Caramel Chocolate Nut Bars Recipe

Caramel Chocolate Nut Bars Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Caramel Layer:

1 cup unsalted butter

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1/4 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or a mix)

For the Topping:

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars

1 cup caramel candies, melted (or use homemade caramel sauce)

1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

1/4 cup chopped toffee bits or candy bars (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Crust:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, flour, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir until a dough forms.

Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.

Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until it turns light golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Make the Caramel Layer:

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened.

Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.

Fold in the chopped nuts.

Pour the caramel mixture over the baked crust, spreading it evenly.

Add the Toppings:

Sprinkle the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars over the warm caramel layer. Let them sit for a few minutes to soften, then gently spread the chocolate across the top.

Drizzle the melted caramel candies over the chocolate layer, and if desired, sprinkle with additional chopped nuts and toffee bits.

Cool and Serve:

Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.

Once set, cut the bars into squares or rectangles and serve.

These Caramel Chocolate Nut Bars are rich, chewy, and absolutely indulgent, perfect for any occasion or as a delightful treat. Enjoy!