Description
Craving the sweet-salty decadence of peanut butter pretzel caramel chocolate bars but looking for a warm, hands-off twist? Say hello to Slow Cooker Peanut Butter Pretzel Caramel Chocolate Dessert! This cozy recipe reimagines the classic layered bars as a spoonable, slow-cooked treat, featuring a fudgy chocolate-peanut butter base studded with crunchy pretzels, topped with a luscious caramel drizzle and a silky chocolate ganache. The slow cooker makes this dessert effortless, melding the flavors into a rich, comforting bowl of indulgence that’s perfect for scooping and sharing.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate-Peanut Butter Base
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All-Purpose Flour (1 ¼ cups): Forms the fudgy, cake-like structure.
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Substitution: Gluten-free flour blend or almond flour (adjust texture).
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Powdered Sugar (⅔ cup): Sweetens the base without graininess.
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Substitution: Granulated sugar (blend to powder) or coconut sugar.
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Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (⅓ cup, natural or Dutch-process): Provides rich chocolate flavor.
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Substitution: Carob powder or reduce to ¼ cup for less intensity.
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Salt (¼ tsp): Balances sweetness.
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Substitution: Sea salt or omit if using salted butter.
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Salted Butter (¾ cup, melted): Adds rich, buttery flavor.
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Substitution: Unsalted butter (add ⅛ tsp salt) or vegan butter.
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Creamy Peanut Butter (½ cup): Infuses peanut butter flavor.
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Substitution: Almond butter or sunflower seed butter for nut-free.
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Pretzel Sticks (1 cup, lightly crushed): Adds salty crunch.
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Substitution: Crushed pretzel twists or crushed potato chips.
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For the Caramel Layer
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Soft Caramels (10 oz, unwrapped): Creates a gooey, sweet layer.
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Substitution: Homemade caramel (¾ cup sugar, ¼ cup cream, 2 tbsp butter).
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Heavy Cream (3 tbsp): Thins the caramel for drizzling.
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Substitution: Plant-based cream or milk (texture may vary).
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For the Peanut Butter Topping
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Creamy Peanut Butter (½ cup): Provides a creamy, nutty layer.
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Substitution: Same as above.
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Salted Butter (2 tbsp, softened): Adds creaminess.
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Substitution: Vegan butter or omit for a thicker layer.
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Powdered Sugar (⅓ cup): Sweetens and thickens.
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Substitution: Same as above.
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Vanilla Extract (¼ tsp): Enhances flavor.
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Substitution: Almond extract or omit.
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For the Chocolate Ganache
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Semisweet Chocolate Chips (1 ½ cups): Creates a silky topping.
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Substitution: Milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate (60% cacao).
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Heavy Cream (¾ cup): Smooths the ganache.
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Substitution: Plant-based cream or coconut milk.
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Why They’re Important: The cocoa and peanut butter create a fudgy, nutty base, while pretzels add a salty crunch. The caramel layer provides gooey sweetness, and the ganache adds a luxurious chocolate finish, making each spoonful a sweet-salty delight.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate-Peanut Butter Base
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In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, ⅔ cup powdered sugar, ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and ¼ tsp salt until well combined.
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In a separate bowl, mix ¾ cup melted salted butter and ½ cup creamy peanut butter until smooth. Add to the dry ingredients and stir until a thick, fudgy batter forms.
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Fold in 1 cup lightly crushed pretzel sticks until evenly distributed.
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Lightly grease a 4-6 quart slow cooker insert with cooking spray. Spread the batter evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker.
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Tip: Crush pretzels into small pieces (not crumbs) for texture. Mix batter gently to maintain a fudgy consistency. Spread evenly with a spatula for uniform cooking.
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Step 2: Slow Cook
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Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-6 hours, until the base is set but still soft and fudgy (a toothpick inserted should have moist crumbs, not wet batter).
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Check doneness at the minimum time; if the top looks too moist, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes on high to evaporate excess moisture.
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Tip: Place a paper towel under the lid to catch condensation and prevent a soggy surface. Avoid lifting the lid too often to maintain heat. Cooking times vary by slow cooker model.
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Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Layer
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In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 10 oz soft caramels and 3 tbsp heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and melted (about 2-3 minutes total). Alternatively, melt on the stovetop over low heat.
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Let cool slightly to a pourable consistency. Set aside or keep warm for drizzling.
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Tip: Stir caramel frequently to prevent scorching. Add an extra 1 tbsp cream if too thick. Prepare just before assembly to ensure easy drizzling.
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Step 4: Prepare the Peanut Butter Topping
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In a medium bowl, beat ½ cup creamy peanut butter, 2 tbsp softened salted butter, ⅓ cup powdered sugar, and ¼ tsp vanilla extract with an electric hand mixer on medium speed until creamy and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
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Set aside or refrigerate if not using immediately (bring to room temperature for easy scooping).
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Tip: Soften butter for easier mixing. Scrape down the bowl to ensure a smooth texture. Adjust sugar for desired sweetness.
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Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
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Place 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips in a medium bowl. Microwave or heat ¾ cup heavy cream on the stovetop until just below a simmer (about 1-2 minutes).
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Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let sit for 2-3 minutes. Stir until glossy and smooth. Let cool for 5-10 minutes until no longer warm but still pourable.
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Tip: Use a whisk for a smooth ganache. Ensure cream is hot but not boiling to avoid seizing the chocolate. Prepare just before assembly for best consistency.
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Step 6: Assemble and Serve
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Turn off the slow cooker and let the dessert base cool for 10 minutes to set slightly, making it easier to scoop.
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Scoop the warm chocolate-peanut butter base into 8-10 bowls or dessert cups (about ½ cup per serving), ensuring some pretzel pieces in each portion.
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Drizzle each serving with 1-2 tbsp melted caramel, followed by a dollop of peanut butter topping (about 1 tbsp). Spoon or drizzle 1-2 tbsp chocolate ganache over the top.
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Garnish with a sprinkle of crushed pretzels or a whole pretzel stick for extra crunch.
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Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a side of fresh strawberries for a complete dessert experience. Pair with coffee, milk, or a dessert liqueur (like Baileys) for an indulgent touch.
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Tip: Layer toppings artfully for a polished look. Drizzle ganache last for a glossy finish. Serve immediately for the best texture contrast.
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