Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars

Name: Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 16 bars
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup granulated sugar; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; Sea salt for sprinkling

Highlighted under: Artisanal Baking Recipes

Indulge in the rich, decadent layers of salted caramel and chocolate in these irresistible bars.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-03T12:10:29.949Z

These Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars are the perfect combination of rich chocolate and sweet, salty caramel. Ideal for parties, celebrations, or simply as a delightful treat, these bars will leave you craving more.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh salted caramel
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

      

The Perfect Treat for Any Occasion

Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars are not just a dessert; they're an experience that can elevate any gathering or celebration. Whether it's a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or simply a cozy night in, these bars bring a touch of elegance and indulgence to the table. They are perfect for sharing, but don't be surprised if you find yourself wanting to keep them all to yourself!

With their rich layers of chocolate and smooth salted caramel, these bars are visually appealing and deliciously satisfying. The combination of textures—from the chewy caramel to the crunchy chocolate topping—creates a delightful experience for your taste buds. Serve them alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a truly decadent treat.

Tips for Perfecting Your Bars

To achieve the best results, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, and even small variations can affect the outcome. Use a kitchen scale if possible, especially for the flour and sugar, to ensure precision. Additionally, allow each layer to cool properly before adding the next to maintain the distinct layers and prevent mixing.

When making the salted caramel, keep an eye on the sugar as it melts. It can go from perfectly golden to burnt quickly. Stir continuously and watch for that rich amber color. If you're new to making caramel, don't worry—it's all about practice, and the result is worth the effort!

Storing and Serving Suggestions

These salted caramel chocolate bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer preservation, refrigerate them, which can also enhance the texture of the caramel, making it pleasantly firm yet chewy. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor experience.

When it comes to serving, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the flavor and presentation. You can also drizzle additional melted chocolate on top for an extra touch of indulgence. For a fun twist, serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast to the rich chocolate and caramel.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Base

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 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 the Chocolate Topping

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Sea salt for sprinkling

Ensure all ingredients are measured accurately for the best results.

Instructions

Prepare the Chocolate Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, mix together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Bake the Base

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until set. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.

Make the Salted Caramel

In a saucepan over medium heat, cook the sugar until it melts and turns a golden brown color. Carefully add the butter and stir until melted. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Add sea salt and mix well.

Pour the caramel over the cooled chocolate base and let it set.

Add the Chocolate Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer and sprinkle with sea salt.

Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until firm.

Serve

Once set, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Variations to Try

While the classic salted caramel chocolate bars are irresistible on their own, there are plenty of variations to explore. Consider adding a layer of nuts, such as chopped pecans or walnuts, between the chocolate base and caramel for an added crunch and flavor. You can also experiment with flavored chocolate, such as dark chocolate or even white chocolate, to create a different taste profile.

For a festive twist, try incorporating seasonal flavors such as pumpkin spice or peppermint during the holiday season. Simply adjust the chocolate base or the caramel by adding spices or extracts to match the theme. These small changes can make your bars unique and perfect for any occasion.

Nutritional Information

Indulging in a treat like salted caramel chocolate bars doesn't have to be completely off-limits. While they are rich and decadent, enjoying them in moderation can be part of a balanced diet. Each bar offers a combination of carbohydrates, fats, and sugars that fuel your energy, while also satisfying your sweet tooth.

If you're looking to make healthier choices, consider using alternatives such as coconut sugar or almond flour in place of traditional sugar and all-purpose flour. These substitutions can help reduce the glycemic index and increase the nutritional profile of your dessert, allowing you to enjoy this treat with a little less guilt.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet?

Yes, dark chocolate will work well and provide a richer flavor.

→ How should I store the bars?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I make these bars in advance?

Absolutely! They can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored in the fridge.

→ Is it necessary to use sea salt?

Using sea salt enhances the flavor of the caramel, but you can use regular salt if needed.