Name: Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup white sugar; 2 medium eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 cups milk chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips; 14 ounces caramels, unwrapped (or caramel bits); 5 ounces canned evaporated milk; 1/2 cup peanut butter

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 18 reviews

If you’ve been on the hunt for a new crowd-pleaser that checks all the boxes—gooey, sweet, chocolatey, and downright addictive—you’re in for a treat. This Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe is seriously one of the best desserts I’ve made, and I can’t wait to share it with you. Trust me, once you try these bars, you’ll keep coming back for more because the combination of rich caramel and melty chocolate chips baked into a buttery base is just out of this world.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Texture Balance: The bars combine a soft, chewy base with gooey caramel and melty chocolate chips for an irresistible mouthfeel.
Simple but Decadent Ingredients: Using pantry staples like brown sugar and evaporated milk amps up flavor without complicating things.
Timely Baking Process: Partially baking the dough before adding caramel keeps layers distinct and prevents sogginess.

Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars, caramel chocolate chip bars, chocolate caramel bars, easy caramel dessert, chewy chocolate bars - A glass rectangular baking dish filled with one thick layer of golden brown, slightly uneven baked cookie dough, dotted with small dark chocolate chips. The cookie surface shows a soft, bubbly texture with some parts more raised and others flat, creating an inviting mix of crispy and soft areas. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a red and white striped cloth peeking from underneath one side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe plays a big part in building the taste and texture. You’ll find the usual suspects in cookie dough, but the magic comes from that luscious caramel sauce and peanut butter combo, which adds depth and richness you’ll appreciate.

Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars, caramel chocolate chip bars, chocolate caramel bars, easy caramel dessert, chewy chocolate bars - Flat lay of a stick of softened butter, a small mound of packed brown sugar, a small mound of white granulated sugar, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, a small heap of all-purpose flour, a small pile of baking soda powder, a small pile of salt, a small white bowl filled with milk chocolate chips, a small white bowl of unwrapped golden caramel chews, a small white bowl of pale creamy evaporated milk, a small white bowl of smooth light brown peanut butter, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butter: Use softened butter for easy creaming with sugars, creating a tender base.
Brown Sugar: Gives moistness and that slight caramel flavor to the dough.
White Sugar: Helps with structure and crispness around the edges.
Eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other sweet flavors.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of your bars, providing body and chewiness.
Baking Soda: Adds just enough rise for a soft texture without puffing too much.
Salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and boosting flavor.
Chocolate Chips (Milk or Semi-Sweet): Melt into pockets of chocolaty goodness throughout the bars.
Caramels: Melts into a creamy, sticky sauce that’s sweet and buttery.
Evaporated Milk: Smooths out the caramel sauce and adds a lovely richness.
Peanut Butter: Adds a subtle nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with caramel and chocolate.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love about this Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I’ve played around with a few add-ins and swaps to suit whatever mood I’m in or what guests I’m serving.

Nut-Free Version: I swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter when serving friends with allergies, and it works beautifully without losing that rich flavor.
Chocolate Choices: Using semi-sweet instead of milk chocolate cuts the sweetness slightly, which some guests prefer.
Extra Salted Caramel: Sometimes I sprinkle flaky sea salt on top after baking—it brings a perfect contrast to the sweetness.
Add Nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts can be stirred into the dough before baking for a nice crunch element.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars Until Fluffy

Start by softening your butter—this really helps it blend smoothly with brown and white sugars. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed, and beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. You’ll notice the color lighten, and that’s when you know it’s ready. This step is key to giving your bars that tender texture.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add your eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition—overmixing here can affect the final texture. Then stir in vanilla extract for that warm, inviting aroma that fills the kitchen and gets you excited to keep going.

Step 3: Mix In Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips

Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then add to your wet ingredients. Mix until everything comes together, but don’t overdo it—just enough to combine. Fold in the chocolate chips gently by hand or with a mixer on low speed so they stay nicely distributed without melting prematurely.

Step 4: Halfway Bake the Base Layer

Press half of the cookie dough evenly into your greased 9″x13″ pan. Bake this for 8-10 minutes at 375°F. This partial bake is crucial—it sets the base so the caramel layer doesn’t seep into it and keep the bar’s layers distinct and satisfying.

Step 5: Prepare the Caramel Sauce While Dough Bakes

While the crust is baking, melt the caramels and evaporated milk together in a microwave-safe bowl. I usually do this on medium power (level 5) and stir every 30 seconds to avoid burning. Once smooth, stir in the peanut butter—it adds a subtle salty note and makes the caramel incredibly creamy.

Step 6: Layer the Caramel and Remaining Dough

Pour and spread the caramel sauce evenly over the warm baked dough. Then, drop the remaining cookie dough over the caramel in teaspoons-full—you want little dollops, not a smooth layer, so the caramel peeks through during baking.

Step 7: Final Bake Until Golden and Set

Bake the entire pan for 17-20 minutes, or until those dough dollops turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few crumbs (not wet batter). Let the bars cool completely before cutting—this helps the caramel set up so you get clean bars rather than a sticky mess.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Softening Butter: I always leave butter on the counter for about an hour or zap it for 10 seconds in the microwave to avoid greasy dough.
Caramel Melting: Stirring frequently while melting caramels ensures a smooth sauce without burnt spots.
Dollop Dough Artfully: Dropping teaspoons of dough randomly over caramel creates a fun “peek-a-boo” effect of caramel in each bite.
Cutting Bars: Wait for at least 2 hours after baking; warm bars can be gooey and sticky, and cutting too soon might cause them to fall apart.

How to Serve Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars, caramel chocolate chip bars, chocolate caramel bars, easy caramel dessert, chewy chocolate bars - The image shows a close-up of a square dessert bar with three visible layers. The top layer is a light golden, slightly crumbly cookie dough texture. The middle layer is thick, creamy, and caramel-colored, with a smooth texture that looks slightly melted. The bottom layer is a dense, rich chocolate base with a mix of lighter and darker brown shades, showing a fudgy consistency. The bar is being lifted on a metal spatula above a white plate on a wooden surface with a red and white striped cloth partially visible. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually skip fancy garnishes because these bars speak for themselves, but when I do dress them up, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate makes for a pretty presentation without overpowering that luscious caramel flavor.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For drinks, I like a rich coffee or a creamy latte to complement the sweet, buttery layers.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these bars on a wooden board with fresh berries and nuts scattered around for a rustic-chic dessert display. They also make perfect homemade gifts when wrapped in parchment paper and tied with twine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerating them helps maintain structure, but let them come to room temp before eating for best flavor.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored inside a freezer bag. When thawed overnight in the fridge, they still taste fresh and gooey—perfect to prep in advance for parties!

Reheating

Pop a bar or two in the microwave for around 15-20 seconds to bring back that melty, fresh-baked feeling. Be careful not to overheat or the caramel may become too sticky and runny.

FAQs

Can I substitute peanut butter in the caramel sauce?

Absolutely! You can replace peanut butter with almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or even leave it out if you prefer a pure caramel sauce. Just know that the peanut butter adds a lovely nutty depth that’s hard to beat.
What is the best chocolate to use for these bars?

I recommend milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier taste, but semi-sweet works well if you want a slightly less sugary bite. You can even mix the two for a fun twist!
Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or a binder to help hold the bars together.
How do I ensure the caramel layer doesn’t become too runny?

Partially baking the base dough before adding your caramel helps the layers stay distinct. Also, spreading dollops of dough (not a full layer) on top of the caramel keeps it contained during the final bake.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, especially whenever I want to impress family or guests with minimal effort but maximum flavor. It’s that perfect blend of simple ingredients coming together to make something unforgettable. So, give it a shot—baking these bars is like pressing “pause” on a cozy afternoon, and sharing them just turns it into a celebration. You’ll love how easy and delicious they are, promise!