Buttery Pretzel Chocolate Cake starts with a chocolate cake mix, combined with simple ingredients, and then is topped with chocolate chips, crushed buttery pretzels, and a caramel drizzle. Serve it with a side or topping of ice cream.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
It is soft and moist, has a lovely salty pretzel crunch on top, and takes just 9 ingredients and 6 easy steps.
Substitutions
Instead of crushed pretzels, omit the butter and add chopped pecans, peanuts, or walnuts.
Pro Tips
Store leftovers in an air-tight container.
This cake is best eaten on the first day or two. The pretzels will soften a little more each day.
How to make Chocolate Pretzel Cake
For the cake:
Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2 – In a large bowl, add applesauce, 4 tablespoons of melted butter, milk, and eggs, and mix until smooth.
Step 3 – Add cake mix and mix until just combined. Do not to over-mix.
Step 4 – Spray the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray and pour the cake batter into it.
For the topping:
Step 1 – In a separate bowl, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter, then stir in the crushed pretzels until they are well coated.
Step 2 – Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top of the cake batter, followed by the pretzel bits, and then drizzle the caramel over the top.
Step 3 – Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes.
You may also enjoy
- 3 Ingredient Apple Dump Cake
- Lemon Cake with Blueberry Filling
- Blueberry Brownies
- Banana Oat Bars
- Banana Split Cake
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Buttery Pretzel Chocolate Cake Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 ¼ cups applesauce
- 4 Tablespoons melted butter
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
For the topping:
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 cup crushed pretzels
- 10 ounces dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup Caramel sauce
Instructions
For the cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large mixing bowl, add applesauce, 4 tablespoons of melted butter, milk, and eggs, and mix until smooth.
- Add cake mix and mix until just combined. Do not to over-mix.
- Spray the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray and pour the cake batter into it.
For the topping:
- In a bowl, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter, then stir in the crushed pretzels until they are well coated.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top of the cake batter, followed by the broken pretzel pieces, and then drizzle the caramel over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes.
Notes
- This cake is best eaten on the first day or two. The pretzels will soften a little more each day.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Nutrition
Hi there, and a warm welcome! I’m Zona House, and my heart truly lies in the world of recipes.
I believe in simple, satisfying meals, so let’s make cooking enjoyable and delicious together! Eat, drink, and savor every moment!
Zona House
Sunday 12th of April 2026
This cake has a pairing of sweet chocolate cake and crunchy, salty pretzels!