Description
Silky caramel fudge crunch bars deliver pure dessert magic with layers of indulgent flavor. Sweet chocolate and crisp nuts create a delightful sensory experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Layer:
- 2 cups (280 grams) crushed graham crackers
- ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup (50 grams) brown sugar
Caramel and Chocolate Layer:
- 1 cup (170 grams) caramel candies, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) sea salt
- 1 ½ cups (255 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
Topping Layer:
- 1 cup (100 grams) chopped nuts (pecans or almonds) OR crispy rice cereal
- ¼ cup (45 grams) mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
- Combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl, stirring until the mixture resembles coarse, moist crumbs.
- Transfer the cracker mixture into the prepared pan, using the back of a spoon or flat-bottomed measuring cup to create a compact, even base layer.
- Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 8 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and slightly crisp, then remove and let cool completely.
- Create the caramel layer by gently melting caramel candies with heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat, continuously stirring to prevent scorching.
- Once the caramel achieves a smooth, glossy consistency, carefully pour it over the cooled crust, ensuring even coverage, and sprinkle with a delicate layer of sea salt.
- Prepare the chocolate fudge layer by combining chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring between each session.
- Incorporate vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture, then spread uniformly over the caramel layer using a spatula.
- Add textural elements by sprinkling chopped nuts or crispy rice cereal across the fudge surface, creating a delightful crunch.
- For additional sweetness, scatter mini chocolate chips over the top of the bars.
- Refrigerate the pan for 2-3 hours, or until the bars have set completely and become firm to the touch.
- Remove from the refrigerator, lift the bars out using the parchment paper, slice into desired portions, and serve chilled.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality caramel candies for a rich, smooth texture that melts perfectly and ensures a luxurious caramel layer.
- Consider using gluten-free graham crackers to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, maintaining the same delicious crunch.
- Experiment with different nuts like pecans or almonds to customize the topping and add unique flavor profiles to the bars.
- Control the melting
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg