The Triple Chocolate Caramel Bar is a luxurious layered dessert featuring a buttery chocolate crust, a smooth caramel center, and a velvety chocolate ganache topping. It’s the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers who crave both flavor and texture in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Each layer of this dessert contributes something special: the crisp chocolate base provides structure, the caramel adds rich sweetness, and the ganache delivers intense chocolate creaminess. It’s ideal for parties, gift boxes, or a comforting homemade treat.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chocolate cookie crumbs
- Melted butter
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Brown sugar
- Light corn syrup
- Unsalted butter
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Heavy cream
- Sea salt (optional for topping)
directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.
- Mix chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter. Press into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes. Let cool.
- In a saucepan, combine condensed milk, brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Stir constantly until thickened and golden.
- Pour caramel over the cooled crust. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Heat cream and pour over chocolate chips to make ganache. Stir until smooth.
- Spread ganache over caramel layer. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired.
- Chill until firm. Slice into bars before serving.
Servings and timing
Makes 12–16 bars. Preparation takes 20 minutes, plus 30 minutes cooking and at least 1 hour chilling time.
Variations
- Nutty Version: Add chopped pecans or hazelnuts between the caramel and ganache layers.
- Espresso Infusion: Mix espresso powder into the ganache for a mocha twist.
- White Chocolate Topping: Use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet for contrast.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust.
storage/reheating
Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for best texture. Freezing is also possible for up to 1 month.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel?
Yes, but homemade caramel provides better flavor and consistency.
Why is my caramel too runny?
It likely needs to be cooked longer. Look for a thick, golden texture before removing from heat.
How do I cut the bars cleanly?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before each cut.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut condensed milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free chocolate for substitutions.
Will this work in a 9×13 pan?
Yes, but the layers will be thinner. Adjust ingredient quantities accordingly.
Can I add a cookie layer on top?
Yes, you can add crushed cookies over the ganache before chilling.
How do I prevent the crust from crumbling?
Press the crust firmly into the pan and chill before adding caramel.
What’s the best chocolate to use?
High-quality baking chocolate or couverture chocolate provides the best taste.
Can I add sea salt to the caramel instead?
Yes, salted caramel enhances the richness and balances the sweetness.
Can I microwave the ganache instead of using the stovetop?
Yes, microwave the cream until hot, then pour over the chocolate and stir until smooth.
Conclusion
Rich, decadent, and utterly irresistible, the Triple Chocolate Caramel Bar is a show-stopping dessert that combines the best of chocolate and caramel. Perfect for gifting or enjoying at home, it’s an elegant yet simple treat that never fails to impress.
Print
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake + Baked base
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Triple Chocolate Caramel Bars are layer after layer of indulgence—crunchy chocolate cookie base, gooey caramel center, and a thick layer of melted chocolate with a swirl on top.
Ingredients
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1 1/2 cups crushed chocolate cookies
-
1/4 cup melted butter
-
1 can sweetened condensed milk
-
20 soft caramels
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2 tbsp heavy cream
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1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
-
1/2 cup milk or white chocolate (for swirl)
Instructions
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Mix crushed cookies and butter, press into lined 8×8 pan. Bake at 350°F for 10 mins.
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Melt caramels with cream, pour over crust. Chill 15 mins.
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Melt semisweet chocolate, pour over caramel. Drizzle with white chocolate and swirl.
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Chill until set, then slice into bars.
Notes
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Add sea salt flakes for a salted caramel version.
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Store chilled for firm texture.
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Use different chocolates for custom combos.
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