Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars Recipe

Introduction

Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars combine a buttery, crumbly crust with a luscious caramel layer and rich chocolate topping for a truly irresistible treat. These bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a delightful mix of textures and flavors.

A stack of three thick dessert bars on a white plate, each bar made of multiple layers: a crumbly, golden oatmeal base, a middle layer of gooey caramel, and topped with broken pieces of milk chocolate and scattered pretzel bits. The chocolate has a smooth, shiny texture, and the caramel looks soft and sticky, some of it dripping slightly down the sides. The white plate sits on a white marbled surface, with a blurred modern kitchen in the background featuring white cabinets and drawers, a small green plant, and various white kitchenware. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup caramel sauce
  • 1 cup chocolate chunks
  • ½ cup chocolate chips
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
  • ¼ tsp sea salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and melted butter until the mixture is crumbly, then press it evenly into the prepared pan.
  3. Step 3: Bake the crust for 10–12 minutes until it turns lightly golden.
  4. Step 4: Remove the crust from the oven and pour the caramel sauce over the warm base, spreading it evenly.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle the chocolate chunks and chopped nuts (if using) evenly over the caramel layer.
  6. Step 6: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes until the caramel is bubbling.
  7. Step 7: Remove the bars from the oven, sprinkle the chocolate chips on top, and allow them to melt before gently spreading for a smooth finish.
  8. Step 8: Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares to ensure clean cuts.

Tips & Variations

  • Use high-quality chocolate for the richest flavor and best melting texture.
  • Add a pinch of sea salt or toasted nuts to enhance the contrast of sweet and savory flavors.
  • Chill the bars before slicing to achieve neat, firm squares that hold their shape.

Storage

Store the caramel chocolate crunch bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for 2 to 3 months, thawing at room temperature before serving. Reheat slightly if you prefer the chocolate warm and gooey.

How to Serve

A stack of three thick square bars sits centered on a white plate over a white marbled surface. Each bar has three visible layers: a crumbly, light golden-brown base with oat texture, a middle layer of smooth, shiny caramel that drips slightly down the sides, and a top layer loaded with broken pieces of milk chocolate and chunks of pretzel, giving a mix of dark brown chocolate and tan pretzel bits. Some caramel glistens between the toppings, and a few small crumbs and chocolate pieces lie scattered near the stack on the plate. The background shows a clean kitchen with white cabinets, a blurred white bowl, and a small green plant. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works well and saves time. For a richer taste, consider warming it slightly before pouring over the crust.

What type of nuts work best in this recipe?

Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds add a lovely crunch and complement the caramel and chocolate flavors nicely, but you can use your favorite nut or omit them entirely if preferred.

Print
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Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars Recipe


  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x

Description

Indulge in these irresistible Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars featuring a buttery crumbly crust, a luscious layer of gooey caramel, and a delightful topping of rich chocolate chunks and chips, with an optional crunch from chopped nuts. Perfectly baked to create a satisfyingly chewy and crunchy texture, these bars are a delicious treat for chocolate and caramel lovers alike.


Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

Filling and Topping

  • 1 cup caramel sauce
  • 1 cup chocolate chunks
  • ½ cup chocolate chips
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
  • ¼ tsp sea salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars later.
  2. Prepare Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir the mixture until it forms a crumbly consistency. Then evenly press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
  3. Bake Crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the crust for 10 to 12 minutes, or until it is lightly golden, indicating it is set and ready for the caramel layer.
  4. Add Caramel Layer: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately pour the caramel sauce over the warm crust. Spread the caramel evenly across the surface with a spatula for consistent flavor in each bite.
  5. Top with Chocolate and Nuts: Sprinkle the chocolate chunks and chopped nuts, if using, evenly over the caramel layer. Optionally, add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavors.
  6. Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbling, signaling that it has heated through and melded with the toppings.
  7. Add Chocolate Chips: Remove the bars from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips on top. Let them sit for a few minutes to melt, then gently spread the melted chocolate evenly over the surface.
  8. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature to let the layers set firmly. Once cooled, cut the bars into squares for serving.
  9. Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container. For longer preservation, you may freeze them for up to 2 to 3 months.

Notes

  • Use high-quality caramel sauce and chocolate for the best flavor and texture.
  • Adding a pinch of sea salt or toasted nuts enhances the flavor and adds texture contrast.
  • Chill the bars before slicing to achieve neat, clean squares without crumbling.
  • Freezing the bars extends shelf life and maintains freshness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: caramel bars, chocolate caramel bars, crunchy dessert bars, chocolate bars, caramel chocolate recipe, easy dessert bars

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