Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars
These Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars are the ultimate layered dessert for caramel and chocolate lovers. With a buttery shortbread base, a thick, gooey caramel center, and a crunchy chocolate-nut topping, this easy homemade treat delivers bakery-quality results right from your kitchen. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, gifting, or freezer desserts, these bars are rich, indulgent, and irresistibly satisfying.
Layers That Make These Bars Irresistible:
Buttery Shortbread Base
A soft yet sturdy cookie base that holds the caramel perfectly without crumbling.
Gooey Caramel Filling
Made with sweetened condensed milk and butter for a smooth, chewy caramel that melts in your mouth.
Chocolate & Nut Crunch
Chunks of premium chocolate and toasted nuts add texture, balance sweetness, and elevate flavor.
Ingredients:
For the Base
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar (packed)
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
¼ tsp salt
For the Caramel Layer
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
¾ cup unsalted butter
½ cup light corn syrup or honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping
200 g high-quality milk or dark chocolate, broken into pieces
1 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped
Flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Base
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Press into a lined 9×13 pan and bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
Make the Caramel
In a saucepan, cook condensed milk, butter, and syrup over medium heat, stirring constantly. Simmer 5–7 minutes until thick and amber. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
Assemble the Bars
Pour hot caramel over baked base. Sprinkle nuts evenly, then gently press chocolate pieces into the caramel.
Chill & Slice
Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Slice with a sharp knife into bars.
Storage & Serving Tips:
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 10 days
Freezer-friendly: Freeze up to 2 months
Serving tip: Let sit 10–15 minutes at room temperature before serving
Benefits of Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars:
Easy homemade dessert with bakery-style results
Perfect make-ahead dessert for events & holidays
Rich in flavor with balanced sweetness and crunch
Great for dessert trays, gifting, and parties
Customizable with nuts, chocolate types, or sea salt
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Indulge in rich Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars made with a buttery shortbread base, gooey caramel center, and crunchy chocolate-nut topping. Easy homemade dessert perfect for holidays, parties, and gifting.
