Irresistible Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Sweet dreams come alive with these decadent chocolate chip caramel bars that melt hearts instantly.

Layers of gooey caramel intertwine with rich chocolate morsels in every single bite.

Rich, golden-brown edges hint at the deliciousness waiting inside this irresistible treat.

Crisp buttery edges contrast beautifully with soft, chewy centers that promise pure indulgence.

Crafted with simple ingredients, these bars bring warmth and comfort to any gathering.

Crumbly shortbread-like base supports cascading ribbons of silky caramel and chocolate chips.

Passionate bakers understand how these bars can turn an ordinary moment into something magical.

Let’s create something extraordinary that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips to Nail the Texture of Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars

• Soften Caramel for Easy Mixing: Gently warm caramel bits in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to create a smoother, more spreadable texture throughout the dough.
• Prevent Chocolate Chip Sinking: Toss chocolate chips in a light dusting of flour before adding to the dough to help them distribute evenly and stay suspended during baking.
• Achieve Perfect Texture: Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, crisp edges and prevent crumbling when slicing.
• Customize Salt Finish: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top just before serving to enhance the chocolate and caramel flavors with a delightful salty-sweet contrast.
• Store for Maximum Freshness: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

How to Keep Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Fresh Longer

• Store leftover chocolate chip caramel bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Keep bars at room temperature for 1-2 days in a sealed container, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore their soft, gooey texture.

Perfect Pairings for Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars

• Select a rich port wine or moscato that complements the sweet caramel and chocolate notes, enhancing the dessert's rich flavor profile with its smooth, velvety undertones.
• Match with a strong espresso or creamy cappuccino to balance the sweetness, creating a luxurious contrast that cuts through the rich, gooey texture of the bars.
• Serve alongside cold milk or a vanilla milkshake, which provides a cool, creamy counterpoint to the warm, dense chocolate chip caramel bars and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Top with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to add a cold, creamy element that melts deliciously against the warm, sticky caramel bars, creating a multi-sensory dessert experience.

Ways to Change Up Your Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same rich, sweet texture.
• Vegan Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and select dairy-free chocolate chips. Use plant-based caramel sauce made from dates or coconut milk for a compassionate dessert option.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Choose sugar-free chocolate chips and use a reduced-sugar caramel sauce to create a diabetic-friendly treat with fewer calories.
• Nutty Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for added crunch and nutty flavor. Sprinkle extra nuts on top before baking to enhance the textural experience.

What Makes Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Addictive

• Effortlessly whip up these irresistible chocolate chip caramel bars with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Prep and bake in just 30 minutes, making these bars perfect for spontaneous dessert lovers who want delicious treats without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Combines classic chocolate chip cookie goodness with gooey caramel, creating a universally appealing dessert that delights both kids and adults at family gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend treats.
• Adaptable recipe allows flexible variations like adding sea salt topping, melting caramel bits, or adjusting chocolate chip quantity to suit personal taste preferences and ingredient availability.

Ingredients for Rich and Gooey Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the bars.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Butter: Creates rich, tender base with smooth consistency.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and moisture.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure to the bars.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, aromatic flavor to the recipe.

• Chocolate Chips, Caramel Bits: Add sweet, gooey texture and classic dessert flavor.
• Caramel Sauce: Provides extra moisture and intense caramel notes.
• Sea Salt: Optional garnish that adds sophisticated flavor contrast.

Notes: Choose high-quality chocolate chips and real caramel for best results. Dark or milk chocolate chips work well. Use soft, fresh caramel bits or thick caramel sauce. Flaky sea salt adds elegant finishing touch.

Step-by-Step Guide to Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars

Step 1: Warm up the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×9-inch baking pan and coat it with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar

Beat until the mixture looks light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything blends smoothly.

Step 4: Merge Ingredients

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms. The texture should be slightly tacky and hold together well.

Step 5: Enhance with Sweet Morsels

Gently fold in chocolate chips. Drizzle caramel sauce across the dough, creating delicious swirls throughout. For extra gooeyness, warm the caramel slightly before adding.

Step 6: Transform in Oven

Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for golden edges and a center that’s set but still slightly soft.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Slice into squares. Optional: Sprinkle a touch of sea salt on top for a flavor boost that makes taste buds dance.

Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Sweet layers of caramel and chocolate collide in these irresistible chocolate chip caramel bars, creating a sinful dessert that melts hearts. Rich, gooey goodness promises pure indulgence with each delectable bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (340 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) caramel sauce

Sweeteners and Binding Agents:

• 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Optional: sea salt flakes, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm the kitchen oven to 350F (175C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center. Prepare a 9-inch baking pan by coating it with culinary grease or layering with parchment paper to facilitate effortless bar removal.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together in a compact mixing vessel, creating a uniform dry mixture. Reserve this blend to the side.
3. Utilize an electric mixer to whip butter and brown sugar until achieving a light, aerated consistency. Introduce egg and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly until the mixture transforms into a smooth, homogeneous texture.
4. Gradually incorporate the reserved dry ingredients into the creamy mixture, stirring with deliberate movements. The developing dough should exhibit a soft, slightly tacky characteristic.
5. Gently fold chocolate chips throughout the dough, distributing them evenly. Artfully drizzle caramel components across the mixture, allowing for random pockets of sweet complexity.
6. Transfer the prepared dough into the readied baking pan, using a spatula to create an even, consistent layer. Position in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 22-24 minutes, monitoring until the surface achieves a golden-amber hue and a testing skewer emerges with minimal crumbly evidence.
7. Extract from the oven and permit complete cooling within the pan. Once temperature stabilizes, slice into uniform squares. Optional: Enhance with a delicate sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the flavor profile.

Notes

• Customize the caramel intensity by swirling more or less caramel sauce into the dough for personalized sweetness levels.
• Experiment with different chocolate chip varieties like dark, milk, or white chocolate to create unique flavor profiles.
• For gluten-free options, swap regular flour with almond or coconut flour and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Enhance texture by slightly underbaking the bars, creating a gooey center that melts in your mouth and provides a rich, decadent experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg