Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars, a treat that perfectly balances sweet and salty.
Discover the delightful combination of rich chocolate and creamy salted caramel in these irresistible bars. Perfect for sharing or indulging on your own!
Why You'll Love These Bars
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with smooth salted caramel
- A delightful sweet and salty combination
- Perfect for gatherings or as a special treat
A Perfect Balance of Flavors
Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars are a delightful treat that brings together the best of both sweet and salty worlds. The rich chocolate base provides a deep, satisfying flavor, while the salted caramel layer adds a luxurious creaminess that elevates the entire dessert. Each bite is an experience, with the contrasting notes of chocolate and caramel dancing on your palate.
This combination not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also offers a unique twist that makes it stand out from traditional dessert bars. The touch of sea salt enhances the flavors, making the bars irresistibly addictive and perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you're hosting a gathering or looking for a special treat to enjoy at home, these Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars are an excellent choice. They are easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the moment with your guests without the stress of last-minute baking.
These bars also make a fantastic gift for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion where you want to bring a smile to someone's face. Their beautiful layers and rich flavors are sure to impress anyone who tries them.
Customizing Your Bars
One of the best things about Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars is their versatility. You can easily customize the recipe by adding your favorite nuts, such as chopped pecans or walnuts, to give the bars an extra crunch. Alternatively, you can incorporate different types of chocolate, like milk chocolate or white chocolate, for a unique flavor profile.
If you're a fan of additional toppings, consider drizzling some melted chocolate on top or adding a sprinkle of crushed cookies for added texture and flavor. The possibilities are endless, making these bars a fun and creative baking project.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Salted Caramel
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
For the Topping
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon sea salt for garnish
Make sure to measure all ingredients accurately for the best results!
Instructions
Prepare the Chocolate Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely in the pan.
Make the Salted Caramel
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar until it turns a golden amber color, stirring constantly.
Once melted, carefully add the butter and stir until melted. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Remove from heat and add sea salt. Let it cool slightly.
Assemble the Bars
Once the chocolate base is cooled, pour the salted caramel over the top, spreading it evenly. Allow to set for about 30 minutes.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips until smooth. Pour over the caramel layer, spreading evenly. Sprinkle with additional sea salt.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting into bars. Enjoy!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Storage Tips
To keep your Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerating them is a great option, as the cold can enhance the chocolate's firmness and the caramel's silkiness.
For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Cut them into individual pieces, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months in the freezer, allowing you to enjoy them whenever a craving strikes.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are delicious on their own, but they can be elevated even further with some simple serving suggestions. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience that balances the richness of the chocolate and caramel with the creaminess of the ice cream.
For a more gourmet touch, serve the bars alongside a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dollop of whipped cream. Garnishing with fresh fruit, like strawberries or raspberries, can also add a refreshing contrast to the sweet flavors.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, but it will make the bars sweeter.
→ How should I store these bars?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
→ Can I make the salted caramel ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the caramel a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative if needed.
Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars, a treat that perfectly balances sweet and salty.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 16 bars
What You'll Need
For the Chocolate Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Salted Caramel
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
For the Topping
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon sea salt for garnish
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely in the pan.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar until it turns a golden amber color, stirring constantly.
Once melted, carefully add the butter and stir until melted. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Remove from heat and add sea salt. Let it cool slightly.
Once the chocolate base is cooled, pour the salted caramel over the top, spreading it evenly. Allow to set for about 30 minutes.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips until smooth. Pour over the caramel layer, spreading evenly. Sprinkle with additional sea salt.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting into bars. Enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g