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These Decadent Caramel Chocolate Bars are a rich, irresistible dessert with gooey caramel, chocolate, and a soft, cookie-like base. The layers of chocolate and crunchy nuts, surrounded by a luscious caramel center, make these bars an ideal treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing something to a potluck, or enjoying a sweet indulgence by yourself, these bars are sure to delight.

Caramel Chocolate Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars are a perfect balance of sweet, rich, and crunchy, combining the smoothness of caramel, the richness of chocolate, and the texture of nuts. The cookie dough base creates a soft, chewy center, while the caramel layer adds an extra depth of flavor. This dessert is easy to make and sure to become a favorite at any gathering. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit your taste!

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 cup packed brown sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

  • 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

For the Caramel Layer:

  • 14 oz caramel squares (unwrapped)

  • ⅓ cup heavy cream

  • 2-3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker caramel)

For the Garnish:

  • Sesame seeds, spring onions, sliced chilies (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:

  1. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

  2. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until well combined.

  3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.

  4. Add the Chocolate and Nuts: Stir in the chocolate chips and pecans (if using).

2. Prepare the Caramel:

  1. Melt the Caramel: In a saucepan, melt the caramel squares and heavy cream over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. If you want a thicker caramel layer, whisk in the cornstarch.

  2. Add Sweetener (Optional): Stir in honey or maple syrup to enhance the sweetness of the caramel if desired.

3. Assemble the Bars:

  1. Spread the Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Spread half of the cookie dough evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan.

  2. Bake the Base: Bake the dough for 10-12 minutes, or until it is lightly golden but not fully cooked through.

  3. Add the Caramel Layer: Remove the pan from the oven and pour the melted caramel over the partially baked dough, spreading it out evenly.

  4. Top with the Remaining Dough: Spoon the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer. It doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth—just drop spoonfuls over the caramel and spread gently.

  5. Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

4. Cool and Serve:

  1. Cool the Bars: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

  2. Serve and Enjoy: For extra decadence, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with extra caramel sauce. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped nuts if desired.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 12-16 bars (depending on the size of the bars)

  • Prep time: 20 minutes

  • Cook time: 30 minutes

  • Total time: 50 minutes

Variations and Substitutions

  • Add Other Nuts: Swap the pecans for walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts for a different flavor.

  • Use Dark Chocolate: For a more intense chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips or chunks instead of semi-sweet chocolate.

  • Vegan Option: Use dairy-free butter, maple syrup, and coconut cream to make these bars vegan-friendly.

  • Make It Salted: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the caramel layer before baking to create a sweet and salty contrast.

Storage and Freezing

  • Storage: Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

  • Freezing: To freeze, place the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of caramel squares?

Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce, but make sure it’s thick enough to create a solid layer. You may need to reduce it slightly to get the right consistency.

Can I make these bars without nuts?

Absolutely! You can omit the nuts or replace them with extra chocolate chips if you prefer a nut-free version.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars should be golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour to make these bars gluten-free.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before spreading it in the pan.

Conclusion

These Decadent Caramel Chocolate Bars are the perfect treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. The gooey caramel, rich chocolate, and soft, cookie-like base create a dessert experience that’s truly indulgent. Whether you’re serving these bars at a party, as a potluck treat, or just because, they’re sure to impress everyone. Give this recipe a try, and get ready for rave reviews!

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Caramel Chocolate Bars

Caramel Chocolate Bars

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  • Author: Chef sara
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12-16 bars (depending on the size of the bars)
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

These Decadent Caramel Chocolate Bars combine gooey caramel, rich chocolate, and a soft, chewy cookie base for an indulgent treat. Perfect for any occasion, these easy-to-make bars are topped with crunchy nuts and sure to impress at any gathering.

Ingredients

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

For the Caramel Layer

14 oz caramel squares (unwrapped)

⅓ cup heavy cream

2–3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)

1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker caramel)

Instructions

 Prepare the Cookie Dough:

  1. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

  2. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until well combined.

  3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.

  4. Add the Chocolate and Nuts: Stir in the chocolate chips and pecans (if using).

2. Prepare the Caramel Layer:

  1. Melt the Caramel: In a saucepan, melt the caramel squares and heavy cream over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth.

  2. Optional Sweetener: Stir in honey or maple syrup to enhance the sweetness of the caramel. If you want a thicker caramel, whisk in the cornstarch.

3. Assemble the Bars:

  1. Spread the Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Spread half of the cookie dough evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan.

  2. Bake the Base: Bake the dough for 10-12 minutes, or until it is lightly golden but not fully cooked through.

  3. Add the Caramel Layer: Remove the pan from the oven and pour the melted caramel over the partially baked dough, spreading it out evenly.

  4. Top with the Remaining Dough: Spoon the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer. It doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth—just drop spoonfuls over the caramel and spread gently.

  5. Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

4. Cool and Serve:

  1. Cool the Bars: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

  2. Serve and Enjoy: For extra decadence, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with extra caramel sauce. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped nuts if desired.

Notes

  • Add Other Nuts: Swap the pecans for walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts for a different flavor.
  • Use Dark Chocolate: For a more intense chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips or chunks instead of semi-sweet chocolate.
  • Vegan Option: Use dairy-free butter, maple syrup, and coconut cream to make these bars vegan-friendly.
  • Make It Salted: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the caramel layer before baking to create a sweet and salty contrast.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: dessert
  • Method: baking
  • Cuisine: American

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