Chocolate Caramel Butter Bars

These Chocolate Caramel Butter Bars remind me of a shortbread cookie that was kissed by chocolate and slathered with caramel. The crumble topping is laced with slivered almonds and covers the decadent chocolate and caramel filling for a wonderful party dessert. That is if you feel like sharing.

I decided on updating this post with a video. My first actually! I hope you enjoy. This is perfect for game day parties and it’s a crowd pleaser.

Know what I love about these Chocolate Caramel Butter Bars? They have a buttery, crunchy texture like a shortbread cookie on the outside and a soft, gooey center. I mean how can you resist? Even though it’s warm out, this is worth turning on that oven. I make these early in the day so the house doesn’t heat up.

See that gooey center?  It’s made up of chocolate chips and caramel that are placed on top of the crust after a pre-bake. The other half of the buttery crumb dough goes on top and then finishes baking. The result are these heavenly, rich and buttery bar cookies.

Worthy of bringing to a party, which is exactly what I did with these, because you’ll want to eat all of these Chocolate Caramel Butter Bars. Be kind and share!

Bar cookies are probably my favorite. Like blondies and brownies. Well you get my point, I love desserts like these that are hand held. Not that they last long, but no plate and fork required here.

If you like blondies try my Chocolate Malt Ball Blondies or White Chocolate Caramel Blondies. If shortbread is more your thing try my Espresso Chocolate Toffee Almond Shortbread Bars or these White Chocolate Cherry Pie Shortbread Bars.

Get a big, cold glass of milk and dig into one of these. Or if you’re like me, you’ll have two because they are that good. For taste testing purposes of course. Enjoy!

This recipe first appeared on Kevin Is Cooking in July 2016.

Chocolate Caramel Butter Bars

These Chocolate Caramel Butter Bars remind me of a shortbread cookie that was kissed by chocolate and slathered with caramel. Adapted from American Heritage.

5 from 9 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 24 servings

Calories: 316kcal

Author: Kevin Is Cooking

Ingredients

• Crust and Topping:
• 1 1/2 cups butter room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp vanilla extract
• 4 cups all purpose flour
• pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds
• Filling:
• 1 cup caramel sauce (See Note 1)
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• pinch sea salt flakes

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a 9x13” baking dish with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl combine butter and sugars, mix until creamy and add the vanilla. Mix until combined.
• Slowly add the flour to the butter mixture on low speed until a soft dough forms.
• Using your hands press 1/3 of the dough into the prepared baking pan, and bake for 20 minutes or until the edges are a pale golden brown.
• Sprinkle chocolate chips on top of partially baked crust. Pour caramel sauce over chocolate chips, then sea salt flakes. Crumble the remaining dough and slivered almonds over top.
• Continue baking until the topping is firm and lightly golden, about 25-30 minutes. 
• Let cool before cutting into 24 bars.

Notes

1. Substitute 8 ounces of caramel candies or 1 cup caramel chips for caramel sauce if needed. Sprinkle some sea salt flakes on top of caramel before adding crumb topping.

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.

Nutrition

Calories: 316kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 164mg | Potassium: 51mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 380IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1.2mg

Have you made this recipe? Let me know on InstagramTag @KevinIsCooking and hashtag me #keviniscooking!