Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars

How to Make Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars later. In a large bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, rice cereal, and salted peanuts (if using). Stir everything together until evenly mixed.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once the butter is melted, add the brown sugar and sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly until the mixture begins to bubble and the sugar has completely dissolved, about 3-4 minutes. Once it has reached a soft boil, reduce the heat and continue stirring for an additional 2 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Combine the Caramel and Crunchy Mix

Pour the caramel mixture over the graham cracker, rice cereal, and peanut mixture. Stir everything together gently to coat the dry ingredients with the caramel sauce. Make sure the mixture is evenly distributed. Once combined, transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Press it down gently with the back of a spoon to compact it into an even layer.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate and Caramel Drizzle

In a separate saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and caramel bits together. You can do this by microwaving the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted. Alternatively, you can melt them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly.

Once the chocolate and caramel mixture is smooth, pour it over the pressed base in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly, covering the entire surface. If you want to add extra texture, sprinkle more crushed nuts or a pinch of sea salt on top.

Step 5: Set and Cut into Bars

Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before transferring them to the refrigerator. Chill the bars for at least 2 hours or until they are fully set and firm. Once the bars are completely cooled and firm, remove them from the baking dish, cut them into squares or rectangles, and serve.

Tips for the Best Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars

• Customize Your Crunch: Feel free to add or swap out the rice cereal for other crunchy ingredients like cornflakes or even crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet twist.
• Use Different Chocolate: Experiment with milk chocolate or dark chocolate for a different flavor. You can even combine different types of chocolate for extra richness.
• Add a Topping: If you like a bit of extra flair, drizzle more caramel or chocolate on top after the bars have set. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, or sea salt for added texture and flavor.
• Make Them Ahead: These bars are great for making in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Why You’ll Love These Bars

Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars are the perfect dessert for anyone with a sweet tooth. They combine the creamy richness of caramel, the chocolatey goodness of melted chocolate, and the satisfying crunch of rice cereal and graham crackers. Plus, the fact that they’re so easy to make and require no baking at all makes them the ideal treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing something sweet to a potluck, or just looking for a delicious snack, these bars are sure to become a favorite!