Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars: A Sweet, Crunchy Treat 🍫🥮

These Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars are a delightful dessert that combines a crispy rice and graham cracker base, a gooey caramel layer, and a smooth chocolate topping. Perfect for parties, snacks, or satisfying your sweet tooth, these no-bake bars are easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Ready in just a couple of hours with minimal effort, they’re a crowd-pleaser for all ages!
Ingredients
For the Crunchy Base
- 3 cups crispy rice cereal (e.g., Rice Krispies)
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers (about 8 crackers)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup honey or corn syrup
For the Caramel Layer
- 1 cup soft caramel candies (or homemade caramel)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
For the Chocolate Topping
- 1½ cups semisweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or butter
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal. (~2 minutes)
- Make Crunchy Base: In a large bowl, mix crispy rice cereal and crushed graham crackers. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, brown sugar, and honey (or corn syrup), stirring until smooth. Pour over the cereal mixture and stir to coat evenly. (~5 minutes)
- Press Base: Firmly press the mixture into the prepared pan to form an even layer. (~3 minutes)
- Make Caramel Layer: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt caramel candies with heavy cream in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Pour over the crunchy base and spread evenly. Let set for 10–15 minutes. (~5 minutes)
- Add Chocolate Topping: Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil (or butter) in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Pour over the caramel layer and spread evenly. (~5 minutes)
- Chill: Refrigerate for 1–2 hours until fully set. (~1–2 hours)
- Slice & Serve: Lift bars from the pan using parchment paper. Slice into squares or bars and serve. (~5 minutes)
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1–2 hours
- Total Time: ~1 hour 20 minutes–2 hours 20 minutes
- Serves: 12–16 bars
- Calories: Approx. 250–300 kcal per bar (based on 16 servings)
Pro Tips
- Extra Crunch: Add ½ cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or peanuts) to the base for more texture.
- Salted Caramel Twist: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramel layer before adding chocolate.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Pair with coffee, hot chocolate, or milk for a cozy treat.
- Perfect for potlucks, gift-giving, or holiday dessert trays.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake Ease: Quick to assemble with no oven required.
- Perfect Balance: Crunchy, chewy, and chocolatey in every bite.
- Customizable: Easily adapt with nuts, different chocolates, or toppings.
Optional Variations
- Nutty Twist: Mix in crushed pretzels or hazelnuts for extra crunch.
- Chocolate Swap: Use dark chocolate or white chocolate for a different flavor.
- Fruity Touch: Add dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots to the base.
Make these Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars for a sweet, satisfying treat that’s sure to impress! Share your creations in the comments or tag us on social media. #CaramelCrunchBars #NoBakeDesserts #SweetTreats Let me know if you’d like variations (e.g., vegan, gluten-free) or more dessert ideas! 😊 What’s your favorite way to enjoy these bars?