Nothing beats a layered bar that combines all the best things in life—chocolate, peanut butter, and caramel. Each bite is an explosion of flavors and textures, making these Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramel Bars a must-try. Whether you need a sweet treat for a special occasion or just to satisfy a craving, these bars deliver in every way. They’re simple to make, using everyday ingredients, yet their taste is nothing short of extraordinary.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramel Bars
Why These Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramel Bars are Irresistible
- Layers of Goodness: Chocolate, peanut butter, and caramel, all in one bite.
- No-Bake Convenience: Comes together quickly without the need for an oven.
- Perfect Balance: The sweetness of caramel balances with the nutty, savory peanut butter.
Perfect for Any Celebration
From birthday parties to casual get-togethers, these bars are always a hit. They not only taste divine but look incredibly appealing too, thanks to their distinct layers and the glossy caramel topping.
Ingredient Notes
Shortbread Base:
- Almond flour: Provides a gluten-free, nutty base that is tender and flavorful.
- Cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor to the crust.
- Coconut oil: Acts as a fat for moisture and a subtle coconut flavor, binding the ingredients together.
- Maple syrup: Sweetens the base naturally while also contributing to its stickiness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Peanut Butter Layer:
- Natural peanut butter: Provides a creamy, rich layer that adds protein and flavor.
- Maple syrup: Sweetens the layer while complementing the peanut butter.
- Coconut oil: Adds creaminess and helps the layer set.
- Vanilla extract: Amplifies the nutty flavor of the peanut butter.
- Sea salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- Roasted salted peanuts: Adds crunch and a salty contrast to the creamy layer.
Chocolate Layer:
- Chocolate chips: The main component that brings a rich, sweet chocolate flavor.
- Coconut oil: Helps to smooth out the chocolate for a glossy finish and aids in setting.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramel Bars
- Chill Between Layers: Allow each layer to set in the fridge before adding the next for clean, distinct layers.
- Use Quality Chocolate: High-quality milk chocolate will melt smoothly and taste better.
- Line Your Pan: Use parchment paper to easily lift the bars out for cutting.
Serving Suggestions
- With Coffee: Perfectly complements a hot cup of coffee.
- With Milk: A classic pairing for kids and adults alike.
- With Ice Cream: Serve with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- With Fresh Berries: Add a pop of freshness with a side of raspberries or strawberries.
A Must-Try
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramel Bars are a decadent treat that everyone will love. With their rich layers and perfect balance of flavors, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Give them a try and enjoy every bite of this heavenly dessert.
Be sure to check out these other delicious bar recipes!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramel Bars
Get ready to treat yourself to a delightful combination of flavors with these Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramel Bars! Each layer brings its own delicious twist: a rich, fudgy chocolate base, creamy peanut butter filling, and a luscious caramel topping that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients
For the shortbread base:
- 1 ¼ cup packed fine blanched almond flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 Tbsps melted and cooled coconut oil
- 3 Tbsps pure maple syrup
For the peanut butter layer:
- ¾ cup drippy natural peanut butter
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- ¾ cup coarsely chopped roasted salted peanuts
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp sea salt
For the chocolate layer:
- ¾ cup chocolate chips dairy free or vegan if wanted
- 1 Tbsp coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) square pan with parchment paper. Using this size is crucial as a larger pan might be too big.
- In a medium bowl, combine almond flour, cocoa powder, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Mix with a fork until you get a thick, crumbly texture. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared pan using your fingers.
- Bake for about 10 minutes. Let the crust cool for about 10 minutes before adding caramel. After baking, sprinkle peanuts evenly over the crust.
While the crust bakes, prepare the peanut butter caramel layer:
- In a medium pot over medium-low heat, combine peanut butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Stir frequently for about 2 minutes, until the mixture just starts to bubble slightly.
- Remove from heat. Pour the caramel over the peanuts and slightly cooled crust.
- Place in the fridge for 30-45 minutes to harden. If you're in a hurry, put it in the freezer for 20 minutes to speed up the process.
After 30 minutes, prepare the chocolate layer:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until completely melted. Alternatively, melt them in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, tilting the pan to spread it evenly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until the chocolate hardens and the bars are completely cooled.
- Remove from the pan and cut into 16 bars or any size you want. Cut the whole pan in half, then cut each half into 8 (1-inch) bars. Enjoy! Keep bars covered in the fridge until serving.
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramel Bars