High Protein RecipeMeal PlanRecipe

Chocolate Caramel Nut Bars

Updated on 5 min read

Quick Description

These Chocolate Caramel Nut Bars are the ultimate indulgence: a perfect combination of smooth caramel, crunchy nuts, and silky milk chocolate. Whether for a special occasion or an everyday treat, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth with their decadent flavor and texture.

Servings & Timing

  • Servings: 12–16 bars
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients List

For the Caramel Layer

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt

For the Nutty Base

  • 2 cups salted peanuts (or any nuts of choice, such as almonds or cashews)
  • 1 cup Rice Krispies or cornflakes (optional for added crunch)

For the Chocolate Coating

  • 2 cups milk chocolate chips
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable oil (to help smooth the chocolate)

For Topping

  • Additional chopped nuts for garnish
  • Flaky sea salt (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

  1. Toast the nuts: In a dry pan over medium heat, lightly toast the peanuts (or your choice of nuts) until golden brown and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes. Set them aside to cool.
  2. If using Rice Krispies or cornflakes, place them in a large bowl. Once the nuts are cooled, chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the same bowl.

Step 2: Make the Caramel

  1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt to the butter. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Let it cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the caramel thickens.
  3. Remove the caramel from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

  1. Pour the caramel mixture over the nuts and Rice Krispies (if using), and stir gently to coat everything evenly.
  2. Spread the nut and caramel mixture into a parchment-lined 9×9-inch baking dish or an 8×8-inch pan. Press the mixture down firmly into an even layer.
  3. Allow the caramel nut base to cool for about 15 minutes at room temperature, or place it in the refrigerator for quicker cooling.

Step 4: Melt the Chocolate

  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the milk chocolate chips and coconut oil together in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely smooth.
  2. Pour the melted chocolate over the cooled caramel-nut mixture, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 5: Set the Bars

  1. Sprinkle additional chopped nuts over the melted chocolate for extra crunch and garnish. Optionally, sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top for a sweet-salty contrast.
  2. Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate has fully set.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

  1. Once the chocolate is set, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares.
  2. Serve immediately, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Additional Notes

  • Nuts: You can use any variety of nuts for this recipe, such as almonds, cashews, or even walnuts. Roasted nuts work best for texture and flavor.
  • Crunchy Texture: Adding Rice Krispies or cornflakes gives these bars an extra crunch, but they can be left out if you prefer a smoother bar.
  • Chocolate Coating: For a darker chocolate coating, substitute the milk chocolate chips with semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Dietary Info

  • Vegetarian
  • Can Be Made Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips to make these bars dairy-free.
  • Can Be Made Gluten-Free: Make sure to use gluten-free Rice Krispies or a gluten-free cornflake option.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

  1. Salted Caramel Nut Bars – Drizzle some caramel sauce over the bars once they are fully set for an extra layer of sweetness.
  2. Nut-Free Version – Use puffed rice or rolled oats instead of nuts for a nut-free alternative.
  3. Dark Chocolate Caramel Bars – Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a more intense chocolate flavor.

Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Room Temperature: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Refrigeration: These bars can also be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Make sure to allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
  • Freezing: You can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in an airtight container.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate for the coating?
Yes! You can use any type of chocolate you prefer, such as dark, semi-sweet, or even white chocolate. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness of the bars based on the chocolate used.

Q: Can I make these bars without caramel?
Yes! You can skip the caramel layer and use peanut butter instead for a different flavor. You can also melt chocolate with a bit of cream for a simpler version.

Q: How can I make these bars more festive?
For special occasions, decorate the bars with colored sprinkles, or drizzle with additional melted chocolate and top with edible glitter for a fun and festive touch!

Optional Personal Story

“I remember making these chocolate caramel nut bars for the first time for my family’s holiday gathering. They were such a hit! The combination of smooth caramel and crunchy nuts, with the rich chocolate coating, made them the perfect treat for everyone to enjoy. Now, I make these bars for every special occasion and they never last long on the dessert table!”

Call-to-Action

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