Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars Recipe
Introduction
These Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars are a delightful combination of buttery crust, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, they offer a wonderful mix of textures and flavors that everyone will love.
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
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Mix the flour, brown sugar, and melted butter together until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
- Step 3: Bake the crust for 10–12 minutes until it turns lightly golden.
- Step 4: Pour the caramel sauce over the warm crust and spread it out evenly.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the chocolate chunks and chopped nuts (if using) evenly over the caramel layer.
- Step 6: Bake for another 10 minutes, until the caramel is bubbling.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips on top. Let them melt slightly, then gently spread the melted chocolate.
- Step 8: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Tips & Variations
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and texture.
- Add a pinch of sea salt or toasted nuts to enhance the flavor profile.
- Chill the bars before slicing to achieve clean, neat squares.
Storage
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2–3 months. To reheat, allow thawing at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for a gooey treat.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute chocolate chunks with your favorite type of chocolate such as milk, dark, or white chocolate according to your preference.
Are chopped nuts necessary?
No, chopped nuts are optional and can be omitted if you prefer a nut-free version or if there are allergy concerns.
PrintCaramel Chocolate Crunch Bars Recipe
Delight in these irresistible Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars featuring a buttery crust topped with luscious caramel, melty chocolate chunks and chips, and optional crunchy nuts. Perfectly baked to achieve a golden base and bubbly caramel layer, these bars combine rich flavors and textures for a delicious treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
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 the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal of the bars.
- Prepare the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and melted unsalted butter. Mix until the mixture becomes crumbly and evenly combined. Press this crumbly dough firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
- Bake the crust: Place the pan in the oven and bake the crust alone for 10 to 12 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden. This will create a sturdy base for your caramel layer.
- Add the caramel: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately pour the caramel sauce evenly over the warm crust. Spread it gently with a spatula to cover the entire surface.
- Add chocolate and nuts: Sprinkle chocolate chunks evenly over the caramel layer, and if using, scatter the chopped nuts on top. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt to enhance flavor.
- Bake again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the caramel begins to bubble, signifying it is heated through and set.
- Add chocolate chips: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips on top of the hot caramel mixture. Allow the chips to melt, then gently spread the melted chocolate into a smooth layer over the bars.
- Cool completely: Let the bars cool in the pan completely at room temperature. This helps the layers set firmly.
- Slice and serve: Once cooled and firm, use the parchment to lift the bars from the pan and slice into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate chunks and chips for richer flavor and better melting.
- Add a pinch of sea salt or toasted nuts for an extra flavor and texture boost.
- Chilling the bars before slicing helps achieve neat, clean squares without crumbling.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for 2 to 3 months for longer storage.
Keywords: caramel bars, chocolate bars, caramel chocolate crunch, dessert bars, homemade dessert, easy dessert recipe
