Picture this: a cozy gathering of loved ones around the kitchen island, the air infused with the scent of melting chocolate and caramel. These Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars are more than just a treat; they’re a reason for everyone to come together and create sweet memories. With a luxurious blend of rich chocolate and buttery caramel, topped with a sprinkle of sea salt, these bars take a classic favorite to an indulgent new level. Perfect for festive seasons, family bonding, or when you just need a touch of decadence in your life. Why settle for ordinary when you can have extraordinary, right from your own kitchen?
Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 12 bars
- Skill Level: Intermediate
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 tablespoon sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Add the flour and salt, and mix until just combined. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to form a solid base. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
- While the base is cooling, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
- Once the base is cool, pour the melted chocolate over the crust and spread it into an even layer.
- In a saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce over medium heat. Stir continuously until it starts to bubble and thickens slightly.
- Carefully pour the caramel mixture over the chocolate layer and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the sea salt evenly over the top.
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until completely set. Once set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan and cut into squares.
Helpful Tips
- If you’re new to working with caramel, be patient and stir continuously to avoid burning.
- For a nutty twist, add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the caramel layer.
- Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to a month.
- If you don’t have sea salt, flaky kosher salt can be a good substitute.
Pairings
- Serve with a hot cup of coffee or your favorite chai tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
At Zynahz, we believe every recipe is a chance to create, enjoy, and share the joy of cooking. Try out these Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars and let us know how they turned out. Share your delicious creations with friends and family, and spread the love! Don’t forget to explore more recipes on Zynahz, follow us on social media, and sign up for our newsletter for even more culinary inspiration.
