Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth that craves the perfect combination of rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and buttery cookie goodness, then this Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe is going to blow your mind. Imagine tender cookie bars layered with luscious caramel, studded generously with semi-sweet chocolate morsels, creating an irresistible dessert that’s both comforting and decadent. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these bars promise a delightful experience with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to these extraordinary bars. Each element plays a key role in the flavor, texture, and overall magic of this recipe, from the richness of butter to the velvety smoothness of caramel and the classic crunch of chocolate chips.

• Butter (1 cup or 2 sticks, room temperature): The foundation of moist, tender bars with a rich buttery flavor.
• Brown sugar (1 ½ cups): Adds deep caramel notes and keeps the bars chewy.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with its warm sweetness.
• Eggs (2 large, room temperature): Helps bind everything together while adding richness.
• All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups): Gives structure and a soft crumb to the bars.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Provides the perfect lift and texture.
• Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and accentuates flavors.
• Semi-sweet chocolate morsels (2 cups): Melts slightly into the dough for bursts of chocolate bliss.
• Evaporated milk (5 ounces): Creates a creamy base for the luscious caramel sauce.
• Caramel bits or wrapped caramels (11 ounces): The star of the show, giving that gooey, irresistible layer.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later, or generously spray it with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures your bars will lift out perfectly without sticking or breaking apart.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Brown Sugar, and Vanilla

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a hand-held mixer, beat these ingredients together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and full of promise. This step is key to creating that tender texture and rich flavor foundation in your bars.

Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This gradual incorporation helps the batter stay smooth and emulsified, making the bars tender and moist after baking.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips

Mix together the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt in a separate bowl. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, using your mixer on low speed to combine evenly without overmixing. When the dough starts forming, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate morsels. Stirring the chocolate chips in by hand can help keep them evenly distributed for chocolatey bites throughout.

Step 5: Press Half the Dough Into Your Baking Dish

Take half of your cookie dough and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This will create the base layer that supports the delicious caramel topping. Try to press it in smoothly so your bars bake into a lovely even layer.

Step 6: Bake the Base Layer

Bake the pressed dough for about 10 minutes, just enough to set and start firming up. This step ensures the base won’t get soggy once you add the caramel topping.

Step 7: Make the Caramel Sauce

While the base is baking, heat the evaporated milk and caramel bits in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently for around 8 minutes until the caramels have completely melted and combined into a smooth, velvety caramel sauce. Once ready, remove from heat and keep it warm for assembly.

Step 8: Pour Caramel Over the Partially Baked Base

Take the baking dish out of the oven and pour the luscious caramel sauce evenly over the cookie base, making sure to spread it into every corner for maximum yumminess.

Step 9: Top With Remaining Dough Dollops

Using the remaining cookie dough, take small handfuls and flatten them slightly. Distribute these dollops carefully on top of the caramel, allowing some caramel to peek through. This layered look not only looks inviting but also creates delightful texture contrasts.

Step 10: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Return the bars to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the caramel bubbles up and the cookie dough topping turns a gorgeous golden brown. Let the enticing aroma guide you!

Step 11: Cool and Cut

Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature. This step is important to let the caramel set and avoid a messy cut. When cooled, cut them into squares and get ready for the delightful finale.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe

Garnishes

Lightly dust your bars with powdered sugar for an elegant finish, or sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top to sharpen the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate. If you want to get fancy, drizzle some melted white chocolate over the bars for a gorgeous marbled appearance.

Side Dishes

Though these bars are often enjoyed as a standalone treat, serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes the experience to another level of indulgence. Fresh berries add a burst of brightness that beautifully cuts through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine for beautiful homemade gifts. Or serve them on a rustic wooden board with a variety of nuts and fruits for a dessert platter that’s as impressive as it is delicious. You can even warm a bar slightly and serve it in a bowl with a drizzle of caramel sauce for a cozy dessert moment.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to preserve their chewy texture and gooey caramel layers. If it’s warmer weather, storing them in the fridge helps maintain freshness but can make the bars a little firmer.

Freezing

You can freeze these bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving to regain that perfect soft, chewy texture.

Reheating

To enjoy these bars warm, microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm in a low oven for just a few minutes. Heating revives the caramel’s softness and enhances the melted chocolate experience in every bite.

FAQs

Can I use different types of chocolate in this recipe?

Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate morsels provide a classic balance, you can swap in milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips depending on your taste preference. Mixing different chocolates creates fun, unique flavor combinations.

What can I use if I don’t have evaporated milk for the caramel?

If you don’t have evaporated milk, you can substitute with heavy cream or half-and-half. The key is to use a dairy product with some richness to get that smooth caramel texture. Just keep an eye on consistency as cooking times may vary slightly.

Is it necessary to let the bars cool completely before cutting?

Yes, it’s best to allow the bars to cool fully at room temperature before slicing. This helps the caramel layer set up and prevents oozing or messy cuts, resulting in neat, gooey squares perfect for serving.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend. Just make sure the blend you choose contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to keep the texture just right.

How should I store the bars if I want them to stay chewy?

Storing the bars in an airtight container at room temperature helps maintain their chewiness. Avoid refrigeration unless it’s hot in your kitchen, as colder temperatures can make them firmer and less tender.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe is truly a showstopper dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds. With its buttery base, luxurious caramel layer, and melty pockets of chocolate, these bars capture the perfect harmony of textures and flavors. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and enjoy the joy it brings with every delicious bite!

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