Why Make This Recipe
Peanut Butter Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter, sweet caramel, and chocolate. They are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and are ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, making a dessert for a potluck, or just want a sweet snack at home, these bars hit the spot. Plus, they are easy to make, and everyone will love them!
How to Make Peanut Butter Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars
Ingredients:
- 2 Eggs
- 5 oz Evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup Peanut butter
- 14 oz bag Caramels
- 2 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- 3/4 cup Brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Butter
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- Mix in the peanut butter.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the creamed mixture.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Melt the caramels with the evaporated milk in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Pour the caramel mixture over the batter in the baking dish.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter on top of the caramel layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars
You can serve these bars warm or at room temperature. They are perfect on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat. Feel free to cut them into squares or bars, depending on how you want to share them!
How to Store Peanut Butter Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. For even longer storage, consider freezing the bars. Just remember to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
Tips to Make Peanut Butter Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars
- Make sure your butter is softened for easy mixing.
- Don’t skip the step of allowing the bars to cool before cutting; this helps them set up nicely.
- If you’re in a hurry, you can melt the caramels in the microwave instead of on the stovetop. Just do so in short intervals and stir between each until smooth.
Variation
You can add nuts like chopped peanuts or walnuts for extra crunch. For a fun twist, consider using different types of chocolate chips, such as white chocolate or milk chocolate.
FAQs
1. Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but it may change the texture slightly. Make sure to stir it well before using.
2. Can I use a different type of flour?
You can try using whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour as substitutes, but it might change the flavor and texture a bit.
3. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
They should be golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.