🍽️ Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Pan Line your 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides. This will be your lifesaver when it’s time to remove the bars—trust me on this one!

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Base In a large bowl, combine pretzel sticks and graham cracker crumbs. Mix until evenly distributed—this is where the magic texture begins.

Step 3: Add the Binding Pour melted butter over the pretzel mixture, then add brown sugar. Mix thoroughly until everything looks like delicious wet sand. The mixture should hold together when pressed.

Step 4: Press and Perfect Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan and press down firmly. Use the back of a measuring cup to create an even, compact layer. Don’t skip this step—a solid base means perfect bars!

Step 5: Make the Caramel Layer In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and half of the caramel sauce. Stir continuously for 3-5 minutes until heated through and smooth. Don’t let it boil!

Step 6: Layer the Luxury Pour the warm caramel mixture over your pressed base. Use a spatula to spread it evenly—every bite should have that caramel goodness.

Step 7: Chocolate Chip Heaven Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the caramel layer. Let them sit for a minute to soften slightly, then gently press them into the caramel with your spatula.

Step 8: Final Flourishes Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the chocolate chips, then finish with a generous sprinkle of sea salt. This is where these bars go from good to absolutely incredible!

Step 9: The Waiting Game Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, though overnight is even better. I know it’s torture to wait, but properly set bars are worth every minute.

Step 10: Cut and Celebrate Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut with a sharp knife into squares or rectangles, and watch as everyone’s eyes light up!