Chocolate Chip Caramel Butter Bars are a delightful treat that combines rich flavors and gooey textures. With buttery layers, sweet chocolate, and smooth caramel, these bars are perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make and can be enjoyed by everyone, making them a great choice for family gatherings, parties, or just a sweet snack at home.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make Chocolate Chip Caramel Butter Bars because they are both tasty and simple. The combination of chocolate and caramel creates a wonderful flavor that everyone loves. Plus, they are easy to prepare and bake, so you won’t spend all day in the kitchen. Whether for dessert or a sweet snack, these bars will be a hit!
How to Make Chocolate Chip Caramel Butter Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 (11 oz) bag caramel bits or soft caramels
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus a few extra for topping)
- Pinch of salt
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, flour, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until crumbly and soft like cookie dough.
- Press 2/3 of the dough into the pan evenly.
- Bake for 12 minutes and set aside.
- While baking, melt caramel bits with heavy cream in the microwave (30-second bursts, stirring in between) until smooth and pourable.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips over the baked base, then pour the melted caramel over the top.
- Crumble the remaining dough on top and gently press a few extra chocolate chips in.
- Bake again for 18–20 minutes until golden on top and bubbling at the edges.
- Cool completely, then chill for at least 30 minutes before cutting clean squares.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Caramel Butter Bars
You can serve these bars at room temperature. Cut them into squares and place them on a nice plate. They are perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying with a cold glass of milk. You can also top them with a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra treat!
How to Store Chocolate Chip Caramel Butter Bars
Store the Chocolate Chip Caramel Butter Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them, but make sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Tips to Make Chocolate Chip Caramel Butter Bars
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Don’t overmix the dough; this keeps the bars soft and chewy.
- For variety, you can add nuts or different types of chocolate chips.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to prevent them from falling apart.
Variation (if any)
You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch to the bars. You can also try using milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a sweeter flavor.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute, but the flavor may differ slightly.How can I make these bars gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make the bars gluten-free.Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They will stay good for up to 3 months.