Chocolate Bars with Caramel and Nuts (Printable)
Rich layered bars featuring a buttery base, gooey caramel, crunchy nuts, and smooth chocolate topping for an indulgent dessert.
# What You Need:
→ Base
01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Caramel Layer
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
07 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
08 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - Pinch of salt
→ Nut Layer
10 - 1 cup mixed nuts, roughly chopped
→ Chocolate Topping
11 - 7 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
12 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and softened butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and allow to cool completely.
03 - In a saucepan over medium heat, melt sugar while stirring constantly until amber in color. Add butter and stir until fully melted. Slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously as mixture will bubble vigorously. Mix until smooth consistency. Stir in vanilla extract and salt. Let cool for 5 minutes.
04 - Distribute chopped nuts evenly over cooled base layer. Pour prepared caramel over nuts and spread evenly across surface. Refrigerate for 30 minutes until caramel is fully set.
05 - Combine chopped chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl. Melt using either double boiler method or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between bursts until smooth.
06 - Pour melted chocolate over caramel layer and spread evenly to all edges. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until chocolate is completely set and hardened.
07 - Remove assembled bars from baking pan. Using a sharp knife, cut into 16 equal bars.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The contrast between the buttery shortbread base and silky chocolate top creates layers of texture that keep you coming back for just one more tiny slice.
- These bars cut beautifully into perfect gift-sized portions, making even novice bakers look like professionals when sharing with friends.
02 -
- Adding the cream to hot caramel will cause a violent bubble eruption, so use a larger pot than you think necessary and keep your face and hands well away from the steam.
- Chilling between layers is non-negotiable, even when you're tempted to rush, as warm caramel will melt into your chocolate and create an entirely different (though not unpleasant) marbled effect.
03 -
- To elevate the entire experience, toast your nuts in a dry pan until fragrant before chopping, which develops oils and deepens their flavor contribution to the final bars.
- For holiday gifting, sprinkle a tiny amount of edible gold dust on the chocolate while its still tacky for a subtle shimmer that looks impressively professional.