Fiery bars blend cheddar, spicy pretzels, and a soft muffin texture for a crave-worthy, crunchy treat.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
02 - ½ cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 - ½ teaspoon baking soda
05 - ½ teaspoon salt
06 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
08 - 1 cup Flamin Hot flavored pretzels, roughly chopped
09 - ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
→ Wet Ingredients
10 - 2 large eggs
11 - ½ cup buttermilk
12 - ¼ cup vegetable oil
13 - 1 teaspoon hot sauce
14 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Topping
15 - ⅓ cup Flamin Hot flavored pretzels, crushed
16 - ¼ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
17 - Optional: pinch of extra cayenne or chili flakes
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, extending paper up the sides for easy removal.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper until evenly mixed.
03 - Fold in the chopped Flamin Hot pretzels and shredded sharp cheddar cheese into dry ingredients.
04 - In a separate bowl, beat eggs, then add buttermilk, vegetable oil, hot sauce, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
05 - Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain tender texture.
06 - Transfer batter to the lined pan, spreading evenly.
07 - Scatter crushed pretzels and shredded cheddar over the surface. For additional heat, add cayenne or chili flakes if desired.
08 - Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center exits clean and the top is golden and crisp.
09 - Let bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Lift from pan using parchment, transfer to a wire rack, cool completely, and slice into 12 bars.
