Decadent Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Decadent Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars combine a crunchy graham cracker base with layers of rich chocolate and gooey caramel. Optional marshmallows and nuts add extra chewiness and crunch, making this dessert irresistible and perfect for sharing.

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 and press evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Step 3: Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and melt in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth and fully melted.
4. Step 4: Pour the melted chocolate over the graham cracker base and smooth it out evenly 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 on top of the caramel layer.
7. Step 7: If desired, scatter the chopped nuts over the marshmallows and caramel.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the bars are set and the marshmallows are lightly toasted.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into squares.

Tips & Variations

• Use dark chocolate chips for a richer, less sweet flavor.
• Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking to balance the sweetness.
• Substitute chopped almonds or hazelnuts if you prefer different nuts.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham crackers or crushed gluten-free cookies.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To soften chilled bars, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. These bars also freeze well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the caramel sauce from scratch?

Yes, you can use homemade caramel sauce if you prefer. Simply melt sugar and butter together, then stir in cream until smooth and thickened before cooling slightly.

What if I don’t have an 8×8 inch baking dish?

You can use a similarly sized dish close to 8×8 inches. If your dish is larger, the bars will be thinner and may bake slightly faster, so watch the baking time closely.

Decadent Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 408 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x

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Description

These Decadent Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars combine a crispy graham cracker base with smooth melted chocolate, rich caramel swirls, and optional chewy marshmallows and crunchy nuts. Baked until perfectly set and lightly toasted, they make an irresistible dessert or snack with layers of texture and flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base

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

Toppings

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 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.
2. Make the Base: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers with the melted butter. Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are fully coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create an even, compact base.
3. Chocolate Layer: Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt in 30-second increments, stirring well between each interval until smooth and fully melted. Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the graham cracker base and smooth it out using a spatula for an even layer.
4. Caramel Layer: Gently drizzle the caramel sauce over the melted chocolate, creating swirls for a marbled effect. This adds rich, gooey sweetness to the bars.
5. Add Toppings: If desired, sprinkle mini marshmallows evenly on top of the caramel. Then add the chopped nuts over the marshmallows to add texture and crunch.
6. Baking: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Bake just until everything is set and the marshmallows are lightly toasted and golden.
7. Cooling and Serving: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the dish. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan easily. Cut into squares to serve and enjoy the decadent layers of caramel, chocolate, and crunch.

Notes

• For a vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips and caramel sauce.
• The mini marshmallows and nuts are optional but add extra texture and flavor.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
• To make homemade caramel sauce, melt 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 bars, chocolate bars, graham cracker bars, dessert bars, crunchy dessert, chocolate caramel dessert