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Ingredients: Simple but Important
While chocolate chip caramel bars don’t require exotic ingredients, quality and balance matter.
Core Ingredients
- Butter (unsalted, softened)
- Brown sugar
- White sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Chocolate chips
- Caramel (soft caramels or caramel sauce)
Each ingredient contributes to texture and flavor. Brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness, while white sugar helps with structure and slight crispness.
Choosing the Right Caramel
Caramel is the star of this recipe, so choosing the right type is essential.
Soft Caramels
Individually wrapped soft caramels melted with a little cream create a thick, gooey layer that holds its shape beautifully when cooled.
Caramel Sauce
A thick caramel sauce can work, but it should be high quality and not too runny. Thin caramel can soak into the dough instead of forming a distinct layer.
For best results, aim for a caramel that stays soft but doesn’t spread too much.
Chocolate Chips: More Than Just Sweetness
Chocolate chips provide contrast to the caramel’s sweetness.
Popular options include:
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (classic choice)
- Dark chocolate chips (less sweet, more intense)
- Milk chocolate chips (extra creamy and sweet)
You can also mix types for a more complex flavor.
Step-by-Step: How Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Come Together
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Cream butter and sugars together until light and fluffy. This step is important—it helps create a soft, tender texture.
Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla. Slowly mix in dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can make the bars dense.
Fold in chocolate chips gently.
Step 2: Build the Base Layer
Press about half of the dough into a lined baking pan. This layer should be even and reach the edges.
Bake briefly to set the base slightly before adding caramel. This prevents sogginess.
Step 3: Add the Caramel
Spread melted caramel evenly over the warm base. Work carefully to avoid tearing the dough.
This is where the magic starts to happen.
Step 4: Add the Top Layer
Drop small pieces of the remaining dough over the caramel layer. Don’t worry if some caramel peeks through—it adds to the charm.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake until the top is golden and set, but the center still feels soft. Overbaking is the most common mistake.
The Importance of Cooling (Yes, It Matters)
As tempting as it is to cut into the bars right away, cooling is crucial.
- Hot caramel is too runny
- Bars may fall apart if sliced too soon
- Cooling allows layers to set properly
For clean slices, allow the bars to cool completely, or chill briefly before cutting.
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