Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet, gooey caramel and rich, decadent chocolate with our delightful recipe for Chocolate Caramel Bars. These irresistible treats are sure to become a favorite for any occasion, be it a cozy night in or a special gathering with friends and family. With a buttery cookie base, a luscious caramel filling, and a generous layer of chocolate topping, these bars are a true delight for the taste buds. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring some homemade goodness into your kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
– 1/2 cup corn syrup
– 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, brown sugar, and salt. Mix until the dough comes together and resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the base layer. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
4. In a saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk and corn syrup over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, about 10-15 minutes.
5. Pour the caramel mixture over the baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the caramel is set. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
6. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, spreading it evenly to cover. Tap the pan gently on the counter to smooth out the top.
8. Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is completely set.
9. Once firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and cut into desired sized bars using a sharp knife.
10. Serve these delectable Chocolate Caramel Bars at room temperature and enjoy the perfect blend of flavors and textures in every bite.
The combination of buttery shortbread, creamy caramel, and velvety chocolate makes these bars a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to share with loved ones or a special homemade gift, these Chocolate Caramel Bars are sure to impress. Get ready to savor the deliciousness of these bars that strike the ideal balance between sweet and indulgent.
