Name: Caramel Chocolate Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1/2 tsp salt; 12 Tbsp unsalted butter, frozen; 3/4 cup quick 1-minute oats; 3/4 cup shredded coconut; 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk (1 1/3 cups); 1 Tbsp vanilla paste; 40 vanilla caramels (2 bags, 4.51 oz each); 1/4 cup whole milk; 1 cup milk chocolate chips; Flaky sea salt

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If you are craving a dessert that perfectly marries chewy caramel, rich chocolate, and a satisfyingly crunchy base, this Caramel Chocolate Bars Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine biting into layers of buttery oat and coconut crust, topped with a luscious layer of sweetened condensed milk custard, followed by a decadent drizzle of melted caramels and chocolate chips lightly kissed with flaky sea salt. Every bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that promises to delight your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to try them.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl with one handle on a white marbled surface holds a single layer of crumbly dough. The dough is light brown with an uneven texture, made up of small and medium-size chunks loosely packed together, filling the bowl almost halfway. The overall look is rough and dry, suggesting the early stage of mixing flour and fat. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients may seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture, balance of sweetness, and that gorgeous golden color that makes these bars irresistible. From the crunchy oats and coconut to the smooth caramel and chocolate finish, every element counts.

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides a sturdy base for the crust while keeping it tender.
1 cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds a deep caramel flavor and moisture to the crust.
1/2 tsp. salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
12 Tbsp. unsalted butter, frozen: Creates a flaky, rich texture when grated into the flour mixture.
3/4 cup quick 1-minute oats: Adds a hearty chewiness and texture contrast.
3/4 cup shredded coconut: Brings a subtle tropical flavor and chewy bite.
14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk (1 1/3 cups): Forms a smooth, sweet custard layer that binds everything together.
1 Tbsp. vanilla paste: Enhances the sweetness with natural vanilla warmth.
40 vanilla caramels (2, 4.51 oz. bags): Melted for that gooey, indulgent caramel topping.
1/4 cup whole milk: Helps melt the caramels smoothly without burning.
1 cup milk chocolate chips: Sprinkled on top to add a creamy chocolate finish.
Flaky sea salt: Adds bursts of salty contrast to balance the bars’ sweetness.

How to Make Caramel Chocolate Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to get it nice and hot for baking. Then, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. The magic happens when you grate the frozen butter right into this mixture — the tiny buttery shards create a wonderfully crumbly texture that’s the secret to the perfect crust. Break up any large chunks so the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this crumbly blend evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 baking pan, lining it with parchment paper if you want an easier clean-up later.

Step 2: Bake the Base

Bake the crust for 15 minutes until it starts to set and turn golden. This short bake firms up the base, making it ready to hold the luscious layers coming next. The aroma at this stage will already have you excited for what’s to come.

Step 3: Add Oats and Coconut

While the crust is still warm, evenly sprinkle the oats and shredded coconut over the top. This layer adds delightful texture and a little bit of rustic charm to the bars that perfectly complements the smooth caramel and chocolate layers.

Step 4: Make the Sweetened Condensed Milk Layer

Stir the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla paste together, then pour it evenly over the oats and coconut, making sure to reach all the edges so every bite has that creamy richness. This layer bakes into a soft, sweet custard that holds everything together beautifully.

Step 5: Bake to Set

Bake the bars for about 25 minutes, until the filling is set and slightly golden around the edges. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes before proceeding. This rest time helps the bars hold their shape once sliced.

Step 6: Prepare the Caramel Topping

While the bars cool, melt the vanilla caramels and whole milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk constantly until you have a smooth, shiny caramel sauce. Pour this luscious caramel evenly over the baked bars.

Step 7: Finish with Chocolate and Sea Salt

Sprinkle the milk chocolate chips over the warm caramel — they will begin to melt slightly, creating an irresistible glossy chocolate top. Finally, sprinkle flaky sea salt over everything to introduce an elegant salty contrast that highlights the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate. Let the bars cool completely before slicing them into 24 squares so each piece holds together perfectly.

How to Serve Caramel Chocolate Bars Recipe

A close-up view of a square bar dessert showing three distinct layers: the bottom layer is a firm, crumbly light brown base, the middle layer is a golden caramel that looks smooth and glossy, and the top layer is melted chocolate chips spread unevenly with some chocolate pieces standing out. The dessert piece is placed on white parchment paper with scattered white flakes around it. Behind it, there are two more similar bar pieces slightly blurred, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, consider dusting your Caramel Chocolate Bars with a tiny pinch of cocoa powder or adding a drizzle of warmed white chocolate. A few toasted coconut flakes also make a lovely garnish that enhances the flavor layers and adds a pretty visual touch.

Side Dishes

These bars are rich and decadent on their own but can be paired beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance the sweetness. A fresh fruit salad featuring tart berries or citrus segments can also provide a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these bars on a rustic wooden board alongside a pot of strong coffee or tea for an inviting dessert platter. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a party favor or package them in decorative boxes as homemade gifts that everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Caramel Chocolate Bars Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The bars will stay deliciously chewy and moist but keep them out of direct sunlight to avoid melting the chocolate toppings.

Freezing

You can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Wrap individual bars or the whole pan tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. Thaw them at room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

While these bars are usually enjoyed at room temperature, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave can bring back that melty, gooey sensation if you prefer them warm. Just be careful not to overheat, as the chocolate topping can seize.

FAQs

Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips will add a richer, slightly less sweet flavor that complements the caramel wonderfully. Feel free to experiment to find your favorite balance.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

To make this Caramel Chocolate Bars Recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. The texture may differ slightly but will still be delicious.

Can I substitute the shredded coconut?

If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can replace it with chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for a similar crunch and added nutty flavor.

How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

Always melt your caramels over low to medium-low heat and stir continuously. Adding a bit of milk helps smooth out the caramel and reduces the risk of burning or seizing.

Can I use caramel sauce instead of melting caramels?

You can use caramel sauce, but melted caramels provide a thicker, more cohesive layer that’s easier to work with when assembling. If using sauce, choose a thick one and adjust the quantity to avoid a too-runny topping.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been hunting for a show-stopping dessert that combines comfort, indulgence, and a touch of elegance, I wholeheartedly recommend trying this Caramel Chocolate Bars Recipe. It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser that balances sweet, salty, chewy, and creamy in one glorious bite. Once you make them, they’ll earn a permanent spot in your baking rotation—you have been warned!