Brownies have always been my comfort food, but adding a sweet and salty twist with pretzels?
That’s a whole new level of irresistible. I remember baking these for the first time on a rainy Sunday.
The kitchen smelled like chocolate heaven, and the crunch of pretzels in every bite made it unforgettable.
These brownies are perfect for sharing—or keeping to yourself on a cozy night in.
Tips and Variations
- Substitutions: Swap the caramel for melted peanut butter or Nutella if you prefer.
- Add-ins: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce.
If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a little more sea salt on top right before serving.

Sweet and Salty Gluten-Free Pretzel Brownies
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Rich, fudgy brownies with a crunchy, salty pretzel topping and a drizzle of caramel. A gluten-free treat that hits all the right flavor notes.
Ingredients
For the brownies:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
For the topping:
- 1 cup gluten-free pretzels, roughly crushed
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 tsp flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Prep Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Grease lightly with cooking spray.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in the melted chocolate mixture.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: Sift together the gluten-free flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Pour and Top: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the crushed pretzels over the top, pressing them lightly into the batter. Drizzle with caramel sauce and finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Slice: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
Perfect for parties or a cozy night at home. Substitute as needed for dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg