Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors, making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion. As a lover of all things sweet, I can confidently say that these bars have become a staple in my kitchen. The combination of rich chocolate chips and gooey salted caramel creates a texture that is both chewy and indulgent, leaving you craving more with every bite.
Originating from the classic chocolate chip cookie, these bars elevate the traditional recipe by incorporating a luscious layer of salted caramel, which adds a unique twist that has captured the hearts of dessert enthusiasts everywhere. People adore Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars not only for their incredible taste but also for their convenience; they are easy to prepare and perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a personal treat. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, for sprinkling
Preparing the Batter
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars will bake evenly and come out perfectly gooey.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. I like to use an electric mixer for this step, but you can also do it by hand with a wooden spoon. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The batter should be smooth and creamy at this point.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough bars. I usually switch to a spatula for this step to gently fold in the flour.
- Once the batter is mixed, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. This is where the magic happens! The chocolate chips will melt slightly during baking, creating delicious pockets of chocolate throughout the bars.
Preparing the Baking Dish
- Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the bars out once they are baked. If you dont have parchment paper, you can grease the dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. I like to use a spatula to ensure its nice and smooth.
Adding the Caramel Layer
- Now its time to add the caramel sauce! Drizzle about 3/4 cup of the caramel sauce over the first layer of batter. You can use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience, or if youre feeling adventurous, you can make your own. Just be sure to leave some for drizzling on top later!
- Using a knife or a toothpick, gently swirl the caramel into the batter. This creates a beautiful marbled effect and ensures that every bite has that delicious caramel flavor.
- Next, spoon the remaining batter over the caramel layer. Its okay if some of the caramel peeks through; it adds to the charm of the bars!
Baking the Bars
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to cut the bars without them falling apart.
Finishing Touches
- After the bars have cooled slightly, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the baking dish and onto a cutting board. Allow them to cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Once cooled, drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top of the bars. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and makes them look absolutely irresistible!
- Finally, sprinkle the sea salt over the top. This is the finishing touch that balances the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate, creating a perfect flavor combination.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars are an absolute must-try for anyone who loves the perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors. The rich, gooey caramel paired with the melty chocolate chips creates a delightful treat that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, the hint of sea salt elevates the entire experience, making each bite a little piece of heaven. When it comes to serving suggestions, these bars are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them warm, straight from the oven, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent dessert. Alternatively, they make for a fantastic afternoon snack paired with a cup of coffee or tea. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding nuts or dried fruit to the mix for an extra layer of flavor and texture. You could even experiment with different types of chocolate, like dark or white chocolate, to customize the recipe to your liking. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try! I promise you wont be disappointed. Once youve made these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars, Id love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your delicious creation! Lets spread the joy of baking together, and trust me, your friends and family will be begging for the recipe once they get a taste of these delightful bars. Happy baking! Print
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars: The Ultimate Indulgent Treat
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
Description
Indulge in these decadent Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars, featuring a rich buttery base, gooey caramel swirls, and a sprinkle of sea salt. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Drizzle about 3/4 cup of caramel sauce over the first layer of batter.
- Gently swirl the caramel into the batter with a knife or toothpick.
- Spoon the remaining batter over the caramel layer, allowing some caramel to peek through.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the baking dish and onto a cutting board. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top of the bars.
- Sprinkle sea salt over the top for a perfect flavor balance.
Notes
- For a homemade caramel sauce, consider using a simple recipe with sugar, butter, and cream.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
