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
Scale
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
