Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars 🍫✨
These decadent caramel chocolate crunch bars combine a buttery crust, gooey caramel, and a crispy chocolate topping for an irresistible treat. Perfect for parties, holidays, or a sweet indulgence at home!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
For the Chocolate Crunch Topping:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups crisp rice cereal (like Rice Krispies)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
- Make the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, granulated sugar, flour, and salt until combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the Caramel Layer:
- In a medium saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and reaches a soft ball stage (235–240°F or when a drop forms a soft ball in cold water).
- Pour the caramel evenly over the baked crust. Let it set for about 10–15 minutes.
- Make the Chocolate Crunch Topping:
- Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Stir in the crisp rice cereal until well-coated.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Spread the chocolate crunch mixture evenly over the caramel layer. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Chill and Slice:
- Refrigerate the bars for 2–3 hours, or until firm.
- Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the dish. Slice into squares or bars.
Tips:
- Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the chocolate layer for a sweet and salty twist.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Enjoy these rich and crunchy caramel chocolate bars—your new favorite treat! 🍯🍫✨