Description
Irresistible chocolate chip caramel bars blend rich caramel swirls with classic chocolate chip cookie comfort. Gooey layers of sweet indulgence promise a delightful dessert experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Binding Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Seasoning and Leavening Ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine melted butter with brown and granulated sugars until the mixture achieves a smooth, glossy consistency.
- Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, whisking vigorously to create a homogeneous blend.
- Gradually fold in flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing gently until ingredients are just incorporated. Carefully fold in 1 1/2 cups of chocolate chips, ensuring even distribution.
- Transfer half the batter to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to create a uniform base layer.
- Drizzle caramel sauce methodically across the initial batter layer, ensuring complete coverage. Scatter chopped pecans over the caramel if using.
- Dollop remaining batter across the caramel layer, using a spatula to gently spread and create a complete top coating.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips across the surface for additional texture and flavor.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center reveals minimal moisture.
- Allow bars to cool completely within the pan. For precise cutting, refrigerate for 30 minutes. Optional: Enhance presentation by drizzling extra caramel sauce over the cooled bars before serving.
Notes
- Chill the batter briefly before spreading to ensure even layering and prevent caramel from mixing too much with the dough.
- Use room temperature eggs for smoother batter integration and more consistent texture in the bars.
- For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain similar consistency.
- Toast pecans lightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch to the caramel bars.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 276 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg