Description
Craving a sweet treat that’s simple, indulgent, and loaded with flavor? These Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars are everything you want in a dessert—crunchy, gooey, chocolatey, and irresistibly satisfying. With layers of buttery crust, rich caramel, melted chocolate, and a sprinkle of nuts (optional), this easy dessert is perfect for parties, holidays, or your next bake-and-share moment.
Who is this Recipe For?
This dessert is perfect for:
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Busy bakers who want a crowd-pleasing treat with minimal fuss
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Chocolate and caramel lovers seeking a satisfying crunch
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Anyone planning parties, potlucks, or family get-togethers
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Parents who want a fun and easy snack the kids will love
If you’re a fan of layered desserts like toffee bars or magic cookie bars, you’ll fall in love with these caramel chocolate crunch bars.
Why It’s Great
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Quick and Easy: Only 15 minutes of prep time and pantry-friendly ingredients
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Sweet and Salty: The perfect balance of rich caramel and chocolate
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Customizable: Add your favorite nuts, drizzle with white chocolate, or sprinkle with sea salt
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Make-Ahead Friendly: Store well for several days—great for gifting or snacking later
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One Pan, No Fuss: Simple mixing and baking means less cleanup!
Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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½ cup brown sugar
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1 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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1 cup chocolate chunks
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½ cup chopped nuts (optional – walnuts, pecans, or almonds work well)
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½ cup chocolate chips
How to Make Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir until a crumbly dough forms.
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Press the dough firmly into the bottom of a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust.
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Bake the crust for 10–12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
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Remove from the oven and immediately pour the caramel sauce over the warm crust, spreading evenly.
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Sprinkle the chocolate chunks and nuts (if using) evenly on top of the caramel layer.
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Return to the oven for another 10 minutes, until the caramel is bubbly and the chocolate begins to melt.
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Remove from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips over the top. Let them melt slightly, then gently spread if desired for a smooth finish.
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Cool completely before cutting into bars. Refrigerate for quicker setting.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
⏱ Total Time: 37 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Calories per Serving: 320 kcal
Kitchen Equipment Needed
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Mixing bowl
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9×13-inch baking dish
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Spatula or spoon for spreading
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Oven and cooling rack
Storage
Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the bars individually wrapped in plastic and sealed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
FAQ
Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?
Yes! Homemade caramel adds a rich, buttery flavor that elevates the bars even more.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely—just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
What kind of nuts work best?
Pecans, walnuts, or almonds all add great crunch and complement the caramel-chocolate combo.
Do the bars need to be refrigerated?
Not necessarily, but chilling helps the bars set faster and makes cutting them cleaner.
Can I make this into a no-bake recipe?
The crust does need to bake to hold together properly, but once that’s done, everything else is quick and easy.
Conclusion
These Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars are the ultimate treat for dessert lovers. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, need a sweet snack for the kids, or want a quick recipe that delivers big flavor, these bars tick every box. Layered with love and loaded with texture, they’re guaranteed to become a family favorite. So go ahead—bake a batch and share the sweetness!
