Get ready to experience a dessert that will make your taste buds dance with pure joy! These Chocolate Peanut Butter and Caramel Club Bars are not just another sweet treat – they're a decadent explosion of flavors that will have you craving more with every single bite. Imagine a rich, chocolatey graham cracker base topped with creamy peanut butter, swirls of golden caramel, and melted chocolate chips that create the most irresistible layered dessert you've ever tasted. Whether you're a chocolate lover, a peanut butter fanatic, or just someone who appreciates mind-blowing desserts, these bars are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, unsweetened cocoa powder, and granulated sugar. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Pour melted butter into the dry ingredients and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed.
- Press the graham cracker crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or flat-bottomed measuring cup to create a compact base.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Remove and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Warm the creamy peanut butter in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to make it more spreadable. Carefully spread the peanut butter in an even layer over the baked crust.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the peanut butter layer, using a knife or spatula to create a swirled pattern.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly across the caramel and peanut butter layers.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-18 minutes, or until the chocolate chips are just melted and the edges are slightly bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour. For faster setting, place in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes.
- Using the overhanging parchment paper, lift the bars out of the pan and place on a cutting board. Cut into 16 even squares using a sharp knife.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for the most consistent mixing and texture.
- When pressing the crust, use the bottom of a measuring cup to create an even, compact layer.
- Warm the peanut butter slightly to make spreading easier, but don't overheat.
- For a more pronounced caramel flavor, use a high-quality caramel sauce.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, neat squares.
- For extra indulgence, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking to enhance the flavors.
- If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate the bars before serving.
- Use a sharp, clean knife and wipe it between cuts for perfectly smooth bar edges.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 2 weeks if stored in an airtight container.
- For a fun variation, try using different types of chocolate chips or adding chopped nuts on top.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 20mg
