These bars are a delightful combination of chewy caramel, crunchy peanuts, and rich chocolate. Perfect for a sweet treat or a homemade gift!
Ingredients:
- For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups roasted salted peanuts
- For the Chocolate Layer:
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate, dark chocolate, your preference)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother melting)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pan:
- Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Make the Caramel:
- In a medium-sized heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the granulated sugar and light corn syrup, and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Stir in the sweetened condensed milk.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the caramel reaches 245°F (118°C) on a candy thermometer (soft-ball stage). This will take about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and roasted peanuts.
- Quickly pour the caramel peanut mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Cool the Caramel:
- Let the caramel layer cool completely at room temperature. This will take about 1-2 hours.
- Melt the Chocolate:
- In a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using) until smooth. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, to prevent burning.
- Add the Chocolate Layer:
- Pour the melted chocolate over the cooled caramel peanut layer.
- Spread the chocolate evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Chill and Set:
- Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill and set the chocolate, about 1-2 hours.
- Cut and Serve:
- Once the chocolate is firm, remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
- Cut the bars into your desired size.
- Enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- For a saltier flavor, sprinkle a little sea salt on top of the chocolate layer before it sets.
- You can use different types of nuts, such as almonds or pecans, instead of peanuts.
- Add a layer of marshmallow fluff between the caramel and chocolate layers for an extra treat.
- For a deeper caramel flavor, brown the butter before adding the other caramel ingredients.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for optimal freshness.