Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you adore the classic combination of sweet, salty, and chocolatey, these Peanut-Caramel Bars with Chocolate will become your new favorite treat. Imagine a buttery cookie base, a layer of gooey caramel loaded with crunchy peanuts, and a smooth chocolate topping — pure indulgence in every bite. These bars are reminiscent of your favorite candy bar but are far easier to make at home. They’re perfect for parties, holidays, or whenever your sweet tooth demands something extra special. I tried making these once with dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate, and the result was divine — slightly less sweet but deeply satisfying. The best part? You don’t need fancy tools or complicated steps, just a few pantry staples and about an hour.
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Peanut-Caramel Bars with Chocolate: A Decadent No-Fuss Dessert
- Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins (including chilling)
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Peanut-Caramel Bars with Chocolate are rich, layered dessert bars featuring a buttery shortbread base, gooey caramel-peanut filling, and a smooth chocolate topping. They’re like homemade candy bars — sweet, salty, crunchy, and irresistibly indulgent.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup (240 ml) caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups roasted peanuts (salted or unsalted, depending on preference)
- 1 1/2 cups (260 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- Sea salt flakes (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, mix flour, sugar, melted butter, and salt until a crumbly dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
- Pour the caramel sauce over the cooled crust, then sprinkle the roasted peanuts evenly over the top. Press gently so they stick to the caramel.
- Melt the chocolate chips and heavy cream together in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel-peanut layer and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle with sea salt flakes if desired, and refrigerate for 1–2 hours until firm.
- Cut into bars using a sharp knife and serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a crunchier texture, toast the peanuts lightly before adding them to the caramel layer.
- Substitute almond or cashew butter caramel for a nutty twist.
- Keep refrigerated for up to a week in an airtight container.
- Drizzle with white chocolate for a decorative finish.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baked and Chilled
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour – Forms the sturdy base of the shortbread crust, giving the bars structure and a buttery texture.
Unsalted butter – The key to a rich, tender crust. Make sure it’s softened to cream easily with the sugar.
Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the base and helps achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the buttery flavor of the shortbread.
Soft caramels – Use store-bought soft caramels for convenience, or make your own if you prefer. When melted, they create the gooey, luscious caramel layer.
Heavy cream – Helps smooth and thin the melted caramel for easy spreading and that silky texture.
Roasted peanuts – Add crunch and a delightful salty contrast to the sweet caramel. Lightly salted peanuts work best for balance.
Chocolate chips or chopped chocolate – Melted chocolate forms the glossy top layer. Choose dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate depending on your taste preference.
Vanilla extract – Enhances the caramel’s flavor and ties all the layers together with a warm aroma.
Sea salt flakes (optional) – Sprinkle over the chocolate layer for a touch of gourmet finish and a perfect sweet-salty balance.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. Let the crust cool while you prepare the caramel layer.
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the soft caramels with heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth. Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the caramel over the cooled crust and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the roasted peanuts over the top, pressing them gently into the caramel.
Next, melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water (double-boiler method) or in short microwave intervals, stirring frequently until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut-caramel layer and spread it evenly with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle sea salt flakes on top.
Refrigerate for about 1 hour, or until the chocolate is set. Once firm, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and slice into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Equipment needed
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or wooden spoon
Saucepan
Heatproof bowl
Spatula
8×8-inch baking pan
Parchment paper
Sharp knife
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 16 bars.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Total time: About 1 hour 35 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to 2 months, separating layers with parchment paper. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving. Avoid reheating, as the caramel and chocolate layers can melt unevenly.
Variations and Customizations
Dark Chocolate Peanut Bars
Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a richer, less sweet flavor profile.
Salted Caramel Peanut Bars
Add an extra pinch of sea salt to the caramel for a more pronounced salty-sweet taste.
Peanut Butter Caramel Bars
Mix a few tablespoons of peanut butter into the caramel for an ultra-peanutty twist.
Nutty Caramel Bars
Swap out some of the peanuts for almonds, cashews, or pecans for a mixed-nut variation.
White Chocolate Topping
Use white chocolate for a sweeter and creamier version — beautiful when swirled with dark chocolate.
Espresso Caramel Bars
Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the caramel layer for a subtle coffee kick.
Chocolate Drizzle Bars
Instead of fully covering with chocolate, drizzle melted chocolate over the caramel for a lighter topping.
Gluten-Free Version
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly treat.
Vegan Caramel Bars
Use dairy-free butter, coconut milk instead of cream, and vegan chocolate for a plant-based option.
Crunchy Cereal Base
Add crushed cornflakes or rice cereal to the shortbread crust for an extra crunch.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of caramels?
Yes, but ensure it’s thick and stable. You may need to simmer it briefly to thicken before using.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Definitely. They store well and taste even better the next day after the layers set completely.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, just reduce or omit the added salt in the crust.
How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking when slicing?
Let the bars sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cutting with a sharp, warm knife.
What kind of chocolate works best?
High-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate melts smoothly and balances the sweetness of the caramel.
Can I add peanut butter to the caramel?
Absolutely — it enhances the nutty flavor and adds creaminess.
How long should I chill the bars?
At least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is fully set and firm to the touch.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, wrap them individually and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Are these bars overly sweet?
They’re rich but well-balanced thanks to the peanuts and optional sea salt topping.
Can I make these without nuts?
Yes, simply omit the peanuts or replace them with crushed pretzels for crunch.
Conclusion
Peanut-Caramel Bars with Chocolate are the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves the irresistible trio of chocolate, caramel, and peanuts. With their buttery crust, creamy caramel filling, and smooth chocolate top, these bars deliver the perfect balance of textures and flavors. They’re simple to make yet elegant enough for special occasions — and they always disappear quickly from the dessert table. Once you’ve tried these, you’ll find yourself making them again and again whenever you need a decadent, crowd-pleasing treat.
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