Description
These Irresistible Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars combine rich caramel, smooth chocolate, and satisfying crunch in perfect harmony. With a crispy graham cracker base, gooey caramel center, and silky chocolate topping, these bars are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crunchy Base:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits, finely crushed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup crispy rice cereal (for extra crunch)
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup soft caramel candies, unwrapped (about 28 pieces)
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 8 oz dark chocolate chips (or milk chocolate, depending on preference)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted nuts (optional – pecans, almonds, or peanuts work beautifully)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Make the Base: Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and salt. Stir in rice cereal until evenly coated. Press firmly into prepared pan.
- Bake the Base: Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden and set. Let cool completely.
- Prepare Caramel: Microwave caramel candies, cream, and butter in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until smooth. Stir in vanilla and salt.
- Add Caramel Layer: Pour warm caramel over cooled crust, spreading evenly to edges. Work quickly as caramel sets fast.
- Make Chocolate Topping: Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil until smooth and glossy.
- Final Assembly: Pour chocolate over caramel layer, spreading evenly. Sprinkle with nuts if using.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results. Cut with a warm knife for clean slices.
Notes
Pro Tips:
- Let each layer cool slightly before adding the next to prevent mixing
- Use a knife warmed under hot water for clean cuts
- Toast rice cereal lightly for extra flavor and crunch
- Can be made up to 3 days in advance
Storage: Store covered in refrigerator for up to 5 days. Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Variations: Try using different nuts, add sea salt flakes on top, or use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter version.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 165mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: caramel chocolate crunch bars, easy dessert bars, homemade caramel bars, chocolate caramel treats, no-bake option, make-ahead dessert, party dessert, sweet treats