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Caramel Crush Bars

Caramel Crush Bars

  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x

Description

Caramel Crush Bars are rich, buttery, and loaded with caramel flavor, featuring a crunchy graham cracker base, gooey caramel layer, and a chocolate topping. This easy, no-bake dessert is perfect for parties, potlucks, or whenever you need a quick and impressive treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (200g)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (225g), melted
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (395g)
  • 12 oz soft caramels (340g), unwrapped
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream (80ml)
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (175g), semi-sweet or dark
  • 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
  • Optional: chopped nuts (pecans, almonds, walnuts), shredded coconut, cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy lifting. Lightly grease the exposed sides.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes to set.
  3. In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine soft caramels and heavy cream. Stir constantly until the caramels are fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
  4. Pour the hot caramel mixture over the chilled crust. Spread evenly with a spatula and let cool at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, until it starts to firm up.
  5. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until fully melted (about 1-2 minutes total). Stir until glossy and smooth.
  6. Pour the melted chocolate over the cooled caramel layer. Spread evenly and sprinkle with flaky sea salt (and any optional toppings).
  7. Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until firm. For best slicing, let the pan sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cutting. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean slices.
  8. Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and cut into 16 squares. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, don’t rush the chilling step—slicing too soon will cause the caramel to ooze. Use parchment paper for easy removal. To customize, add nuts, coconut, or seasonal candies. For gluten-free, use GF graham crackers; for dairy-free, use plant-based butter, coconut cream, and dairy-free caramels and chocolate.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar (1/16 of recipe)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 28
  • Sodium: 170
  • Fat: 19
  • Saturated Fat: 12
  • Carbohydrates: 38
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 3

Keywords: caramel bars, no-bake dessert, party dessert, easy bars, chocolate caramel bars, graham cracker crust, sweetened condensed milk, potluck dessert, caramel squares, holiday dessert

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Find it online: https://gentlerecipes.com/caramel-crush-bars-recipe-easy-no-bake-dessert-for-parties/