If you have a sweet tooth and love the perfect blend of gooey caramel and melty chocolate chips, then this Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe is calling your name. Imagine biting into a tender, buttery bar with pockets of luscious caramel and chocolate nuggets in every bite. It’s a dessert that feels both indulgent and comforting, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on your own with a cup of coffee. These bars strike a beautiful balance of sweetness and texture, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, each chosen to create the ideal taste and texture that make these bars irresistible. From the creamy butter that forms the base to the rich caramel that adds that signature gooey layer, every element plays an essential role.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides a rich, tender base and helps bind the dough together.
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor with its molasses content.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps achieve a slight crispness in texture.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as a binder and lends moisture for a soft yet sturdy bar.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Boosts flavor with warm, sweet notes.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the bars.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Ensures a light texture by giving a bit of lift during baking.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips: Brings gooey pockets of chocolate that melt irresistibly.
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade): The star ingredient that adds luscious, sticky sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon milk (to thin the caramel, if needed): Helps achieve a perfect pourable consistency for even caramel distribution.
- Flaky sea salt for topping (optional): Adds a sophisticated touch of saltiness to balance the sweet.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides. This overhang is your secret weapon for easily lifting the bars out later without any mess or crumbling – trust me, it makes life so much easier!
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter with both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar, mixing until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Then, one at a time, whisk in the eggs followed by the vanilla extract. This step creates a rich, silky base that will keep your bars moist and flavorful.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt thoroughly. This blend ensures your bars have that perfect crumb and just the right amount of lift.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here; you want to keep your bars tender, not tough. Then fold in the chocolate chips evenly so they’re nestled throughout every bite.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. In a small bowl, stir the caramel sauce with milk to get a smooth, pourable consistency. Drizzle this luscious caramel evenly over the dough layer and gently spread it to cover as much as possible. Finally, drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough on top and carefully spread it out to cover the caramel layer, though a few gaps here and there add to the charm.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Pop the pan into your preheated oven, baking for 25 to 30 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the center is set but still soft. Once out of the oven, let the bars cool completely in the pan. This cooling step is vital because it allows the caramel to firm up a bit so you can slice the bars neatly without everything sliding all over the place.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top just before serving to contrast with the sweet caramel and chocolate, elevating the overall flavors and adding a delicate crunch. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add charm and a hint of elegance if you want to dress these bars up a bit.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream. For a homey feel, serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea, which cuts through the sweetness and rounds out the indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try cutting the bars into small bite-sized squares and serving them on a tiered dessert tray. Alternatively, you can sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two bars to create an incredible caramel-chocolate ice cream sandwich that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe airtight at room temperature or in the fridge. Wrapped tightly, they will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy weeks.
Freezing
If you want to keep the bars longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. To enjoy later, thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Warm bars gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven wrapped in foil. This revives their soft texture and helps melt the chocolate and caramel again, making every bite taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use homemade caramel sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using homemade caramel can add a deeper, richer flavor, especially if you prefer a less sweet or more buttery caramel than store-bought. Just make sure it’s thick enough, or thin with a bit of milk to get the right consistency for drizzling.
What can I substitute if I don’t have semisweet chocolate chips?
You can swap the semisweet chips for milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips depending on your preference. Each choice will bring its unique flavor profile to your bars.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. Be sure to check if the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to maintain the right texture.
Why is it important to let the bars cool completely before slicing?
Cooling allows the caramel layer to set, so the bars hold their shape when cut. If sliced too soon, the caramel may be too gooey and cause the bars to crumble or stick together.
How thick will the bars be if I use a 9×9-inch pan instead?
Using a smaller pan will yield thicker bars, and you’ll want to increase baking time by about 5 to 10 minutes to ensure they’re baked through. This is a great option if you prefer a more fudgy, substantial bite.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say that this Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe is one of those sweet treats you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. The combination of rich chocolate, buttery dough, and luscious caramel creates a harmony of flavors that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something indulgent, these bars will warm your heart and satisfy every craving. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a truly delightful dessert experience!
Print
Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously rich and gooey Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars featuring a buttery cookie base filled with melty semisweet chocolate chips and luscious caramel sauce. These decadent dessert bars are perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth and easy to make for gatherings or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Caramel Layer
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon milk (to thin the caramel, if needed)
Optional Topping
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to allow for easy removal of the bars once baked.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, packed light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Add the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly after each addition until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring carefully until just combined to avoid over-mixing.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the semisweet chocolate chips into the cookie dough using a spatula, ensuring even distribution throughout.
- Form Bottom Layer: Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, forming a uniform layer.
- Prepare Caramel Layer: In a small bowl, stir together the caramel sauce and milk until smooth and pourable. Drizzle the caramel evenly over the pressed dough layer, spreading it gently with a spatula to cover the surface without mixing into the dough.
- Add Remaining Dough: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer. Gently spread and press to cover as much of the caramel as possible, creating a patchwork top layer.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is just set (a toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs).
- Cool and Slice: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out and slice into 24 pieces.
- Optional Topping: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top of the bars if desired to enhance the flavors and add a subtle crunch.
Notes
- For thicker bars, use a smaller 9×9-inch pan and increase the baking time by 5 to 10 minutes.
- You can substitute store-bought caramel sauce with homemade caramel for a richer, more customizable flavor.
- Bars will firm up as they cool, so be patient before slicing to maintain clean edges.
