Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars, a perfect treat for any occasion.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-03T09:26:31.358Z

These Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars are a perfect blend of sweet and salty, combining a rich chocolate base with a luscious salted caramel layer. Ideal for sharing or savoring on your own!

Why You'll Love These Bars

  • Rich chocolate flavor paired with a hint of sea salt
  • Decadent layers of smooth caramel and chocolate
  • Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Salty

Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars are the ultimate blend of sweet and salty flavors. The rich chocolate base provides a deep, satisfying taste, while the salted caramel layer adds a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more. This combination not only elevates the taste but also creates a unique texture experience, with the smooth caramel melting in your mouth and the chocolate offering a firm bite.

The addition of sea salt is what truly brings these bars to life. It enhances the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate, making each bite a little more complex and enjoyable. The careful balance of flavors makes these bars an irresistible treat for any occasion, whether it's a birthday celebration, holiday gathering, or a simple afternoon snack.

Versatile Treats for Any Occasion

These Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for any event. If you're hosting a party, they can be cut into bite-sized squares for easy serving. They're also an excellent option for holiday gatherings, as they can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until needed.

Moreover, these bars are great for gifting. Package them in a decorative box or wrap them in cellophane with a beautiful ribbon, and you have a heartfelt gift for friends or family. Whether it's for a birthday, holiday, or just to show appreciation, these bars will surely impress and satisfy.

Tips for the Best Results

To ensure your Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars turn out perfectly, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, and even small variations in ingredient amounts can affect the final product. Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially when measuring flour and sugar.

When making the salted caramel, keep a close eye on the sugar as it melts. It can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds. Stir continuously and be patient, as this will help you achieve that beautiful caramel color and flavor. Allow the caramel to cool slightly before pouring it over the chocolate base for easier layering.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Base

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Salted Caramel Layer

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

For Topping

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon sea salt for sprinkling

Make sure to gather all your ingredients before starting!

Instructions

Prepare the Chocolate Base

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.

In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined. Pour into the prepared baking dish.

Bake the Base

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly while preparing the caramel.

Make the Salted Caramel

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar. Stir continuously until melted and golden brown. Add butter and stir until melted, then slowly add heavy cream and sea salt, stirring until smooth.

Pour the caramel over the cooled chocolate base.

Top with Chocolate

Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler. Spread the melted chocolate over the caramel layer. Sprinkle with extra sea salt.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set. Cut into bars and enjoy!

Enjoy your delicious salted caramel chocolate bars!

Storage Tips

Once your Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars are set, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy them over several days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Cut the bars into squares, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months in the freezer.

When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply take them out and let them thaw in the refrigerator. This method ensures that they retain their delicious flavor and texture, making them just as delightful as when you first made them.

Customization Ideas

Feel free to get creative with your Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars! You can incorporate nuts, such as chopped pecans or walnuts, into the chocolate base for added crunch and flavor. Alternatively, try adding a layer of crushed pretzels for an extra salty kick that complements the caramel beautifully.

For a twist on the classic flavor, consider using different types of chocolate. Dark chocolate can provide a richer taste, while white chocolate can add a creamy sweetness. Experimenting with flavored extracts, like almond or hazelnut, can also create unique variations that are sure to impress your taste buds.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative, but the taste will vary.

→ How should I store the bars?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

→ Can I freeze the salted caramel chocolate bars?

Yes, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly.

Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars, a perfect treat for any occasion.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 16 bars

What You'll Need

For the Chocolate Base

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  2. 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  3. 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  4. 4 large eggs
  5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  6. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  7. 1 cup cocoa powder
  8. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  9. 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Salted Caramel Layer

  1. 1 cup granulated sugar
  2. 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  3. 1/2 cup heavy cream
  4. 1 teaspoon sea salt

For Topping

  1. 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  2. 1 tablespoon sea salt for sprinkling

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well. In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined. Pour into the prepared baking dish.

Step 02

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly while preparing the caramel.

Step 03

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar. Stir continuously until melted and golden brown. Add butter and stir until melted, then slowly add heavy cream and sea salt, stirring until smooth. Pour the caramel over the cooled chocolate base.

Step 04

Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler. Spread the melted chocolate over the caramel layer. Sprinkle with extra sea salt.

Step 05

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set. Cut into bars and enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g