The Perfect Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Mouthwatering chocolate chip caramel bars dance between sweet and decadent textures that promise pure indulgence.

Layers of gooey caramel weave through rich chocolate morsels in a symphony of flavor.

Rich buttery notes complement each crumbly bite with unexpected depth.

My grandmother’s secret technique ensures a perfect balance of crisp edges and soft centers.

Melted chocolate cascades between golden-brown cookie layers, creating irresistible visual appeal.

Warm from the oven, these bars deliver comfort in every single square.

When you want something extraordinary that feels like a culinary hug, this recipe will become your absolute favorite.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for these Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars?

The key ingredients include flour, brown and white sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, chocolate chips, walnuts, caramel candies, and heavy cream.

• Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?

Yes, you can replace walnuts with pecans or almonds, use dark or milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet, and swap regular caramel for salted caramel for a different flavor profile.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a slightly soft center. The bars will continue to set as they cool, so avoid overbaking.

• Is it necessary to use both brown and white sugar?

Using both sugars creates a more complex flavor and helps achieve a chewy, rich texture in the bars. Brown sugar adds moisture and depth, while white sugar provides sweetness and helps with caramelization.

Reasons To Love Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars

• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect dessert that delights everyone with its rich chocolate and gooey caramel layers, making it an instant hit at gatherings.
• Easy Baking Adventure: Beginner-friendly recipe requiring minimal baking skills, with straightforward steps that even novice bakers can master confidently.
• Versatile Treat: Adaptable dessert suitable for potlucks, family celebrations, afternoon snacks, or unexpected sweet cravings without complex preparation.
• Indulgent Comfort: Combines classic chocolate chip cookie goodness with luxurious caramel swirls, creating a decadent experience that feels both nostalgic and special.

Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Ingredient Guide

• Flour: A soft and powdery staple for baking.
• Salt: A tiny flavor enhancer.
• Baking Soda: A leavening agent for lightness.

• Brown Sugar: A rich and moist sweetener.
• White Sugar: A classic sweet ingredient.
• Caramel Candy: A gooey and sweet treat.

• Butter: A creamy and rich dairy product.
• Egg: A binding protein for the recipe.
• Egg Yolk: An extra rich and creamy element.
• Vanilla Extract: A classic flavor booster.
• Chocolate Chips: Small morsels of sweet chocolate.
• Walnuts: Crunchy and nutty pieces.

• Heavy Cream: A rich and smooth dairy liquid.

Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars How-To

Step 1: Warm up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 325°F.

Grab your 9×13 inch baking pan and give it a generous butter massage to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Dry Mixture

• Flour
• Salt
• Baking soda

Give them a quick whirl to combine and set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

• Melted butter
• Brown sugar
• White sugar

Whip these until they’re super smooth.

Crack in the egg and extra egg yolk, then splash in some vanilla extract.

Mix until everything looks happy together.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Don’t overmix – just blend until they’re friends.

• Chocolate chips
• Chopped walnuts

Step 5: Prepare the Caramel Goodness

Zap the caramel candies and heavy cream in the microwave.

Stir until you’ve got a silky, dreamy caramel sauce.

Step 6: Layer the Deliciousness

Press half the cookie dough into the pan like you’re creating a delicious foundation.

Pour the warm caramel sauce all over, then dot the remaining cookie dough on top in cute little spoonfuls.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

The bars should look golden and smell like heaven.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Let the bars chill completely in the pan.

This is the ultimate test of patience!

Once cooled, slice into squares and prepare for total taste bud bliss.

Helpful Tips For Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars

• Microwave caramel and cream in short bursts, stirring frequently to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, pourable texture.
• Use an offset spatula to spread the first dough layer evenly, ensuring a uniform base for the caramel and top cookie layer.
• Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of the bars, allowing them to cool completely before slicing.
• Swap walnuts with pecans or almonds, or add dried cranberries for a unique flavor twist that complements the chocolate and caramel.
• Check bars at 25 minutes; they should be golden around edges but slightly soft in the center, as they'll continue setting while cooling.

Save And Serve Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Later

• Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing the caramel from becoming too soft.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer preservation.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to soften the caramel and restore their gooey texture.
• For best taste, enjoy bars slightly warm, which helps enhance the chocolate and caramel flavors.

Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Pairing Picks

• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The rich chocolate and caramel bars find their perfect match in a scoop of smooth, cold vanilla ice cream. The cool, velvety texture contrasts beautifully with the warm, gooey dessert.
• Complement with Robust Coffee: Brew a strong, dark roast coffee that cuts through the sweetness of the bars. The bitter notes balance the caramel's richness and enhance the chocolate's depth.
• Match with Salted Caramel Latte: This drink echoes the caramel in the dessert while adding a sophisticated twist. The salt element highlights the bars' complex flavor profile and provides a delightful taste contrast.
• Serve with Dessert Wine: A sweet port or moscato creates a luxurious pairing. The wine's fruity undertones and gentle sweetness harmonize perfectly with the chocolate and caramel elements.

Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Style Ideas

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Caramel Chocolate Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of eggs, select dairy-free chocolate chips, and create caramel sauce using coconut milk and maple syrup.
• Nut-Free Option: Remove walnuts and substitute with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch, maintaining the same texture and flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of white and brown sugars, and select dark chocolate with minimal sugar content to reduce overall sweetness.

Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Sweet layers of rich caramel and classic chocolate chips meld together in these irresistible chocolate chip caramel bars. Gooey, buttery goodness creates a mouthwatering dessert that will delight anyone craving pure indulgence.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2 1/8 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar

Wet Ingredients:

• 12 tablespoons (170 grams) butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) heavy cream

Mix-ins and Topping:

• 2 cups chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 10 ounces (283 grams) caramel candy

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by adjusting the temperature to 325°F and thoroughly coating the 9×13 inch baking vessel with a thin layer of grease to prevent sticking.
2. Combine the dry ingredients – flour, salt, and baking soda – in a mixing bowl, creating a uniform powder mixture. Set this aside for later integration.
3. Create a rich, creamy base by whisking melted butter with brown and white sugars until the texture becomes smooth and slightly glossy.
4. Enhance the mixture by incorporating whole egg, additional egg yolk, and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to develop a cohesive liquid foundation.
5. Gently fold the previously prepared dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring minimally to maintain a light texture. Delicately introduce chocolate chips and chopped walnuts throughout the dough.
6. Transform caramel candies into a luxurious sauce by microwaving them with heavy cream, stirring consistently until achieving a silky, pourable consistency.
7. Distribute approximately half the cookie dough across the prepared pan, creating an even base layer. Cascade the molten caramel evenly over this foundation.
8. Artfully scatter remaining dough portions across the caramel surface, creating a rustic, textured appearance.
9. Place the pan in the preheated oven, allowing the bars to bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and set.
10. Remove from oven and permit complete cooling within the pan before slicing into decadent bars.

Notes

• Perfectly caramelize sugar by stirring constantly to prevent burning and achieve smooth, golden liquid.
• Ensure even dough distribution by using a spatula or clean hands to press the first layer gently and create an even base before adding caramel.
• Opt for room temperature ingredients like eggs and butter to promote better mixing and consistent texture in the cookie dough.
• Allow bars to cool completely to help them set properly, which prevents crumbling and helps achieve clean, precise cutting lines.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg