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