Gooey Goodness: How to Make Irresistible Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars at Home!

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There’s nothing like the sweet, gooey combination of chocolate and caramel to make any dessert irresistible. Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars bring these two iconic flavors together in a way that’s both decadent and comforting. Whether you're looking to impress at a family gathering or simply satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars are sure to deliver. Every bite is a blend of melty chocolate, rich caramel, and a perfectly soft and chewy cookie base.

The Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion

These bars are easy to make, yet they taste like something straight from a gourmet bakery. The caramel melts into the dough, creating pockets of chewy sweetness, while the chocolate chips add a luscious, velvety texture to every bite. With a golden-brown crust on the outside and a gooey, soft center, Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars are the ultimate comfort dessert.

Recipe: Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup caramel bits or chopped caramel candies

Directions:

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent the bars from sticking and to ensure an easy release.

Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key to creating a soft and chewy texture in your bars.

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.

Mix Dry Ingredients Separately: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, so your bars bake perfectly.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be sure not to overmix the dough to maintain a soft texture.

Fold in Chocolate Chips and Caramel Bits: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and caramel bits, making sure they’re evenly spread throughout the dough for a perfect balance of flavors in each bite.

Spread in the Pan: Pour and spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula so it bakes uniformly.

Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The bars should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.

Cool and Cut: Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. This will help them firm up and make cutting easier. Enjoy the gooey caramel, melted chocolate, and chewy base in every delightful bite!

A Sweet Finish to Any Day

These Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a bake sale, a family dinner, or simply to treat yourself. The combination of buttery dough, rich chocolate, and sweet caramel is absolutely irresistible, making them a favorite among both kids and adults. These bars store well too, so you can make a batch in advance and enjoy them throughout the week.

With minimal ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of any skill level. The result is a dessert that feels indulgent but is easy enough to whip up anytime you’re in the mood for something sweet and satisfying. Try these bars out, and you'll have a new go-to recipe in your dessert rotation!

Here’s a delightful and easy-to-make recipe for Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars, a rich and gooey dessert that combines the best of caramel and chocolate in every bite. These bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings, and they’re simple enough for any baking skill level.

Recipe Overview

The base of these bars is a buttery chocolate chip cookie dough, layered with rich caramel. As the bars bake, the caramel melts into the dough, creating a luscious, gooey center. When cooled, the bars have a soft yet firm texture, making them easy to slice and serve.

Step-by-Step Directions

Start by preparing a cookie dough with softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Once the wet ingredients are creamed together, mix in the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips for that classic cookie flavor.

Next, spread half of the cookie dough into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. On top of this dough, add a layer of caramel made from caramel bits or squares melted with a bit of cream to ensure a smooth consistency. For an added twist, you could sprinkle some sea salt over the caramel layer for a salted caramel version.

Finally, drop the remaining cookie dough in small dollops over the caramel. It’s okay if some caramel peeks through as this adds to the visual appeal once baked. Bake the bars until they turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing them into squares for a gooey, chocolatey, caramel-filled treat​(i am baker)​(Two Peas & Their Pod)​(Cake by Courtney -).

These bars can be enjoyed on their own or served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert​(A Magical Mess).

If you’re looking for variations, consider adding chopped pecans or using dark chocolate chips for a slightly more intense chocolate flavor​(A Magical Mess).