Chocolate Caramel Bars Recipe

If you’ve been searching for that perfect balance between gooey sweetness and rich chocolate indulgence, these Chocolate Caramel Bars are an absolute must-try. Imagine soft German chocolate cake layered with luscious melted caramel and dotted with semi-sweet chocolate chips—each bite melts with a magical harmony of sweet and slightly salty flavors. Whether you’re craving a comforting treat for yourself or looking to impress friends with minimal effort, these bars bring a warm, irresistible charm that’s sure to become a beloved favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, calling for a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From the luscious caramel’s creamy sweetness to the deep cocoa notes from the German chocolate cake mix, every element plays its part in creating these stunning bars.

• German Chocolate Cake Mix: Makes for a moist, rich base with that classic chocolate flavor.
• Evaporated Milk: Adds creaminess and helps achieve that soft, tender crumb in the cake layers.
• Unsalted Butter (melted): Gives the bars a buttery richness and tender texture.
• Caramel (10 oz., chewy): We recommend Werther’s or Kraft for that perfect gooey, buttery caramel layer.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (3 oz.): Adds bursts of chocolatey goodness and contrasts beautifully with the sweet caramel.

How to Make Chocolate Caramel Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8×8-inch cake pan with two pieces of parchment paper—this makes it so easy to lift the bars out once baked, plus helps with even baking and cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a bowl, combine the dry German chocolate cake mix with 1/3 cup evaporated milk and 3/4 cup melted unsalted butter. Stir together thoroughly until smooth and uniform. This mixture forms the rich, chocolaty base and topping of your bars.

Step 3: Press the First Cake Layer

Take about two-thirds of your cake batter and press it evenly into the prepared pan. This layer will be the firm foundation for your luscious caramel topping, so make sure it’s spread nicely to cover the bottom completely.

Step 4: Bake the Base

Bake this initial cake layer for approximately 12 minutes. This partial bake gives it enough structure to hold the caramel but still keeps things soft and cakey underneath.

Step 5: Melt and Spread the Caramel

While the base bakes, gently melt 10 ounces of chewy caramel with 1/4 cup evaporated milk over medium-low heat, stirring often to create a smooth, velvety caramel sauce. Once your cake layer is done, spread this warm caramel evenly over the surface—it will be the star that ties the bars together.

Step 6: Add Remaining Cake Batter and Chocolate

Using your fingers, dollop the remaining one-third of the cake batter over the caramel layer. Don’t worry about perfect coverage; rustic dollops add texture and surprise pockets of chocolatey cake. Sprinkle 3 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips over the top for that classic chocolate crunch and melty richness.

Step 7: Final Bake

Bake the assembled bars for an additional 20 to 22 minutes, depending on how gooey or set you prefer your bars. We adore them when they’re slightly gooey in the center—so heavenly! A light sprinkle of sea salt on top right before they come out of the oven perfectly balances the sweetness.

Step 8: Cool and Set

Let your bars cool in the pan for about 30 minutes to firm up slightly. For even easier slicing and a firmer texture, pop them in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper to lift the bars from the pan and cut into squares.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the bars slightly chilled or at room temperature, ideally with a scoop of your favorite ice cream for the ultimate comfort dessert experience. These Chocolate Caramel Bars truly shine when enjoyed fresh and with a cold, creamy companion.

How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Bars

Garnishes

Feel free to elevate the presentation and flavor by adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a light dusting of powdered sugar. For some extra flair, drizzle melted dark chocolate or a handful of toasted nuts, which add lovely crunch and depth.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with fresh berries or sliced bananas to add a juicy, refreshing contrast. A scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream transforms this dessert into an indulgent, show-stopping treat perfect for any gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving your Chocolate Caramel Bars in individual ramekins or as part of a layered parfait with whipped cream. You can also cut smaller bite-sized bars and arrange them on a dessert platter for easy sharing at parties. Presentation with edible flowers or mint leaves adds a touch of elegance without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They maintain their chewy texture and rich flavor for up to 4 days, making them perfect for a midweek treat or spontaneous guests.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving for the best texture.

Reheating

Warm leftover or frozen-thawed bars gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to revive that soft, melty caramel texture. Avoid overheating to keep the chocolate from drying out or becoming tough.

FAQs

Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade caramel works wonderfully if you prefer a fully scratch-made dessert. Just be sure your caramel is soft and gooey to spread easily over the cake layer.

Is it necessary to use evaporated milk?

Evaporated milk adds creaminess and helps the layers bind beautifully, but you can substitute with regular milk or even half-and-half if needed—though the texture may differ slightly.

Can these bars be made gluten-free?

You can try using a gluten-free German chocolate cake mix if you want to keep this recipe gluten-free. Check the labels to ensure other ingredients like caramel and chocolate chips do not contain gluten.

What’s the best way to cut the bars?

Using the parchment paper to lift the bars out makes for clean cuts. Use a sharp knife, and for even cleaner slices, chill the bars thoroughly beforehand and wipe the knife blade between cuts.

Can I make these bars dairy-free?

With some ingredient swaps—like dairy-free butter, caramel, and chocolate chips—you can adapt this recipe for a dairy-free diet. Just be mindful the texture and flavor might shift a bit but still delicious!

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Caramel Bars are everything you want in a dessert—simple to make, decadently rich, and irresistibly gooey. Whether you’re baking for yourself or a crowd, they have a way of bringing warm smiles and happy hearts to the table. Don’t wait for a special occasion; grab your ingredients and dive into making these bars today. You’ll be so glad you did!

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