Description
Sweet layers of rich caramel and melted chocolate chips create irresistible chocolate chip caramel bars that promise indulgent comfort. Gooey, golden goodness meets crisp edges in this simple dessert you’ll crave from first delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel bits or chopped caramel candies
Sweeteners:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Using an electric mixer, whip butter with both sugars until the mixture turns pale and develops a fluffy texture.
- Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough blending after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor complexity.
- In a separate container, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt to eliminate potential lumps and create a uniform dry mixture.
- Carefully fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring gently to maintain a smooth consistency without overworking the batter.
- Delicately integrate chocolate chips and caramel bits throughout the batter, distributing them evenly to guarantee a balanced flavor profile in each bite.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it uniformly and create an even surface.
- Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown color and checking doneness with a toothpick test.
- Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely within the pan to set the texture and enhance structural integrity.
- Once cooled, slice into neat squares and serve, savoring the rich combination of caramel and chocolate in every decadent morsel.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother, more evenly mixed batter that ensures consistent texture.
- Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough, dense bars; mix just until ingredients are combined to maintain a tender crumb.
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easier removal and clean cutting of bars, allowing you to lift the entire batch out cleanly.
- For gluten-free adaptation, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg