Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars are the ultimate indulgence, combining the perfect blend of rich caramel, gooey chocolate, and a crunchy oat base. These bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and make for a great dessert or snack to share with friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Sweet and Salty Flavor: The combination of sweet caramel, semisweet chocolate, and a touch of walnuts gives these bars a perfect balance of flavors.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can make these bars in less than 30 minutes, making them perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
- Crunchy Texture: The oats and walnuts create a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth chocolate and caramel layers.
- Versatile: These bars can be served at any occasion, from casual gatherings to holiday celebrations, and they’re sure to impress.
- Kid-Friendly: With ingredients like chocolate and caramel, these bars are a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups quick-cooking oats
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup caramel ice cream topping
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Oat Base: In a saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Mix in the oats, then press the mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake the Base: Bake the oat mixture in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
- Add the Chocolate: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the baked oat base. Let them melt for a few minutes, then spread the melted chocolate evenly over the bars.
- Finish with Caramel and Walnuts: Drizzle the caramel ice cream topping over the chocolate layer and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
- Cool and Set: Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Tips:
- Chill the Bars: For firmer bars, refrigerate the bars for about 30 minutes before cutting.
- Add More Toppings: You can add additional toppings like shredded coconut, marshmallows, or even a drizzle of extra caramel for more flavor.
- Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate them for longer shelf life.
FAQs:
- Can I use a different type of nut? Yes! You can use almonds, pecans, or even peanuts if you prefer a different nut.
- What can I substitute for the caramel topping? If you don’t have caramel ice cream topping, you can substitute it with homemade caramel sauce or dulce de leche.
- Can I make these bars ahead of time? Yes! You can make these bars ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for several days.
- Can I use rolled oats instead of quick-cooking oats? Quick-cooking oats are preferred for this recipe, but rolled oats can work as well, though the texture may differ slightly.
- How do I store leftovers? Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for a longer shelf life.
Conclusion:
These Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars are the perfect treat for any occasion. With their irresistible layers of gooey caramel, chocolate, and crunchy oats, they’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these bars will leave everyone asking for the recipe!
PrintCaramel Chocolate Crunch Bars
- Total Time: 12 servings
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars are a sweet and indulgent treat that combines buttery oats, smooth chocolate, crunchy walnuts, and a touch of caramel for an irresistible dessert bar.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups quick-cooking oats
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup caramel ice cream topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Mix in the quick-cooking oats until well combined.
- Press the oat mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips evenly over the top. Let them melt for a few minutes, then spread the melted chocolate evenly over the bars.
- Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the chocolate layer.
- Drizzle the caramel ice cream topping over the top, adding as much as desired.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of salt on top of the caramel before serving.
- You can substitute the walnuts with other nuts like pecans or almonds if preferred.
- These bars are delicious chilled, so refrigerating them can make them even firmer and easier to slice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes