Chef Mitchell preparing Homemade Chocolate Caramel Bars
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this recipe while experimenting with different desserts in my kitchen. After several trials, I perfected the balance between chocolate and caramel to create something truly special. Each bite is a delightful experience, bringing back childhood memories of sweet treats. I hope you enjoy making these bars as much as I do!"

With over a decade of experience in the culinary field, I specialize in American cuisine and desserts. My passion for baking has led me to create over 1000 recipes that bring joy to families and friends. I love sharing my expertise and helping others learn how to create delicious desserts at home.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Homemade Chocolate Caramel Bars served on a plate

Why This Homemade Chocolate Caramel Bars Recipe Works

This recipe stands out because of its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of rich chocolate and creamy caramel creates a delightful contrast that's hard to resist. The bars are chewy yet slightly crisp on the edges, making them a satisfying dessert option. Plus, they are easy to make with simple ingredients, making them accessible for everyone.

The technique of baking the bars twice ensures that the base sets perfectly, while the caramel stays gooey and luscious. By drizzling the caramel on top and returning it to the oven, the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a rich, decadent treat. The addition of sea salt elevates the flavor profile, enhancing the sweetness of the chocolate.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, use high-quality chocolate and caramel sauce. This will enhance the flavor and texture of your bars significantly. Make sure to let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean edges. You can also experiment with different types of nuts or toppings to make them your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. They store well in an airtight container for up to a week. If you plan to serve them later, consider waiting to add the caramel until just before serving to maintain their texture.

You can substitute butter with coconut oil or margarine. Just ensure that the substitute is in a solid state and can be creamed similar to butter. This will maintain the texture of the bars.

The bars are done when they are set around the edges but slightly soft in the middle. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. They will continue to cook as they cool in the pan.

Yes, these bars freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then cut them into squares and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

These bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also serve them with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

In the fridge, these bars will last for about a week. Make sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. They can also be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge.

Absolutely! These bars are great for making in advance, especially for parties or gatherings. Just bake, cool, and store them in an airtight container. You can add the caramel sauce right before serving for the best texture.

The best way to reheat these bars is to place them in a microwave-safe dish and heat for about 10-15 seconds. This will warm them up without overcooking. You can also warm them in a low oven for a few minutes.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your bars are too dry, it may be due to overbaking or too much flour.

Solution: To prevent dryness, keep an eye on the baking time and check for doneness a few minutes early. Additionally, measure your flour accurately to avoid adding too much.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the bars are not crispy enough, it could be related to the baking time or the ingredients used.

Solution: Try baking them a little longer or using a higher quality chocolate that has less moisture. Adding a touch more flour can also help achieve a crispier texture.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked bars may become hard and crumbly.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature. Always check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center of your bars is undercooked, they may be gooey and not set properly.

Recovery: You can return the bars to the oven for a few extra minutes if the center is undercooked. Cover with foil to prevent the edges from burning while the center finishes baking.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: Burnt edges can occur if the temperature is too high or the bars are too close to the heating element.

Prevention: To avoid burnt edges, position the baking pan in the center of the oven and reduce the oven temperature slightly if you notice browning too quickly.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the bars are too sweet, consider adding a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If they are too salty, try reducing the salt in the recipe next time or serve with sweet toppings.

Bland: For bland bars, add more vanilla or a touch of coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Fresh ingredients for Homemade Chocolate Caramel Bars

Essential Ingredients for Homemade Chocolate Caramel Bars

Key ingredients for these bars include high-quality chocolate and fresh butter, which contribute to the rich flavor and texture. The balance of sugars helps create that perfect gooey consistency while providing the right amount of sweetness. Using fresh eggs ensures a light and fluffy texture.

Opt for semi-sweet chocolate chips as they melt beautifully and complement the caramel. Additionally, using homemade caramel sauce can elevate the flavor profile significantly compared to store-bought versions.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dessert. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming with sugars.
  • Cocoa Powder: Choose high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa will give a deeper color and smoother taste.
  • Caramel Sauce: Homemade caramel sauce is preferable for enhanced flavor and texture. It’s easy to make and can be customized to your taste preferences.
Cooking process for Homemade Chocolate Caramel Bars

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Making Homemade Chocolate Caramel Bars is a straightforward process that mainly involves mixing, baking, and adding caramel. Start by preparing your wet ingredients, then gradually mix in your dry ingredients. This method ensures a uniform batter that bakes evenly.

To achieve perfect results, make sure to bake the bars until set but still soft in the center. Adding the caramel sauce during the last few minutes of baking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a delightful dessert that everyone will love.

Key Technique for Perfect Homemade Chocolate Caramel Bars

The most important technique for these bars is to monitor the baking time closely. Each oven is different, so it's crucial to check for doneness based on the texture rather than relying solely on the timer. The goal is to have a chewy base with a slightly underbaked center that will firm up as it cools.

Homemade Chocolate Caramel Bars

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup brown sugar
    Packed
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
    For sweetness
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
    For creaminess
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    For flavor

For the Sauce

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
    Softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
    For sweetness
  • 1 cup brown sugar
    Packed
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    For structure
  • 1 cup cocoa powder
    For chocolate flavor
  • 4 large eggs
    For binding
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    For flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
    For lift
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    For balance

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    Gather all your ingredients and preheat the oven.

  2. Mix Wet Ingredients

    Cream together butter and sugars until smooth.

  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla

    Incorporate eggs one at a time and add vanilla extract.

  4. Combine Dry Ingredients

    Mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in another bowl.

  5. Mix Together

    Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.

  6. Add Chocolate Chips

    Fold in chocolate chips and optional nuts.

  7. Bake

    Spread batter into the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.

  8. Add Caramel Sauce

    Drizzle caramel sauce on top for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, refrigerate them, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. They also pair well with fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries for a delightful contrast.

Recipe Variations

You can customize these bars by adding different types of chocolate chips, nuts, or even a layer of peanut butter. For a more gourmet touch, consider adding spices like cinnamon or espresso powder.