Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars

These bars are gooey, chewy, and packed with sweet caramel and melty chocolate chips. Every bite feels like a warm, bakery-style treat fresh from the oven. I made them one evening for a quick dessert, and they were gone before they even cooled.

I love how the caramel melts into the soft cookie base, creating that perfect sticky, buttery texture. The chocolate chips add just the right amount of richness, and the smell while baking is pure comfort. They’re easy to make but taste like something special.

If you’re craving a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert, these Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars are perfect. Let’s bake them together—you’ll love how soft, rich, and irresistible they turn out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Simple steps that anyone can follow, even if you’re new to baking.
• Crowd Pleaser: The combination of chocolate and caramel makes everyone happy.
• Perfect for Sharing: Makes a whole pan of bars, great for gatherings or gift giving.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake these ahead of time and store them for later.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry ingredients you likely already have.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: About 45 minutes

Servings: This recipe makes 24 bars, perfect for a crowd or for keeping some in the freezer for later treats.

Difficulty: Easy. Great for beginners and fun for experienced bakers too.

Required Kitchen Tools

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric mixer or wooden spoon
• Parchment paper or cooking spray
• Knife for cutting bars

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars

These bars use simple ingredients that work together to create something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookie Base:

• Butter: Gives the bars a rich, tender texture. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight molasses flavor that pairs well with caramel.
• Vanilla: Brings warmth and enhances all the other flavors.
• Eggs: Help bind everything together and create structure.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the cookie dough.
• Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise just a little bit.
• Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and makes the flavors pop.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels: Classic chocolate chips that melt into pockets of chocolate goodness.

For the Caramel Layer:

• Evaporated Milk: Creates a creamy caramel when mixed with the caramel bits.
• Caramel Bits: Pre-made caramel pieces that melt down into a smooth layer.

Variations for Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars

• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel layer for extra crunch.
• Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a less sweet version.
• Sea Salt Topping: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking for a salted caramel effect.
• Peanut Butter Swirl: Add dollops of peanut butter to the caramel layer and swirl with a knife.
• White Chocolate: Mix in white chocolate chips along with the semi-sweet ones.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line your 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray. This makes removing the bars much easier later.

2. Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture looks light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and eggs, mixing until everything is well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

3. Create the Layers

Press half of the cookie dough into the bottom of your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Set the other half aside.

4. Make the Caramel Layer

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the caramel bits and evaporated milk. Stir constantly until the caramel melts and becomes smooth. This takes about 5 minutes. Pour this caramel mixture over the cookie dough layer in the pan, spreading it gently to cover.

5. Add the Top Layer

Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer. You don’t need to spread it perfectly; some caramel peeking through is fine and looks pretty.

6. Bake

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The top should look golden brown and set. The center might look slightly soft, but it will firm up as it cools.

7. Cool Completely

Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 2 hours before cutting. This cooling time lets the caramel set properly so your bars hold together nicely.

Serving and Decoration

These bars are delicious on their own, but you can make them even more special:

• With Ice Cream: Warm a bar slightly and serve with vanilla ice cream on top.
• Drizzle with Chocolate: Melt extra chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled bars.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light sprinkle adds a bakery-style finish.
• Cut into Small Squares: Make bite-sized pieces perfect for dessert tables.

Storing Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars

• Room Temperature: Keep bars in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 1 week. The caramel stays firmer when chilled.
• Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Skip Cooling: Let the bars cool completely before cutting. This helps them hold their shape.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and room temperature eggs mix better and create a smoother dough.
• Line Your Pan: Parchment paper makes removing the bars so much easier.
• Cut with a Hot Knife: Run your knife under hot water and wipe dry before cutting for cleaner slices.
• Check Your Oven: Every oven bakes differently. Start checking at 25 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Amount Per Bar
Calories	220
Total Fat	10g
Saturated Fat	6g
Cholesterol	35mg
Sodium	140mg
Total Carbohydrates	32g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	22g
Protein	3g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and based on 24 servings.

Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramels instead of caramel bits?
Yes. Unwrap about 50 individual caramels and melt them with the evaporated milk.

Why are my bars falling apart when I cut them?
Make sure you let them cool completely. The caramel needs time to set. Chilling them in the fridge for an hour can help too.

Can I make these without evaporated milk?
Evaporated milk helps create the right caramel consistency. Regular milk won’t work the same way.

How do I know when the bars are done?
The edges should be golden brown and pulling away slightly from the pan. The center may look slightly soft but will firm up as it cools.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but you’ll need two pans. Doubling in one pan makes the layers too thick and they won’t bake evenly.

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars bring together everything you love about homemade treats. The buttery cookie base, the gooey caramel middle, and the chocolate chips throughout create a dessert that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these bars will become a favorite in your home. Give them a try and watch them disappear.