Caramel Fudge Crunch Bars

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Get ready to meet your new dessert obsessionโ€”Caramel Fudge Crunch Bars! These bars are the perfect combination of chewy caramel, rich chocolate fudge, and a crispy, buttery crunch that makes every bite pure heaven. Imagine biting into a thick, fudgy layer of chocolate, followed by gooey caramel, all balanced out by a crispy, crunchy base. Sounds dreamy, right?

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Whether you need a show-stopping treat for a party, a sweet pick-me-up after dinner, or just an indulgent snack to satisfy your cravings, these bars have got you covered. Trust me, one bite, and youโ€™ll be hooked!

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Texture: A perfect mix of chewy, crunchy, and fudgy in every bite.

Easy to Make: No complicated techniquesโ€”just simple layering and chilling!

Crowd-Pleaser: These bars disappear fast at parties, bake sales, or family gatherings.

Make-Ahead Friendly: They store well, so you can make them ahead of time.

Customizable: Add nuts, sea salt, or extra chocolate for your own twist.

Ingredients in Caramel Fudge Crunch Bars

Each layer brings its own magic to the table:

Crunchy Base: A mix of crushed cookies or graham crackers with melted butter, forming a crispy foundation.

Chocolate Fudge Layer: A silky-smooth blend of chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract.

Caramel Layer: Gooey, buttery caramel made with caramel candies and heavy cream.

Topping: More chocolate for a rich finishing touch, plus optional flaky sea salt or crushed nuts.

Instructions

Prepare the Base: Crush the cookies or graham crackers, mix with melted butter, and press firmly into a lined baking dish. Chill while preparing the next layers.

Make the Fudge Layer: Melt the chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk over low heat, stirring until smooth. Spread evenly over the chilled base.

Prepare the Caramel: Melt the caramel candies with heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Pour over the chocolate layer and spread evenly.

Top with More Chocolate: Melt extra chocolate and drizzle or spread it over the caramel. Sprinkle with sea salt or nuts if desired.

Chill and Set: Refrigerate until firm, then slice into bars and enjoy!

How to Serve Caramel Fudge Crunch Bars

  • Straight from the Fridge: These bars taste best when chilled, keeping the caramel perfectly chewy.
  • Paired with Ice Cream: Warm a bar slightly and serve with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.
  • With a Coffee or Latte: The rich chocolate and caramel flavors pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee.
  • Gift-Worthy: Wrap them up in parchment paper for a sweet homemade gift.

Additional Tips

  • Use Good-Quality Chocolate: The better the chocolate, the richer the flavor.
  • Line the Pan: Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean slicing.
  • Donโ€™t Rush the Chilling Time: Let the bars set completely before slicing for neat layers.
  • Add a Sprinkle of Salt: A little flaky sea salt balances out the sweetness beautifully.
  • Try Different Cookies for the Base: Use Oreos for extra chocolate flavor or shortbread for a buttery crunch.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought caramels?
A1: Absolutely! If you prefer homemade caramel, just cook sugar, butter, and cream until golden and smooth.

Q2: How do I store these bars?
A2: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.

Q3: Can I add nuts to this recipe?
A3: Yes! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds add great texture and flavor.

Q4: Whatโ€™s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?
A4: Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water, then wipe between cuts for clean slices.

Q5: Can I make these gluten-free?
A5: Yes! Just use gluten-free cookies or graham crackers for the base.

Q6: Will these bars melt at room temperature?
A6: The caramel may soften slightly, so keep them cool until ready to serve.

Q7: Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
A7: Definitely! Dark chocolate makes them richer and slightly less sweet.

Q8: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A8: Yes! Theyโ€™re perfect for make-ahead treats and taste even better the next day.

Q9: How can I make these extra crunchy?
A9: Add chopped pretzels or rice cereal to the base for more crunch.

Q10: Can I drizzle caramel on top for decoration?
A10: Absolutely! A caramel drizzle adds a beautiful touch and extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Caramel Fudge Crunch Bars are a true dessert dreamโ€”fudgy, crunchy, chewy, and totally addictive. Whether youโ€™re making them for yourself or sharing with friends, theyโ€™re guaranteed to be a hit. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and enjoy every bite!

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Peach Cobbler Cinnamon Rolls

Caramel Fudge Crunch Bars

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  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Total Time: 23 minutes
  • Yield: 12โ€“16 bars 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Caramel Fudge Crunch Bars are the ultimate sweet and salty dessert with layers of rich caramel, creamy fudge, and a crunchy base. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are easy to make and incredibly satisfying!


Ingredients

Units Scale

Base Layer:

  • 2 cups crushed graham crackers
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

Caramel Layer:

  • 1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt

Fudge Layer:

  • 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Crunch Topping:

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  • 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or almonds) OR crispy rice cereal
  • 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1๏ธโƒฃ Prepare the Base:

  • Preheat oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and line a 9ร—9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  • In a bowl, mix crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and brown sugar until combined.
  • Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the baking pan.
  • Bake for 8 minutes, then let cool.

2๏ธโƒฃ Make the Caramel Layer:

  • In a small saucepan, melt caramel candies with heavy cream over low heat, stirring constantly.
  • Once smooth, pour over the cooled crust and sprinkle with sea salt.

3๏ธโƒฃ Prepare the Fudge Layer:

  • In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
  • Stir in vanilla extract, then spread evenly over the caramel layer.

4๏ธโƒฃ Add the Crunch Topping:

  • Sprinkle chopped nuts or crispy rice cereal over the fudge layer.
  • If desired, add mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness.

5๏ธโƒฃ Chill & Serve:

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  • Refrigerate for 2-3 hours or until firm.
  • Slice into bars and enjoy!

Notes

  • For extra crunch, use pretzel pieces instead of nuts.
  • Want it extra gooey? Drizzle extra caramel on top before serving.

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  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg
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