Decadent Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Decadent Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars combine a crispy graham cracker base with layers of rich chocolate and gooey caramel. Finished with optional marshmallows and nuts, they offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors that satisfy any sweet tooth.

Ingredients

• 1 cup crushed graham crackers (for the base)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (for binding)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for melting over the base)
• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional, for a chewy effect)
• ½ cup chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts, optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers and melted butter. Mix until all crumbs are coated, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish.
3. Step 3: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
4. Step 4: Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the graham cracker base and smooth the surface with a spatula.
5. Step 5: Drizzle the caramel sauce over the melted chocolate, creating swirls for a marbled effect.
6. Step 6: If using, sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the caramel layer.
7. Step 7: If using, scatter the chopped nuts on top of the marshmallows and caramel.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the layers are set and the marshmallows are lightly toasted.
9. Step 9: Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the dish.
10. Step 10: Once cool, lift the bars out using the parchment paper, cut into squares, and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped nuts or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.
• You can substitute the caramel sauce with dulce de leche for a deeper, caramelized flavor.
• Chilling the bars for 30 minutes before cutting helps achieve clean, neat squares.
• Add a pinch of sea salt on top before baking to enhance the chocolate and caramel flavors.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. To enjoy, let refrigerated bars come to room temperature or microwave briefly for a softer texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes, use vegan butter, dairy-free chocolate chips, and a vegan caramel sauce substitute to make these bars vegan-friendly.

Can I freeze the bars?

Absolutely. Wrap the cut bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Decadent Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 94 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 9 bars (cut into 3x3 squares) 1x

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Description

These Decadent Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars combine a crispy graham cracker base with layers of melted semi-sweet chocolate, gooey caramel sauce, and optional mini marshmallows and chopped nuts for an irresistible treat. Baked briefly to set and lightly toast the marshmallows, these bars deliver a perfect balance of crunchy, chewy, and sweet textures, making them an ideal dessert for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base

• 1 cup crushed graham crackers
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Chocolate Layer

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Caramel Layer

• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
• ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts, optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease removal.
2. Make the Base: In a medium bowl, combine crushed graham crackers with melted unsalted butter. Mix thoroughly to coat all crumbs, then press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish creating an even crust.
3. Chocolate Layer: Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and melt them in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until fully smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the graham cracker crust and smooth out evenly with a spatula.
4. Caramel and Toppings: Drizzle the caramel sauce over the melted chocolate layer, creating swirls for visual appeal. If desired, sprinkle mini marshmallows evenly on top, followed by chopped nuts for added crunch and flavor.
5. Baking: Bake the assembled bars in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. This allows the layers to set, and the marshmallows to become lightly toasted and gooey.
6. Cooling and Serving: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the dish. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper, cut into squares, and serve.

Notes

• Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.
• Optional toppings like marshmallows and nuts add texture but can be omitted to suit preferences.
• Allow bars to cool completely for cleaner slicing and better set layers.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For a homemade caramel sauce, simmer sugar and butter with cream until golden and smooth.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: caramel chocolate bars, graham cracker dessert, chocolate caramel crunch, easy baked bars, marshmallow bars, nutty caramel bars