Chocolate Caramel Peanut Bars Recipe

Indulge in layers of rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy peanuts with these irresistible bars. Perfect for a sweet treat or a homemade gift.

Ingredients:

  • For the Base:
    • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
    • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
    • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • For the Caramel Layer:
    • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
    • 1 cup packed brown sugar
    • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
    • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 cup salted peanuts, coarsely chopped
  • For the Chocolate Topping:
    • 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
    • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or coconut oil)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Base:
    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
    • In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix well until evenly moistened.
    • Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even layer.
    • Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool.
  2. Make the Caramel Layer:
    • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add brown sugar and corn syrup, and stir until sugar is dissolved.
    • Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
    • Reduce heat to low and stir in sweetened condensed milk.
    • Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 235-240°F (112-116°C) on a candy thermometer (soft-ball stage). If you do not have a candy thermometer, cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened and darkened slightly.
    • Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and chopped peanuts.
    • Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust.
  3. Add the Chocolate Topping:
    • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and vegetable oil.
    • Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
    • Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the caramel layer.
    • Tilt the pan to make sure the chocolate is spread evenly.
  4. Chill and Serve:
    • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is firm.
    • Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
    • Cut into squares and serve.

Tips and Variations:

  • For extra peanut flavor, use peanut butter chips in the chocolate topping.
  • Sprinkle sea salt over the chocolate layer before it sets for a salted caramel effect.
  • Add a layer of marshmallow fluff between the caramel and chocolate.
  • For a darker chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips.
  • Make sure to stir the caramel constantly so it does not burn.
  • When melting the chocolate, do not overheat it, or it will seize.

Leave a Comment