Recipe

How to Make Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Pinwheels

By Allie Koestler at University of Michigan

If you’re extremely indecisive and can never decide if you’re in the mood for something salty or something sweet, now you don’t have to pick. This dessert combines chocolate, caramel and pretzels, satisfying a wide-range of cravings.

The process is a little messy, but with only six ingredients, the end result is well worth it. The pinwheels end up looking so impressive that people will think the process was much more complicated than it actually is, but don’t worry. The reality of this recipe’s simplicty is a secret that’s safe between you and me.

Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Pinwheels

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 minutes
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Servings: 18
  • Medium
Ingredients
  • 3 cup crushed pretzels
  • 2 cup crispy rice cereal
  • 10 ounces marshmallows
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 13 ounces spreadable caramel
  • 11.5 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • Non-stick Cooking Spray

Photo by Allie Koestler

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 300˚F.

Step 2

Put the pretzels in a bag and crush them with your hands or with a rolling pin.

Photo by Allie Koestler

Step 3

Combine the cereal and the crushed pretzels in a large bowl.

Photo by Allie Koestler

Step 4

Melt the marshmallows and the butter in the microwave for two minutes using a separate bowl, and stir the mixture halfway.

Photo by Allie Koestler

Step 5

Combine the cereal, crushed pretzels and melted marshmallows in one bowl.

Photo by Allie Koestler

Step 6

Mix well.

Photo by Allie Koestler

Step 7

Arrange a baking sheet with parchment paper, and spray the paper with non-stick cooking spray.

Photo by Allie Koestler

Step 8

Take the marshmallow mixture out of the bowl, placing it onto the baking sheet.

Photo by Allie Koestler

Step 9

Spray an additional sheet of parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray, and lay the sprayed side on top of the marshmallow mixture.

Photo by Allie Koestler

Step 10

Roll out the mixture with a rolling pin until it is spread thin, removing the parchment paper after rolling.

Photo by Allie Koestler

Step 11

Spread caramel on top of the marshmallow mixture.

Photo by Allie Koestler

Step 12

Pour chocolate chips evenly over the caramel.

Photo by Allie Koestler

Step 13

Bake the mixture for two minutes or until the chocolate is melted enough to be spread.

#SpoonTip: Keep an eye on the mixture because you don’t want to keep it in the oven for too long, or the cereal will start to melt.

Photo by Allie Koestler

Step 14

Tightly roll the mixture, like a canoli, peeling back the parchment paper as you roll.

Photo by Allie Koestler

Step 15

Cover the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for two or three hours until it’s firm.

Photo by Allie Koestler

Step 16

Remove the parchment paper and plastic wrap and cut it into slices.

Photo by Allie Koestler

Craving more sweet and salty recipes? Check these out: