Print

Gooey Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars

Gooey Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars
Print Recipe

Gooey Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars combine rich buttery caramel pockets with melty semi-sweet chocolate chips in a soft, chewy bar. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and texture, these bars make an indulgent dessert or snack ideal for sharing and any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins

  • 1 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramel candies
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate chips)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a square baking pan with parchment paper to ensure even cooking and easy removal without sticking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with brown and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This adds air, which gives the bars their tender texture.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract to infuse the batter with warmth and aroma.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
  5. Fold in Chocolate Chips and Caramel Bits: Gently stir in the chocolate chips and caramel pieces, distributing them evenly without crushing the caramel concentrations.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Spread the batter evenly in the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the center remains slightly soft to achieve that signature gooey consistency.
  7. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes to set while keeping their chewy gooey texture intact before slicing into squares.

Notes

  • Use softened butter at room temperature for a lighter batter and chewier bars.
  • Mix ingredients just until combined to prevent tough bars.
  • Scatter caramel bits evenly without mashing to preserve gooey caramel pockets.
  • Check bars around 23 minutes to avoid overbaking and drying out.
  • For thicker bars and enhanced caramel flavor, refrigerate the batter for 30 minutes before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: gooey caramel bars, chocolate chip bars, caramel chocolate dessert, chewy caramel bars, easy dessert bars

Find it online: https://elenaglam.com/gooey-caramel-chocolate-chip-bars/