Description

These decadent layered dessert bars combine a soft, buttery cookie or cracker base, a gooey homemade caramel filling, creamy melted chocolate, and crunchy chopped peanuts or walnuts. The contrast between sweet caramel, rich chocolate, and salty nuts creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

They’re ideal for holidays, potlucks, bake sales, family gatherings, or even as a homemade gourmet dessert gift. If you love chocolate caramel brownies, millionaire shortbread, or peanut butter bars, this recipe will become one of your favorites.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Base Layer:

2 cups crushed graham crackers (or digestive biscuits)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Caramel Layer:

1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Topping:

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate for sweeter bars)
1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter (optional, for smooth melting)

For the Nut Topping:

1 cup chopped peanuts or walnuts (lightly toasted for extra flavor)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until combined.
Press mixture firmly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden.
Remove and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Homemade Caramel

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
Add brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and corn syrup.
Stir constantly until mixture begins to boil.
Continue cooking 5–7 minutes until thickened and golden.
Remove from heat and stir in salt and vanilla.
Pour caramel evenly over baked base.

Let it cool for 10–15 minutes.

Step 3: Add Chocolate Layer

Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over warm caramel.
Let sit for 2–3 minutes to soften.
Spread chocolate into a smooth layer using a spatula.
Sprinkle chopped nuts evenly on top.
Press nuts gently into chocolate.

Step 4: Chill & Slice

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or until fully set).
Use a sharp knife to cut into squares or bars.

💡 Pro Baking Tips

For clean slices, run your knife under hot water and wipe dry before cutting.
Lightly toast nuts in a dry skillet for 3–5 minutes to enhance flavor.
Use high-quality chocolate for best taste and texture.
Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a gourmet salted caramel finish.

🧁 Variations

Peanut Butter Caramel Bars: Add 1/2 cup peanut butter to caramel layer.
Millionaire Shortbread Style: Replace graham crackers with shortbread base.
Dark Chocolate Version: Use 70% cocoa dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
No-Bake Option: Skip baking base and chill instead for 30 minutes before adding caramel.
Keto-Friendly Option: Substitute sugar-free condensed milk and low-carb sweetener.

🧊 Storage Instructions

Store in airtight container at room temperature for 3 days.
Refrigerate up to 1 week.
Freeze up to 3 months (separate layers with parchment paper).

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is my caramel layer too soft?

It may not have been cooked long enough. Caramel thickens as it cools, but proper boiling time is essential.

2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! These are perfect for meal prep desserts or holiday baking in advance.

3. What is the best chocolate for dessert bars?

High-quality semi-sweet chocolate (60–70% cocoa) gives balanced sweetness and smooth texture.

4. Can I substitute condensed milk?

You can use homemade condensed milk or heavy cream + sugar reduction, but texture may vary.

5. How do I prevent chocolate from cracking when cutting?

Let bars sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing.

6. Are these similar to millionaire’s shortbread?

Yes, they share caramel and chocolate layers but have a different base texture.

7. Can I sell these at bake sales?

Absolutely! These gourmet chocolate caramel bars are popular for bake sales and dessert catering businesses.

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🍽 Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are indulgent, crowd-pleasing, and incredibly satisfying. The buttery base, rich caramel filling, silky chocolate topping, and crunchy nuts create a bakery-style dessert that looks impressive yet is surprisingly easy to make at home.