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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
