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.
These bars have a fascinating history, as salted caramel has its roots in French cuisine, where it was first popularized in the 1980s. Since then, it has taken the dessert world by storm, and for good reason! People adore Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars not only for their incredible taste but also for their convenience; they are easy to make 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 salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Flaky sea salt, for topping
Preparing the Batter
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the bars bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
- Next, grab a large mixing bowl and add the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, cream these ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Once the butter and sugars are well combined, add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and mix until everything is fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial as it helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense bars.
- Now, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon. This is where the magic happens, as the chocolate chips will melt slightly during baking, creating gooey pockets of chocolate in every bite!
Preparing the Caramel
- If you’re using store-bought salted caramel sauce, you can skip this step. However, if you want to make your own, here’s a quick method: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of water. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, stop stirring and allow the mixture to boil. Watch closely as it turns a deep amber color, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn!
- When the caramel reaches the desired color, remove it from the heat and carefully whisk in 1/2 cup of heavy cream. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious. Then, stir in 1/2 teaspoon of salt and let it cool slightly before using.
Cooking Process
- Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Spread half of the cookie batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth it out, ensuring it covers the entire base.
- Next, drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce over the batter. You can use a spoon or a squeeze bottle for more control. Make sure to leave some space around the edges to prevent it from overflowing during baking.
- Now, take the remaining cookie batter and dollop it over the caramel layer. It doesn’t have to be perfect; just try to cover as much of the caramel as possible. Use a spatula to gently spread it out, but don’t worry if some caramel is still visible.
- Finally, drizzle the remaining salted caramel sauce over the top of the batter. This will create a beautiful, gooey layer that will melt into the bars as they bake.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of flaky sea salt over the top. This will enhance the flavor and give that perfect sweet and salty balance.
- Place the baking pan 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 (not wet batter).
Cooling and Assembling
- Once
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 impress your family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a delicious dessert to bring to a potluck, a sweet snack for movie night, or just a little something to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars are the answer.
For serving suggestions, I love to enjoy these bars warm, straight from the oven, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. You can also drizzle a little extra salted caramel sauce on top for an indulgent touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the flavor even further. The possibilities are endless!
I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of baking these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars yourself. Once you do, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your delicious creation. Let’s spread the love for these bars together! Happy baking!
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars: The Ultimate Indulgent Treat
Indulge in these decadent chocolate chip caramel bars, featuring a rich cookie base, gooey salted caramel, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for the perfect sweet and salty treat!
Ingredients
- chocolate chips
- caramel
- sea salt
- dark chocolate chips (optional)
- nuts or other mix-ins (optional)
Instructions
- Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes.
- After cooling slightly, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and onto a cutting board.
- Allow them to cool completely before slicing into squares or rectangles.
- Serve the bars warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the delightful combination of chocolate, caramel, and a hint of sea salt!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Feel free to add nuts or other mix-ins to the batter for added texture.
