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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Combine the dry ingredients – flour, salt, and baking soda – in a mixing bowl, creating a uniform powder mixture. Set this aside for later integration.
- Create a rich, creamy base by whisking melted butter with brown and white sugars until the texture becomes smooth and slightly glossy.
- Enhance the mixture by incorporating whole egg, additional egg yolk, and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to develop a cohesive liquid foundation.
- 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.
- Transform caramel candies into a luxurious sauce by microwaving them with heavy cream, stirring consistently until achieving a silky, pourable consistency.
- Distribute approximately half the cookie dough across the prepared pan, creating an even base layer. Cascade the molten caramel evenly over this foundation.
- Artfully scatter remaining dough portions across the caramel surface, creating a rustic, textured appearance.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven, allowing the bars to bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and set.
- 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