Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars

Get ready to indulge in these Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars, the ultimate treat for dessert lovers! These bars combine gooey caramel, melty chocolate chips, and a buttery, cookie-like crust for a dessert that’s irresistibly sweet and satisfying. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just treating yourself, these bars are simple to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars

• Gooey and Decadent: Each bite is packed with rich caramel and melty chocolate goodness.
• Easy to Make: No fancy techniques—just layer, bake, and enjoy!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for parties, lunchbox treats, or an after-dinner dessert.

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these indulgent treats:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish: For assembling and baking the bars.
• Mixing bowls: To prepare the dough and caramel mixture.
• Spatula: For spreading the layers evenly.
• Parchment paper: To line the baking dish for easy removal.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in 1 1/2 cups of the chocolate chips, reserving the rest for later.

Step 3: Layer the Bars

1. Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. In a small bowl, mix the caramel sauce with the heavy cream until smooth. Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the dough layer.
3. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough on top of the caramel layer. Use a spatula to gently spread it out—it’s okay if some caramel peeks through.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

1. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over the top layer of dough.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set.
3. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to let the caramel firm up.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

1. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
2. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent dessert.
• Drizzle a little extra caramel sauce on top for even more caramel goodness.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars

• Use Softened Butter: This ensures the dough mixes evenly and has a smooth texture.
• Don’t Overbake: The bars will continue to set as they cool, so remove them from the oven as soon as they’re golden brown.
• Customize the Chocolate: Use dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips based on your preference.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate: Keep in the fridge for up to a week if you prefer a firmer texture.
• Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour.

Q2: Can I use homemade caramel sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce works perfectly and adds a personal touch.

Q3: Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Of course! Chopped pecans or walnuts make a delicious addition—just fold them into the dough with the chocolate chips.

Conclusion: A Sweet Treat Everyone Will Love!

These Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars are the perfect combination of chewy, gooey, and chocolatey. Whether you’re making them for a party, a bake sale, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, they’re guaranteed to impress.

Did you make this recipe? Share your photos and let us know how it turned out—we’d love to hear from you!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 290
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 14g

Enjoy these delicious caramel bars with friends, family, or just for yourself—you deserve it!

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