Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars Recipe
Introduction
Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars are a perfect blend of buttery crust, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate. These bars offer a delightful crunch with every bite and are easy to make for any occasion. Indulge in this sweet treat that combines simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dessert.
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 your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press this evenly into the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Step 3: Bake the crust for 10 to 12 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden.
- Step 4: Remove the crust from the oven and pour the caramel sauce over the warm crust, spreading it evenly.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the chocolate chunks and chopped nuts if using, evenly over the caramel layer.
- Step 6: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, until the caramel is bubbly.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven, sprinkle the chocolate chips on top, let them melt for a minute, then gently spread the melted chocolate.
- Step 8: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing them 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 flavors.
- Chill the bars before slicing to achieve neat, clean squares.
Storage
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the bars for 2 to 3 months. When reheating, allow to come to room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for a soft, 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 and chips with dark, milk, or white chocolate depending on your preference. Each will add a unique flavor to the bars.
Are the nuts necessary?
The nuts are optional but add a nice crunch and depth of flavor. You can omit them or replace them with seeds or dried fruit if preferred.
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Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
These Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars combine a buttery crumbly crust with a luscious caramel layer and rich chocolate toppings, finished with optional crunchy nuts and a touch of sea salt for an indulgent treat perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
Caramel Layer
- 1 cup caramel sauce
Toppings
- 1 cup chocolate chunks
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
- ¼ tsp sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease removal.
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and melted unsalted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Bake the Crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the crust for 10–12 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden, indicating it is partially cooked and firm.
- Add Caramel Layer: Remove the crust from the oven and immediately pour the caramel sauce evenly over the warm crust, spreading it carefully to cover the entire surface.
- Add Chocolate and Nuts: Sprinkle the chocolate chunks evenly over the caramel layer. If using, scatter the chopped nuts on top for added crunch and flavor.
- Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, allowing the caramel to bubble and the toppings to meld.
- Melt Chocolate Chips: Remove from the oven and quickly sprinkle the chocolate chips on top. Let the residual heat melt the chocolate chips, then gently spread them with a spatula for even coverage.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set the layers firmly before slicing into squares.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate chunks and chips for the best flavor and texture.
- Add a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for a delicious sweet-salty contrast.
- Include toasted nuts for extra crunch and nutty flavor, or omit for a nut-free version.
- Chill the bars in the refrigerator before slicing to achieve neat, clean squares.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 2–3 months for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Caramel bars, chocolate bars, dessert bars, homemade caramel chocolate bars, crunchy caramel bars
