Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s pure joy in every bite, look no further than Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars. Imagine chewy cookie layers, pools of gooey caramel, and melty chocolate chips all mingling together in one glorious treat. These bars are a showstopper for parties, bake sales, or just a cozy night in—trust me, everyone who tries them will ask for the recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients: each one is simple, familiar, and totally essential for building the rich flavors and perfect texture of these Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars. Every item on this list brings something special, whether it’s chewy bite, golden crust, or that unbeatable caramel-chocolate combo.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bars, providing structure and a soft, cakey crumb.
- Baking soda: Just a touch helps the dough rise ever so slightly, keeping the bars tender.
- Salt: A must for balancing sweetness and enhancing every other flavor in the mix.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Creates a rich, moist base that makes the bars irresistibly chewy.
- Brown sugar (packed): Adds caramel notes and a deeper sweetness that pairs beautifully with the filling.
- Granulated sugar: Lends crispness to the edges and an extra pop of sweetness.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add a gorgeous golden color.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a warm, cozy aroma.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star of the show—melty, rich, and just the right amount of chocolate in every bite.
- Caramel sauce or soft caramel candies (melted): Bring the ooey-gooey magic to the center of every bar.
- Milk (if melting caramels): Just a splash helps create a silky smooth caramel layer.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan, or for easy cleanup and removal, line it with parchment paper. This step ensures your Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars won’t stick and will lift right out for perfect squares.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This quick step ensures the leavening and salt are evenly distributed, setting the stage for a consistent, tender crumb in every bar.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture looks smooth and glossy. Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fully incorporated. This creates a luscious, flavorful base for your dough.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Take your time to avoid over-mixing—just combine until a soft dough forms. Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips so every square is studded with chocolate.
Step 5: Layer the Dough and Caramel
Spread two-thirds of your dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, making sure to press it gently into the corners. Pour the melted caramel sauce (or caramel candies melted with a bit of milk) over the dough, spreading it gently for an even layer. Now, drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the caramel. You don’t need to cover the caramel completely; a few gaps let the gooey filling peek through for an irresistible look.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and just set. Don’t overbake—slightly underdone is better than too dry. Let your Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps the caramel firm up and makes cutting much easier.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars
Garnishes
For a little extra flair and flavor, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the bars while they’re still just a bit warm. You can also dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with more caramel, or even add a handful of chocolate chips on top for an extra treat.
Side Dishes
These bars are rich and decadent, so they pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside fresh berries or a tall glass of cold milk.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a tiered dessert tray for parties, or wrap individual bars in parchment and twine for adorable gifts. For a bake sale, stack them in clear boxes or bags so the gooey caramel and chocolate chips steal the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and cut, store your Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Layer parchment or wax paper between bars to keep them from sticking together and to maintain their soft, chewy texture.
Freezing
If you want to extend their shelf life, these bars freeze beautifully! Arrange the cooled, cut bars in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge.
Reheating
For that fresh-baked warmth, pop a bar in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. The chocolate will get melty, the caramel gooey, and the whole bar will taste like it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce for Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars?
Absolutely! A good-quality, thick store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly and saves time. If you prefer, you can melt soft caramel candies with a splash of milk for a homemade touch.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
You want the top to be golden brown and just set. The edges might look a bit firmer than the center, which is fine—the bars will continue to firm up as they cool. Don’t worry if the center seems a little soft; that’s the gooey caramel magic!
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Yes! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even shredded coconut make delicious additions. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips for extra crunch and flavor.
What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?
Let the bars cool completely, then use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry for each cut. This helps create clean, neat edges and minimizes sticking from the caramel.
Are Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars gluten-free?
This recipe uses regular all-purpose flour, but you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend if needed. Just make sure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your family, friends, or even just yourself, these Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars are calling your name. They’re easy to make, impossible to resist, and sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation. Give them a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these rich and chewy Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars, featuring a buttery cookie base layered with luscious caramel and studded with semi-sweet chocolate chips. Perfectly balanced with sweet and salty flavors, these bars make an irresistible dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (if melting caramels)
Mix-ins and Topping
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel sauce or soft caramel candies (melted)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This mixture will provide the structure for your bars.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with the brown and granulated sugars. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until the batter is uniform and glossy.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a cohesive dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender. Then, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread two-thirds of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Pour the melted caramel sauce or softened caramel candies evenly over this bottom dough layer, gently spreading it to cover completely.
- Add Top Dough Layer: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining one-third dough over the caramel layer. Gently spread or press the dough to partially cover the caramel but allowing some patches to peek through for a marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top appears golden brown and set. Baking times can vary, so keep an eye to avoid overbaking.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling helps the caramel set and makes cutting cleaner. Once cooled, cut into 24 bars and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a high-quality, thick caramel sauce for best results, or melt soft caramel candies gently with a splash of milk to create your own caramel layer.
- For a delightful salted caramel variation, sprinkle sea salt over the caramel layer before adding the top dough.
- Ensure the bars are completely cooled before slicing to preserve the gooey texture and avoid caramel spills.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
