Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars

Okay, so let me just say this—these Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars are unreal. Like, soft and chewy in the middle, but gooey with melty caramel too. I made one batch… and they were gone in minutes.

If you’re into warm, sweet, buttery treats that kind of taste like a hug? Yeah, these are it. They’ve got that perfect combo of chocolate chips and golden caramel that just melts in your mouth.

I didn’t think it could be this easy, but honestly, they come together super fast. No fancy stuff. Just a few pantry things and bam—you’re in dessert heaven.

So, if you’re craving something cozy and sweet tonight? You have to try these. Let’s bake some bars that taste like pure joy.

Why You’ll Love These Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars

• Reader Favorite: Many readers have said this recipe is a “game changer” and a “must-try”! These Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars have that perfect balance of chewy, gooey caramel paired with the rich chocolatey goodness, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
• Loaded with Flavor: The combination of sweet caramel and semi-sweet chocolate chips gives you the best of both worlds in one bite.
• Easy to Make: No need for complicated steps or special tools. In just 45 minutes, you’ll have warm, chewy bars ready to devour.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a potluck, or a simple treat at home, these bars are sure to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Bake a batch, and you’ll have delicious homemade treats ready for snacks throughout the week.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Mixing Bowls: For mixing the wet and dry ingredients.
• Electric Mixer (Optional): To beat together the butter and sugars.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: To ensure you’re using the right ingredients in the right amounts.
• Baking Pan (9×13-inch): The ideal size for these bars.
• Parchment Paper: To line your pan for easy removal.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For mixing.
• Cooling Rack (Optional): For letting your bars cool evenly.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these irresistible Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars:

• Unsalted Butter (1 cup): Softened butter provides richness and moisture to the dough, giving these bars a soft and chewy texture.
• Brown Sugar (1 cup): Adds a deeper, caramelized flavor that complements the caramel pieces in the recipe.
• Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Helps create a light and sweet flavor while adding sweetness to balance the caramel.
• Large Eggs (2): Essential for binding the dough and providing structure.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour (3 ½ cups): The base of the dough, giving the bars structure and chewiness.
• Baking Soda (1 tsp): Helps the dough rise and gives the bars a soft texture.
• Salt (2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances out the sweetness.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (2 cups): Melty chocolate chips that bring decadence and richness to the bars.
• Soft Caramel Candies (1 cup, unwrapped): Soft, chewy caramel pieces create pockets of gooey sweetness in every bite.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 oz can): Adds extra creaminess to the bars, enhancing the caramel flavor and giving the bars their deliciously smooth texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Before you start preparing the dough, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) so it’s ready for your bars. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent the bars from sticking and to make clean removal easier.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat the mixture on medium speed until it’s light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This step helps create a soft, chewy texture in your bars.

3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the two large eggs to the mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps the eggs fully incorporate into the dough. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Once your dry ingredients are combined, slowly add them to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to avoid dense bars.

5. Add the Chocolate Chips and Caramel Candies

Now comes the fun part—adding the mix-ins! Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and soft caramel candies (unwrapped) gently using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be sure the caramel is evenly distributed throughout the dough. This is where the magic happens, as you’ll get pockets of gooey caramel and melted chocolate in each bite.

6. Bake the Bars

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to press the dough gently into the corners and create an even layer. Bake the bars in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them toward the end, as every oven is different.

7. Let Them Cool

Once the bars are baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This step is important to allow the caramel to set, preventing them from falling apart when you cut into them.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars

These Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars are delicious on their own, but there are a few fun ways to enjoy them!

• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve a warm bar with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on top. The melty ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm, gooey caramel and chocolate.
• Drizzle with Extra Caramel Sauce: If you’re a caramel lover, drizzle a bit more caramel sauce over the top for extra sweetness and a more decadent dessert experience.
• With a Cup of Coffee or Milk: These bars are perfect with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. They’re the ultimate treat to enjoy with your favorite beverage.

Variations for Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars

While this recipe is already amazing as is, there are a few ways you can get creative and customize it to your taste:

• Add Nuts: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the dough to add a bit of crunch and richness.
• Use Dark Chocolate: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate for a more intense chocolate flavor.
• Swirl in Peanut Butter: For a peanut butter-chocolate-caramel combo, swirl in some creamy peanut butter into the dough before baking.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make these bars gluten-free. Just be sure to check your other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.
• Caramel Swirl: Instead of adding caramel candies directly to the dough, try drizzling a caramel sauce over the bars just before baking to create a caramel swirl effect.

Storing Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars

• Room Temperature: Once your bars are cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy.
• Freezing: If you want to make these bars ahead of time, they freeze beautifully! Just place the bars in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.
• Refrigeration: You can refrigerate the bars for up to 1 week, but be sure to keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.

Nutrition Information (per bar)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320 kcal
Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	11g
Carbohydrates	40g
Fiber	1g
Sugars	28g
Protein	2g
Sodium	180mg

Conclusion

These Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars are an easy, decadent treat that will have your friends and family coming back for more! With soft, chewy caramel and rich chocolate chips baked into every bite, they make the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, potluck, or just to indulge your sweet tooth, these bars are sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to share this recipe with others—once they try them, they’ll thank you!