Quick Description
These Chocolate Caramel Nut Dessert Bars are the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty. With a buttery, caramel base topped with a layer of melted chocolate and crunchy nuts, they are indulgent and irresistible. It’s the ultimate treat for dessert lovers!
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 12–16 bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Ingredients List
- 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers with the melted butter. Stir well to coat all the crumbs evenly.
- Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Layer
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir continuously until the mixture begins to bubble and the sugar is dissolved. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.
Step 3: Add the Toppings
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the caramel layer.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chocolate chips have melted.
- Use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly over the caramel.
Step 4: Add the Nuts
- Sprinkle the chopped nuts evenly over the melted chocolate layer. Press down gently to help them adhere to the bars.
- Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 1 hour until the chocolate and caramel set.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
- Once the bars are fully chilled, slice them into squares or rectangles. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
Additional Notes
- Nut Variations: Feel free to use any nuts you prefer, such as almonds, cashews, or hazelnuts for a different flavor.
- Storage: Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days. They also freeze well for up to 1 month.
Dietary Info
- Indulgent & Decadent: These bars are rich in flavor with the perfect balance of chocolate, caramel, and nuts.
- Perfect for Sharing: Great for parties, family gatherings, or as a sweet treat for yourself.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
These bars are a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth with just a few ingredients. They come together quickly and are perfect for when you’re craving something indulgent!
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Graham Crackers: If you prefer a more flavorful crust, try using crushed vanilla wafers instead of graham crackers.
- Nuts: Choose any type of nuts that you like or even skip them for a nut-free version.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle extra melted chocolate over the top before chilling for an even richer chocolate experience.
- Caramel Drizzle: Add a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce to the top for extra indulgence.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Make-Ahead: These bars can be made a day ahead of time and stored in the fridge for the best texture.
- Freeze: They freeze beautifully, so make a batch and store them for later enjoyment.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet?
Yes! Dark chocolate will give these bars a more intense chocolate flavor. Feel free to adjust the sweetness as needed.
