Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars

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This recipe came to life out of pure craving—the kind that hits late at night when you’re yearning for something sweet, warm, and deeply satisfying. I had a bag of chocolate chips sitting in the pantry, some soft caramel squares, and just enough butter to turn magic into reality. What started as a quick fix became one of my go-to desserts.

The texture is what really sets these bars apart: golden and chewy on the edges, but soft and gooey in the center thanks to that generous layer of melted caramel. I added a pinch of flaky salt on top one time, and since then, it’s a staple—that balance between sweet and salty is simply irresistible. These bars have become a signature bake at family gatherings, and there’s never a crumb left.

I love how easy they are to put together, even on a whim. No need for fancy equipment or chilling time—just a simple layering process and a quick trip to the oven. If you’re someone who enjoys decadent treats with minimal fuss, then you’re going to fall for these chocolate chip caramel bars just as I did.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe

Chocolate chip caramel bars are that perfect marriage between cookie and candy. They’re rich without being too sweet, and they offer variety in texture with every bite. The recipe is reliable, forgiving, and endlessly adaptable—add nuts, swap the chocolate chips, drizzle extra caramel on top. Whether you serve them warm with ice cream or cold from the fridge, they remain show-stopping. Plus, they’re incredibly portable, making them great for potlucks, bake sales, and afternoon coffee breaks.

Ingredients

Butter: This brings moisture and a rich, creamy base to the bars. It helps create that soft, chewy texture that makes these bars so comforting.

Brown Sugar: It adds depth and a touch of molasses flavor that white sugar just can’t replicate. It also contributes to the chewiness of the bars.

Vanilla Extract: A little splash of vanilla adds warmth and a bakery-style aroma that enhances the chocolate and caramel flavors.

All-Purpose Flour: This is the structural backbone, giving the bars their soft, thick consistency.

Baking Soda: Just a pinch gives the bars a bit of lift and keeps them from becoming too dense.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and makes every flavor pop, especially the caramel.

Chocolate Chips: The star of the show. Melty, gooey pockets of chocolate in every bite are non-negotiable.

Soft Caramels: These are melted and layered in the middle for that irresistible gooey center.

Heavy Cream: Just enough to melt with the caramels and make them luxuriously smooth and pourable.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Layer

Unwrap your soft caramels and melt them with the heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently until smooth, then set aside to cool slightly while you prep the dough.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. Then stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until a soft dough forms. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Step 3: Layer the Dough

Press half of the dough into a parchment-lined baking pan to form the base. Pour the melted caramel evenly over the base layer, spreading it to the edges. Crumble and scatter the remaining dough over the top, leaving some of the caramel peeking through.

Step 4: Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown on top. The center should be set but still soft.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan to allow the caramel to set. For clean slices, chill them briefly before cutting. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

You can easily switch up this recipe to match what you have on hand or tailor it to your taste. Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a richer profile or try white chocolate for extra sweetness. Want a nutty crunch? Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough. If you’re out of soft caramels, a thick dulce de leche or jarred caramel sauce can stand in nicely—just be sure it’s not too runny. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These bars are delicious warm, but equally good chilled. For a luxurious dessert, serve them slightly heated with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of extra caramel or hot fudge. They’re lovely with coffee, a tall glass of milk, or even a shot of espresso for contrast. At parties, cut them into small squares for finger-friendly portions.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To freeze, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic and store in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave for about 10 seconds to bring back that gooey texture.

FAQs

Can I make Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely. These bars keep well and can even taste better the next day as the flavors meld. Just store them in an airtight container.

Can I double the Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars recipe?

Yes, double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Baking time may increase slightly, so keep an eye on the center.

Can I use salted butter in Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars?

You can, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.

How do I keep the caramel from getting too hard in Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars?

Make sure to melt the caramels with heavy cream—it keeps them soft and smooth after baking.

Are Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars freezer-friendly?

Very much so! Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm before serving.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you’re a fan of gooey layers and cozy flavors, you might want to try my Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars. They’re festive, soft, and super easy to whip up using a cake mix base. For something with a fruity twist, the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are another crowd favorite—perfectly sweet and creamy with a bright pop of berry flavor. You may also enjoy my Cottage Cheese Protein Brownies, especially if you’re looking for a treat with a protein boost but all the richness of a classic dessert.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

Don’t let this deliciousness get lost! Pin these chocolate chip caramel bars to your favorite dessert board on Pinterest so you always have them on hand when the craving hits. You can also share this recipe with your family and friends on Facebook or send it through a quick text to that dessert-loving buddy. A recipe this good deserves to be passed around and baked often.

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