Chocolate Caramel Peanut Butter Bars
Indulgent Chocolate Caramel Peanut Butter Bars
If there’s one dessert that captivates both young and old alike, it’s a robustly flavored treat filled with chocolate, caramel, and peanut butter. These Chocolate Caramel Peanut Butter Bars are the perfect fusion of sweet and salty, with a rich, chewy texture. Perfect for any occasion, whether it be a cozy family gathering or a casual dessert for your next potluck, these bars promise to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Having made them several times, I can confidently say that they are not just delicious—they’re addictive!
What Makes This Recipe Special
You might wonder, why go through the effort of making these bars when store-bought options exist? The answer is simple: homemade treats always come with a personal touch. Here’s why you’ll love making these Chocolate Caramel Peanut Butter Bars:
- Quick and Easy: Simple ingredients combined in straightforward steps make for a hassle-free baking experience.
- Budget-Friendly: With common pantry staples, you won’t break the bank to make something extraordinary.
- Kid-Approved: Layers of chocolate chips and caramel make this a hit with children, ensuring they’ll ask for seconds (or thirds!).
“Absolutely scrumptious! My whole family devoured them within minutes. I’m making a second batch this weekend!”
Preparing Chocolate Caramel Peanut Butter Bars
Creating these delightful bars is simpler than you might think! Below is a short overview of what to expect and how the process unfolds:
- Grease the baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients and set them aside.
- Cream together butter and sugars, followed by eggs.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients; add chocolate chips.
- Layer half of the mixture in your pan and bake briefly.
- Make the gooey caramel filling using caramels, evaporated milk, and peanut butter.
- Spread the filling and top with the remaining dough before finishing the baking process.
Let’s get into the ingredients!
What You’ll Need
Gather these pantry staples for your Chocolate Caramel Peanut Butter Bars:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Butter (softened)
- Sugar
- Brown sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Eggs (room temperature)
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Caramels
- Evaporated milk
- Peanut butter
Tip: If you’re out of brown sugar, you can mix white sugar with a bit of molasses for a quick substitute.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Begin by greasing a 9×13 baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Make sure to whisk the dry ingredients well for even distribution.
- In another large bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars and vanilla until the mixture is pale and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring to mix well after each addition for consistency.
- Gradually add the flour blend to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Now, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Spread half of this cookie dough evenly in your prepared baking pan.
- Bake this base at 375°F for 8-10 minutes or until just set.
- While the base is baking, melt the caramels and evaporated milk in a double boiler, stirring until smooth. Then, add in the peanut butter, stirring until fully melted.
- Once the base is done baking, spread the warm caramel peanut butter filling over it.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough evenly over the filling.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown and set in the center.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least half an hour before slicing.
Creative Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving these delicious bars, consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent touch. You might even drizzle some extra melted chocolate over them for that restaurant-style presentation.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To store your Chocolate Caramel Peanut Butter Bars, simply cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They can stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer bag, and they’ll last for up to three months.
Pro Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Eggs: Using eggs at room temperature helps to create a smoother batter, making it easier to incorporate into the mixture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stop as soon as you see no streaks of flour. Overmixing can lead to tough bars.
- Taste Test the Filling: Feel free to adjust the amount of peanut butter in your filling according to your taste preferences!
Creative Twists to Try
- Nut Variations: Swap the peanut butter for almond or cashew butter for a new flavor experience.
- Add More Layers: Incorporate crushed pretzels or nuts into the filling for a delightful crunch.
- Seasonal Spices: During the fall, pumpkin spice can be added to the batter for a festive spin!
Your Questions Answered
Q: Can I use natural peanut butter instead of conventional?
A: Yes, but ensure you’re using a natural peanut butter that is spreadable. Natural versions can separate, so check if they need stirring before use.
Q: How do I know when the bars are done baking?
A: The edges will be golden brown and the center should look slightly set. It will firm up as it cools.
Q: What’s the prep time for these bars?
A: Overall, preparation might take around 15-20 minutes, with an additional 25-30 minutes for baking.
With all these delicious details laid out, you’re well on your way to creating some truly unforgettable Chocolate Caramel Peanut Butter Bars! Enjoy the sweet indulgence!
Chocolate Caramel Peanut Butter Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Begin by greasing a 9x13 baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients well for even distribution.
- In another large bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars and vanilla until the mixture is pale and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition for consistency.
- Gradually add the flour blend to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Spread half of this cookie dough evenly in your prepared baking pan.
- Bake this base at 375°F for 8-10 minutes or until just set.
- While the base is baking, melt the caramels and evaporated milk in a double boiler, stirring until smooth. Then, add in the peanut butter and stir until fully melted.
- Once the base is done baking, spread the warm caramel peanut butter filling over it.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough evenly over the filling.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown and set in the center.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least half an hour before slicing.
