Grandma Doris always called this her 4 ingredient sweet and salty secret. I finally learned her trick and the pan disappears from the picnic table in

it on the stovetop for a few minutes to thicken slightly before using; a thicker sauce sets better and won’t run when you cut the bars. To make neat slices, use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry between cuts.

Close-up of a sliced bar showing the pretzel, caramel, and chocolate layers

Food safety tips: Always handle the hot glass casserole dish with dry oven mitts and place it on a heatproof surface to prevent burns or thermal shock. Let the bars cool before refrigerating so you’re not placing very hot glass directly into a cold environment, which could cause the dish to crack. Store the bars covered in the refrigerator, especially in warm weather, to keep the caramel from becoming overly soft and to maintain quality; discard if they develop any off odors, flavors, or visible mold. If using homemade caramel, follow a reliable recipe and