Fiery pretzel bars with cheesy muffin texture and cayenne kick; crunchy, savory, and perfect for parties.
# Components:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
08 - 1 cup Flamin Hot flavored pretzels, roughly chopped
09 - 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
→ Wet Ingredients
10 - 2 large eggs
11 - 1/2 cup buttermilk
12 - 1/4 cup vegetable oil
13 - 1 teaspoon hot sauce
14 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Topping
15 - 1/3 cup Flamin Hot flavored pretzels, crushed
16 - 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
17 - optional: pinch extra cayenne pepper or chili flakes
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
03 - Fold in the chopped Flamin Hot pretzels and shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
04 - In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, hot sauce, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.
05 - Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until the batter is just combined; avoid overmixing.
06 - Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
07 - Sprinkle crushed pretzels and shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. For enhanced spiciness, add extra cayenne pepper or chili flakes as desired.
08 - Bake in the center of the oven for 18 to 22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden and crisp.
09 - Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Lift out using parchment paper and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into 12 bars for serving.
