Get ready to experience a dessert that's about to revolutionize your sweet tooth cravings! These Chewy Chocolate Caramel Bars are not just another ordinary treat - they're a symphony of rich, gooey chocolate and luxurious caramel that will transport you to dessert heaven with just one bite. Imagine a buttery, crumbly base topped with molten chocolate and swirls of golden caramel that create a mesmerizing marbled effect. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises to deliver an irresistible dessert that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in the cold unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the flour mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a compact base layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips evenly across the hot crust. Let the chips sit for 2-3 minutes to soften and melt slightly.
- Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, gently spread the melted chocolate chips to create an even layer covering the entire surface.
- Drizzle caramel sauce in a zigzag pattern over the melted chocolate layer, creating an attractive marbled effect.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the caramel is bubbling and the chocolate looks glossy.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan at room temperature, approximately 1 hour.
- Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 16 equal squares using a sharp knife.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Tips
- Use cold butter and work quickly when creating the crust to ensure a crumbly, tender texture.
- Allow chocolate chips to sit and melt naturally on the hot crust for smooth, even coverage.
- For a more intense caramel flavor, use high-quality caramel sauce or make your own from scratch.
- Use parchment paper overhang for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
- Let bars cool completely to achieve the perfect chewy texture and clean cut.
- For extra indulgence, sprinkle sea salt over the caramel before final baking for a sweet-salty contrast.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent bars from drying out.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 25mg
