Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars Recipe
Delight in these decadent Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars featuring a buttery crumbly base, luscious caramel layer, and a melty chocolate topping with an optional nutty crunch. Perfectly baked to golden perfection and ideal for chocolate and caramel lovers seeking a rich, buttery treat.
- Author: Lila
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Base
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling and Topping
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup chocolate chunks
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
- ¼ tsp sea salt (optional)
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Make the Crust: Combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and melted unsalted butter in a mixing bowl. Stir until the mixture becomes crumbly and evenly combined. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust layer.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until it turns lightly golden brown, creating a sturdy and flavorful base.
- Add Caramel Layer: Remove the crust from the oven and immediately pour the caramel sauce evenly over the warm crust. Use a spatula to spread the caramel smoothly across the surface.
- Add Chocolate and Nuts: Sprinkle the chocolate chunks and chopped nuts evenly over the caramel layer. If using sea salt, sprinkle it at this stage for a subtle salty contrast.
- Second Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes until the caramel is bubbly and the chocolate starts melting into the caramel.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips on top. Allow them to melt slightly, then gently spread with a spatula to create a smooth chocolate topping.
- Cool Completely: Let the bars cool completely at room temperature so the layers set firmly, making them easier to cut.
- Slice and Serve: Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper, slice into squares, and serve.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate chunks and chips for the best rich flavor and melt consistency.
- Add a pinch of sea salt or toasted nuts for enhanced flavor and texture.
- For cleaner bar slices, chill the bars in the refrigerator before cutting.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Freeze leftover bars for up to 2–3 months, thaw before serving.
Keywords: Caramel bars, Chocolate bars, Crunch bars, Baked dessert, Caramel chocolate bars