Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars
Description
Delight in the irresistible blend of rich chocolate and sweet caramel with these Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars. A favorite from the Pillsbury Fast and Healthy cookbook, this recipe is perfect for those who can’t resist the classic chocolate-caramel combination. Simple and quick to prepare, these bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Servings
16 bars
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup margarine
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup quick oats
- 1/4 cup caramel topping
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will ensure that your bars bake evenly and come out with a delightful golden color.
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Prepare the Pan: Line an 8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, making sure to leave a bit of an overhang on the sides. Lightly coat the foil with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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Mix the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup butter. Use a spoon or spatula to blend these together until smooth.
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Add Dry Ingredients: Incorporate 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup quick oats into the sugar-butter mixture. Stir until well combined, ensuring there are no lumps.
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Press the Mixture: Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Press it down firmly into an even layer using the back of a spoon or your hands. This will form the base of your bars.
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Add Caramel Topping: Drizzle 1/4 cup of caramel topping over the mixture in the pan, making sure to leave about 1/2 inch from the edges. This creates a delicious caramel layer that will meld beautifully with the chocolate.
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Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they do not over-bake.
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Add Chocolate Chips: As soon as you remove the pan from the oven, sprinkle 1/4 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the hot caramel layer. Let the chips sit for 1-2 minutes to soften and melt.
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Spread the Chocolate: Once the chocolate chips have melted, use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the chocolate evenly over the caramel layer.
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Cool: Allow the bars to cool for about 5 minutes at room temperature. Then, carefully lift the bars out of the pan using the foil overhang. Place them in the freezer to cool completely for about 15 minutes. This helps in cutting them neatly.
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Cut and Enjoy: Once the bars are thoroughly chilled, remove them from the foil and cut into squares. Enjoy these delicious treats with a cup of coffee or share them with friends!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 139.4
- Total Fat: 6.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0.1 mg
- Sodium: 109.6 mg
- Carbohydrates: 19.5 g
- Fiber: 0.9 g
- Sugar: 8.6 g
- Protein: 1.4 g
These Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars are perfect for a sweet treat and can easily be made for large groups or gatherings. The combination of caramel and chocolate, along with the crunch from oats, makes them a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to be remembered. Enjoy! 🍫🍬
