosting, and pretzels with a layer of melted caramel drizzled over.

Drizzle the melted caramel over the layer of pretzels.

Add Melted Butterscotch Chips

Melted butterscotch chips in a plastic bag.

In another small microwave-safe bowl, add the butterscotch chips. Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chips are melted. Again, take care when removing the hot bowl from the microwave.

Transfer the melted butterscotch to a zip top bag. Twist the top of the bag closed and cut a very small snip off one corner to make a piping bag.

Finished brownies with melted butterscotch drizzled over the top.

Drizzle the melted butterscotch over the top of the caramel layer.

👉 PRO TIP: To make cutting the brownies easier, use a sharp serrated edge knife.

🔀 Variations/Options

Use your imagination for additional or alternate toppings such as chopped nuts, chopped peanut butter cups, Rolos, M&Ms.

❓ Questions About Caramel Pretzel Brownies

How do you store the brownies?

I cut them into serving-sized pieces and stack them with waxed paper between the layers in a covered container. Store at room temperature for about three days or up to 7 days in the refrigerator.

Can they be frozen?

Yes. Cut into individual servings and wrap individually in plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 6 months. To serve, allow the brownies to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

📖 Recipe