Name: Chocolate Caramel Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 16
Ingredients: 2 cups all purpose flour; 1 ½ cups brown sugar; 1 cup butter, melted; 2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips; 1 package soft caramels (14 oz); ½ cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Chocolate Caramel Bars

Chocolate Caramel Bars combine a buttery crust, gooey caramel, and melted chocolate for a simple but impressive dessert. Easy to make and always a crowd pleaser.

There are days when you want a dessert that feels like a treat without being overly complicated. Chocolate Caramel Bars tick all the boxes. You get a chewy base, a gooey caramel center, and melted chocolate in every bite. It is the kind of sweet that pleases everyone at the table.

I made these bars for an afternoon coffee break and they disappeared faster than I expected. My wife cut them into small squares, and the kids kept sneaking back for more. The caramel was rich, the chocolate melted perfectly, and the cookie layer held it all together. Everyone agreed they were worth making again soon.

Recipes like this remind me why homemade baking is so rewarding. You know what goes in, you know the effort is minimal, and you know the results will put smiles on faces. These bars are perfect for a family gathering, a bake sale, or an everyday treat.

Questions You May Have About This Recipe

Do these bars need to be refrigerated?
No, they can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, they taste even better the next day as the caramel sets fully.

Can I use store bought caramel sauce?
Yes, but homemade or wrapped caramels melted with cream give a thicker layer.

What type of chocolate works best?
Semi sweet chocolate chips are the best choice for balance.

Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze in layers with parchment paper between them.

What You Need to Make Chocolate Caramel Bars

2 cups all purpose flour

1 ½ cups brown sugar

1 cup butter, melted

2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips

1 package soft caramels (14 oz)

½ cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

How to Make Chocolate Caramel Bars

Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking dish with parchment.

Mix flour, sugar, butter, vanilla, and salt until crumbly. Press half into the pan. Bake for 10 minutes.

Melt caramels with cream until smooth. Pour over the baked crust.

Sprinkle with chocolate chips.

Crumble the remaining crust mixture over the top and press lightly.

Bake another 15 minutes or until golden.

Cool completely before slicing.

Tips

Cut with a sharp knife while still slightly warm for cleaner slices.

A pinch of sea salt on top makes the caramel stand out.

Swap chocolate chips for chopped nuts if you want a crunchier texture.

Double the recipe if baking for a crowd.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect balance of chocolate and caramel. Everyone at work loved them.” Karen L.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Sweet and chewy. My only tip is to line the pan well, they are sticky.” Alan R.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These bars were a hit at our family gathering. None were left by the end of the night.” Susan M.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Easy to follow recipe and the bars tasted like something from a bakery.” Brenda C.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great flavor and texture. I used dark chocolate instead and it was delicious.” Peter H.

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