Chef Mitchell preparing Gooey Chocolate Caramel Bars
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this Gooey Chocolate Caramel Bars recipe during my time at culinary school, and it has been a favorite ever since. The combination of chocolate and caramel creates a heavenly dessert that brings back memories of baking with my grandmother. Over the years, I've tweaked the recipe to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Now, I enjoy sharing this delightful treat with friends and family."

With over a decade of experience in the kitchen, I've developed a passion for American cuisine, particularly desserts. My training at a prestigious culinary school equipped me with the skills needed to create mouth-watering treats. I love experimenting with flavors and sharing my creations with others.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Gooey Chocolate Caramel Bars served on a plate

Why This Gooey Chocolate Caramel Bars Recipe Works

This recipe stands out due to its rich, gooey texture that perfectly balances chocolate and caramel. The combination of semi-sweet chocolate and creamy caramel creates a layered dessert that is both decadent and satisfying. Each bite offers a delightful chewiness that leaves you wanting more. Plus, the ease of preparation makes it accessible to bakers of all skill levels.

The technique of baking the base beforehand ensures that the bars maintain their structure while allowing the caramel to melt into the chocolate layer. This method results in a perfectly gooey center surrounded by a soft, chocolatey crust. By using high-quality ingredients, you enhance the overall flavor, making every bite a truly indulgent experience.

💡 Professional Tip

To achieve the perfect gooey texture, be careful not to overbake the bars. They should have a slight jiggle in the center when you take them out of the oven. Additionally, letting them cool completely before cutting will help you achieve clean, uniform squares.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time! They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to prepare them further in advance, consider freezing them. Just ensure they are fully cooled, wrapped tightly, and they can last in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

If you don't have chocolate chips on hand, you can use chopped chocolate bars or even white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, you can use butterscotch chips, which will complement the caramel nicely. Just ensure that whatever substitute you choose, it fits well with the overall sweetness of the bars.

The bars are done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean but with a few moist crumbs attached. Be cautious not to overbake, as the bars will continue to firm up as they cool.

Absolutely! These bars freeze well. To freeze, allow them to cool completely, then cut into squares and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.

These bars are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience by serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra touch, drizzle some chocolate syrup or caramel sauce on top. They also pair well with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk.

In the fridge, Gooey Chocolate Caramel Bars can last for up to a week when stored in an airtight container. Just make sure they are completely cooled before refrigerating to prevent them from becoming soggy. They are best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly warmed.

Yes, you can definitely make these bars in advance. They hold up well, and making them ahead allows the flavors to meld even more. Prepare them a day or two before serving, and simply store them in an airtight container. They will maintain their deliciousness.

To reheat Gooey Chocolate Caramel Bars, you can place individual squares in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until warm. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will help restore that gooey texture without drying them out.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your bars come out dry, they may have been overbaked.

Solution: To prevent this, keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. You want the edges set but the center slightly jiggly.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: Sometimes the topping can lack that desired crispy texture.

Solution: Ensure you're using the correct baking time and temperature. Additionally, let them cool completely in the pan before cutting to help them firm up.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: If the bars are overcooked, they can become too firm and lose their gooeyness.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, check for doneness a few minutes before the stated baking time. Use the toothpick test for best results.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: An undercooked center can lead to a gooey mess rather than a firm bar.

Recovery: If this occurs, return the bars to the oven for a few more minutes. Be careful not to overbake at this stage.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: Burnt edges can ruin your bars and affect the flavor.

Prevention: To avoid this, use parchment paper to line your baking pan. This can help distribute the heat more evenly.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the bars are too sweet, consider reducing the sugar in the recipe slightly next time.

Too Salty: If they taste too salty, ensure you're measuring the salt accurately.

Bland: To enhance blandness, consider adding a pinch of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.

Fresh ingredients for Gooey Chocolate Caramel Bars

Essential Ingredients for Gooey Chocolate Caramel Bars

The key ingredients for these bars include high-quality chocolate, fresh eggs, and creamy caramel. Using unsalted butter ensures a rich flavor without excess salt. Each ingredient plays a critical role in achieving the perfect texture and taste.

For the best results, choose premium chocolate and fresh eggs. The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the overall flavor profile of the bars. Don't skimp on the chocolate, as it is the star of this dessert!

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chocolate Chips: Opt for semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor. The chocolate should melt beautifully, creating that gooey texture that complements the caramel.
  • Caramel Candy: Use high-quality caramel candy for the best flavor. Look for brands that use real ingredients and avoid artificial flavors for a more authentic taste.
  • Butter: Always use room temperature unsalted butter when baking. This ensures it combines smoothly with the sugars, resulting in a light and fluffy batter.
Cooking process for Gooey Chocolate Caramel Bars

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Making Gooey Chocolate Caramel Bars is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Begin by preparing your ingredients, ensuring everything is at room temperature for better mixing. Following the steps, you'll create a delicious batter that bakes into a perfect base for caramel.

Achieving perfect results requires attention to baking times and temperatures. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting; this will help maintain their structure and gooeyness. With these tips, you'll be a pro at making these indulgent bars.

Key Technique for Perfect Gooey Chocolate Caramel Bars

The key technique in this recipe is layering the caramel sauce after partially baking the base. This method allows the caramel to meld into the chocolate, creating a gooey consistency that is essential for this dessert. Mastering the timing of the bake will ensure your bars are perfectly gooey and not overcooked.

Gooey Chocolate Caramel Bars

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup caramel candy
    Chopped
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
    For melting with caramel

For the Sauce

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
    Softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
    For sweetness
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
    Adds richness
  • 2 large eggs
    For binding
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    For flavor
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    For structure
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
    For chocolate flavor
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    For leavening
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    Balances sweetness
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
    For gooeyness
  • 1/2 cup crushed nuts
    Optional for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

  2. Mix Butter and Sugars

    In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.

  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla

    Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.

  4. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.

  5. Add Chocolate Chips

    Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and optional crushed nuts if using.

  6. Bake the Base

    Spread half of the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 15 minutes.

  7. Prepare Caramel Sauce

    In a saucepan, combine the chopped caramel candies and heavy cream over low heat. Stir until melted and smooth.

  8. Layer Caramel

    After the base has baked, pour the caramel sauce evenly over it and drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter on top.

  9. Finish Baking

    Return to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the edges.

  10. Cool and Serve

    Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To keep your Gooey Chocolate Caramel Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap individual bars and freeze them. Thaw in the fridge overnight prior to serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with extra caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert. They also pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.

Recipe Variations

Try adding different mix-ins such as white chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even a hint of espresso for a unique flavor twist. You can also experiment with nut toppings or use flavored caramel for an extra dimension of taste.