Salted Pretzel Brownies with Dark Chocolate

Who can resist the delightful combination of salty and sweet? These Salted Pretzel Brownies with Dark Chocolate are the perfect treat for anyone looking to satisfy their cravings. With the rich, deep flavors of dark chocolate paired with the crunchy, salty kick of mini pretzels, each bite promises an explosion of taste and texture.

Whether baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in delicious treats, this brownie recipe will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. Read on to discover how to create these irresistible fudgy brownies with pretzels that will impress both friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The harmony between salty pretzels and rich dark chocolate creates a unique taste sensation that is simply irresistible.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and commonly found ingredients, this recipe is accessible even for beginner bakers.
• Versatile Treat: These sweet yet salty brownies are perfect for any occasion, from casual snacking to festive gatherings, adding a gourmet touch to your dessert table.
• Delightful Texture: The combination of chewy brownies and crunchy pretzels ensures a delightful texture in every bite, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• Butter: To control the saltiness of your brownies, use unsalted butter. Opt for high-quality, organic butter for the best flavor.
• Dark Chocolate: Choose a bar with at least 70% cocoa content for a rich and intense chocolate taste. High-quality dark chocolate will melt smoothly and blend beautifully into your batter.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Look for pure, unsweetened cocoa powder to add a deep chocolate flavor without additional sugar. Dutch-processed cocoa can give a more mellow and rich taste.
• Sugar: Granulated white sugar works perfectly in this recipe, providing the right amount of sweetness and contributing to the chewy texture of the brownies.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract, not imitation, to add a subtle and authentic vanilla flavor that enhances the overall taste of chocolate brownies.
• Large Eggs: Fresh, large eggs are crucial for binding the ingredients and achieving the perfect brownie consistency. Make sure they are at room temperature for better blending.
• All-Purpose Flour: Stick to all-purpose flour, which provides the ideal balance of structure and tenderness in the brownies. Sift the flour to ensure a smooth batter.
• Instant Espresso Powder: A small amount of instant espresso powder can intensify the chocolate flavor without making the brownies taste like coffee. It’s a secret ingredient for deepening the complexity of the flavor.
• Dark Chocolate Chips: These add extra bursts of chocolate in every bite. Choose high-quality chips, or chop a good dark chocolate bar into chunks.
• Mini Pretzels: The salty kick from mini pretzels makes for a perfect contrast with the sweet brownies. Opt for salted mini pretzels to get that crunchy, savory touch.

Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions

• Butter: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a high-quality vegan butter. Both will provide a rich flavor and good texture to your brownies.
• Dark Chocolate: You can replace dark chocolate with milk chocolate for a milder chocolate flavor. Alternatively, for a vegan alternative, opt for dairy-free dark chocolate.
• Sugar: For a deeper, caramel-like flavor, you can substitute granulated white sugar with coconut sugar or brown sugar. However, these substitutions may change the texture slightly.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: If you don’t have vanilla extract on hand, you can use the same amount of vanilla bean paste or scrape the seeds from a fresh vanilla bean.
• All-Purpose Flour: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for a gluten-free option. This allows you to maintain the texture without gluten.
• Instant Espresso Powder: If you’re sensitive to caffeine, you can substitute instant espresso powder with an equal amount of finely ground coffee or decaffeinated instant coffee.
• Dark Chocolate Chips: For a different flavor profile, you can use semi-sweet chocolate chips or even white chocolate chips.

Additions

• Nuts: Add a handful of chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the chocolate.
• Caramel Swirl: Drizzle some caramel sauce into the batter before baking for a sweet, gooey addition that pairs wonderfully with the salty pretzels.
• Dried Fruits: Incorporate dried fruits like cranberries, cherries, or raisins to introduce a chewy, tart element to balance the richness of the chocolate.
• Marshmallows: For an extra layer of indulgence, sprinkle mini marshmallows on top of the batter before baking. They will melt and create a gooey, sweet topping.
• Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of chili powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor and add a subtle warmth or spice to your brownies.
• Sea Salt: Sprinkle a light dusting of flaky sea salt on top of the brownies before baking to intensify the contrast between the sweet and salty elements.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and chocolate over low heat.

Stir in the cocoa powder and whisk until it fully dissolves in the warm mixture.

Remove from heat, then stir in the sugar and vanilla.

Add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition.

Gently incorporate the flour, instant espresso powder, and dark chocolate chips.

Gently crush half of the pretzels and incorporate the pretzel crumbs into the chocolate mixture with a rubber spatula.

Pour batter into the prepared baking dish.

Neatly place pretzels atop the brownie mix for a delicious pretzel crust.

Bake the brownies for 40-45 minutes until they are mostly set but still slightly gooey in the center.

Begin checking for doneness at the 35-minute mark using a toothpick. It should come out clean with a few moist crumbs, not completely dry.

Let the brownies cool thoroughly before slicing and serving

Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Always ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend more easily and results in a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix: After adding the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make your brownies tough rather than tender and fudgy.
• Use Quality Chocolate: Use high-quality chocolate and cocoa powder for the best flavor. This significantly impacts the overall taste of your brownies.
• Let Them Cool: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting. They will continue to set, and slicing too early can cause them to fall apart.
• Lining the Pan: Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang. This makes it easier to lift the brownies out for cutting.
• Test for Doneness: Use a toothpick or skewer to test the brownies. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but not be overly wet or completely dry.
• Storing Brownies: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
• Warm Before Serving: Warm the brownies slightly before serving for an extra indulgent treat. This enhances the gooey, chocolatey texture.
• Add-Ins at the End: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or other mix-ins at the end of the batter preparation to ensure even distribution.
• Avoid Overbaking: Brownies should be slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven. They will firm up as they cool, ensuring a moist and fudgy texture.

Serving Suggestions

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the rich, chocolatey flavor of the brownies, creating a classic and indulgent dessert.
2. Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds a delightful contrast to the dense texture of the brownies. You can also flavor it with a hint of vanilla or a dash of cinnamon.
3. Fresh Berries: Serve the brownies with a handful of fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. The tartness of the berries complements the sweetness of the brownies.
4. Caramel or Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some warm caramel or melted chocolate sauce over the brownies for an extra layer of decadence.
5. Espresso or Coffee: A strong cup of espresso or freshly brewed coffee can enhance the deep chocolate flavors in the brownies, making for a delightful combination.
6. Mint Leaves: Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing twist that adds color to your presentation.
7. Milk: A glass of cold milk is a simple yet perfect accompaniment, especially for kids or those who enjoy a classic pairing.
8. Nut Butter: Spread a thin layer of almond butter, peanut butter, or your favorite nut butter on top of each brownie piece for an added nutty flavor and creaminess.

These serving suggestions can elevate your brownie experience, offering a range of flavors and textures that complement the main dessert beautifully.

Storage & Reheating

To store your brownies, place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you wish to store them longer, you can refrigerate them, extending their shelf life to about a week. Ensure the container is well-sealed to prevent the brownies from drying out or absorbing refrigerator odors.

Can you freeze it?

Yes, you can freeze brownies for longer storage. To freeze, first allow the brownies to cool completely. Once cooled, wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring there are no exposed areas. Then place the wrapped brownies in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. This will prevent freezer burn and preserve their flavor.

Brownies can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature for a couple of hours.

How do you reheat it (if it is a warm recipe)?

To reheat brownies, you can use either a microwave or an oven. For a quick warm-up, place a single brownie on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. If reheating multiple brownies or if you prefer a more oven-fresh texture, preheat your oven to 300°F.

Place the brownies on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat in the oven for about 5-10 minutes or until they are warmed through. This will restore their gooey, chocolatey texture and enhance the flavor.

Recipe FAQ

Q: Can I add mix-ins to the brownie batter?  

A: Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins, such as chopped nuts, chocolate chips, marshmallows, or dried fruit. Just make sure to fold them into the batter at the end to ensure even distribution.

Q: What if I don’t have parchment paper for lining the pan?  

A: If you’re out of parchment paper, you can use aluminum foil or simply grease the pan generously with butter or non-stick spray. However, parchment paper is recommended for the easiest removal and clean-up.

Q: How do I make my brownies chewier?  

A: To achieve chewier brownies, try using a combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar. The molasses in brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness to the texture.

Q: Can I make these brownies gluten-free?  

A: Yes, you can make the brownies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s a 1:1 replacement ratio to maintain the correct consistency of the batter.

Q: How do I know if my brownies are overbaked?  

A: Overbaked brownies will be dry and crumby instead of moist and fudgy. To avoid this, start checking for doneness early. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs but not be overly wet or completely dry.

Q: What type of cocoa powder should I use?  

A: For the best flavor, use unsweetened cocoa powder. You can choose between natural cocoa powder for a slightly acidic taste or Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a smoother, less acidic flavor.

Q: How can I adjust the recipe for high-altitude baking?  

A: High altitude can affect baking times and textures. You may need to reduce the sugar slightly and increase the flour. Also, consider baking at a slightly lower temperature and checking for doneness a few minutes earlier.