Chocolate caramel bars are a decadent treat with layers of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate. Perfect for parties, gifts, or satisfying your sweet tooth, these bars are as beautiful as they are delicious. With simple ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dessert in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A delightful combination of textures: buttery, gooey, and creamy.
- Perfect for special occasions or a homemade gift.
- Easy to make with everyday ingredients.
- Customizable with toppings or flavor twists.
- They store well, making them ideal for make-ahead treats.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Heavy cream
- Salt
- Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- Optional toppings: sea salt, crushed nuts, or sprinkles
Directions
- Prepare the shortbread layer:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix flour, softened butter, and granulated sugar until a crumbly dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared dish and bake for 15–20 minutes until lightly golden.
- Make the caramel layer:
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and a pinch of salt.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and turns a golden caramel color (about 8–10 minutes).
- Pour the caramel over the baked shortbread layer and spread evenly. Allow to cool completely.
- Add the chocolate layer:
- Melt chocolate chips with heavy cream in a microwave or double boiler until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the cooled caramel layer and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle with sea salt or other toppings if desired.
- Chill and slice:
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours or until fully set.
- Once firm, slice into bars or squares and serve.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 16 bars (depending on size)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cooling Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Variations
- Nutty caramel bars: Add chopped pecans or almonds to the caramel layer for extra crunch.
- Salted caramel twist: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate layer for a sweet and salty flavor.
- Dark chocolate lovers: Use dark chocolate chips for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Peanut butter layer: Add a thin layer of peanut butter between the caramel and chocolate.
- Holiday flair: Top with crushed candy canes or festive sprinkles.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: Not necessary, as these bars are best served cold or at room temperature.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought caramel?
Yes, but homemade caramel offers the best flavor and texture.
2. What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?
Use a sharp knife, warm it under hot water, and wipe it clean between cuts.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix.
4. What size baking dish should I use?
An 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch dish works well for this recipe.
5. Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, but the bars may be sweeter. Adjust the caramel’s sweetness if needed.
6. How do I prevent the caramel from sticking to the pan?
Line the baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it for easy removal.
7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a 9×13-inch baking dish and adjust baking time slightly.
8. Why is my caramel too hard or too soft?
Overcooking caramel makes it hard; undercooking leaves it too soft. Cook until thickened and golden.
9. Can I add other toppings?
Absolutely! Crushed pretzels, toffee bits, or coconut flakes are great options.
10. Are these bars suitable for gifting?
Yes, they make excellent homemade gifts when wrapped in decorative packaging.
Conclusion
Chocolate caramel bars are a luxurious dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make. With their layers of buttery shortbread, silky caramel, and rich chocolate, they’re sure to become a favorite. Customize them with toppings or variations and enjoy a treat that’s as versatile as it is indulgent. Try this recipe today and savor every bite!
Print
Chocolate Caramel Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in these decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars! Featuring a buttery biscuit base, a gooey caramel layer, and a rich chocolate topping, these bars are the ultimate sweet treat for any occasion. Perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 cup (120g) crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 can (14 oz/397g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons golden syrup or corn syrup
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 cup (175g) semisweet or milk chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, for a softer toppin
Instructions
- Prepare the Base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar until combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of an 8×8-inch (20x20cm) baking pan lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- Make the Caramel Layer:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, butter, brown sugar, and golden syrup.
- Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and turns golden brown (about 8–10 minutes).
- Pour the caramel over the cooled biscuit base and spread evenly. Let it cool and set for 30 minutes.
- Add the Chocolate Topping:
- Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, or use a double boiler. Add heavy cream for a smoother topping, if desired.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer and spread evenly.
- Chill and Slice:
- Refrigerate the bars for 1–2 hours until fully set.
- Use a sharp knife to slice into squares or bars.
Notes
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Add a pinch of sea salt on top for a salted caramel twist.
- Swap chocolate chips for dark chocolate or white chocolate for variations.
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