Description
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.
Subscribe to our newsletter for more delectable dessert recipes delivered straight to your inbox!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
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
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- 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
- Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the caramel sauce with the heavy cream until smooth. Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the dough layer.
- 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
- Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over the top layer of dough.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to let the caramel firm up.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
- Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
- Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.
Notes
- 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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American