These caramel chocolate crunch bars are a delightful combination of rich caramel, creamy chocolate, and a satisfying crunch. Perfect for parties, holidays, or a midday snack, they are easy to make and sure to impress everyone who tries them.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of corn syrup
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (for caramel layer)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup of crispy rice cereal
- 1/2 cup of crushed pretzels (optional for added crunch)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring the edges extend for easy removal.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix well until the texture resembles wet sand.
- Press the graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove and let cool.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, corn syrup, and 1/2 cup of butter. Stir constantly until the mixture begins to boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring continuously, until the caramel thickens and achieves a rich golden color. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the baked crust, spreading it evenly. Allow it to set for about 15 minutes in the refrigerator.
- While the caramel sets, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 20-second intervals and stirring in between until smooth.
- Stir the crispy rice cereal and crushed pretzels (if using) into the melted chocolate until well combined.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the caramel layer, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Refrigerate the dish for at least 1-2 hours or until fully set and firm.
- Once chilled, use the parchment paper edges to lift the bars out of the baking dish. Place them on a cutting board and cut into squares or bars using a sharp knife.
- Serve and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
These caramel chocolate crunch bars are the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy. Each layer contributes to the deliciousness, creating a treat that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re making them for a special event or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.