Decadent Chocolate Caramel Crunch Bars
Indulge your sweet tooth with these irresistible Decadent Chocolate Caramel Crunch Bars. This delightful snack features a perfect combination of crunchy Chocolate Chex, creamy caramel, and a drizzle of smooth vanilla baking chips that adds an exquisite finish. Ideal for satisfying mid-afternoon cravings or sharing at gatherings, these bars will surely become a favorite treat for both kids and adults alike! Prepare them whenever you want a deliciously nostalgic and gourmet snack experience.
16
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chocolate Chex
8 cups (measure and set aside)
Brown sugar
3/4 cup (packed)
Butter or margarine
6 tablespoons (cut into pieces)
Light corn syrup
3 tablespoons (none)
Baking soda
1/4 teaspoon (none)
White vanilla baking chips
1/4 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a large microwavable bowl, measure out the Chocolate Chex and set aside. Prepare a cookie sheet by lining it with waxed paper.
2
In a 2-cup microwavable measuring cup, combine the brown sugar, butter (or margarine), and light corn syrup. Microwave the mixture uncovered on High for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring after the first minute until melted and smooth.
3
Once melted, stir in the baking soda until completely dissolved. Carefully pour this caramel mixture over the Chocolate Chex, stirring gently until all the cereal squares are evenly coated.
4
Microwave the coated cereal on High for 3 minutes, stirring every minute to ensure even cooking. After microwaving, carefully spread the mixture onto the prepared cookie sheet into an even layer.
5
Allow the snack to cool for 10 minutes until it firms up slightly. Then, break it into bite-sized pieces.
6
In a small microwavable bowl, microwave the white vanilla baking chips uncovered on High for about 1 minute and 30 seconds, or until they can be stirred smooth (bowl will be hot).
7
Drizzle the melted vanilla chips over the cooled snack pieces, then refrigerate until set.
8
Store any leftovers in a tightly covered container for maximum freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Chocolate Caramel Crunch Bars?
They are an irresistible snack featuring crunchy Chocolate Chex cereal, a creamy caramel coating, and a smooth white vanilla drizzle.
How much Chocolate Chex cereal is required?
The recipe calls for 8 cups of Chocolate Chex cereal.
What ingredients make up the caramel mixture?
The caramel is made from a combination of 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, 6 tablespoons of butter or margarine, and 3 tablespoons of light corn syrup.
How long should I microwave the caramel mixture initially?
Microwave the mixture on High for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring after the first minute until it is melted and smooth.
What is the purpose of adding baking soda to the caramel?
Stirring in 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda ensures it dissolves and reacts to help the caramel coat the cereal evenly.
How do I prepare the cookie sheet for this recipe?
Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper to prevent the bars from sticking while they cool.
How long do the cereal squares need to be microwaved once coated?
The coated cereal should be microwaved on High for a total of 3 minutes.
Should I stir the cereal while it is in the microwave?
Yes, stir the mixture every minute during the 3-minute microwave cycle to ensure even cooking.
How long should the snack cool before breaking it into pieces?
Allow the mixture to cool and firm up for at least 10 minutes before breaking it into bite-sized pieces.
What kind of drizzle is used on these bars?
A drizzle made from 1/4 cup of melted white vanilla baking chips is used.
How do I melt the white vanilla baking chips?
Microwave them uncovered in a small bowl on High for about 1 minute and 30 seconds or until they can be stirred smooth.
When should the vanilla drizzle be applied?
Drizzle the melted vanilla chips over the snack pieces after they have cooled for 10 minutes.
Does this recipe require refrigeration?
Yes, after drizzling the vanilla chips, refrigerate the bars until the drizzle has set.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 16 servings.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store any remaining bars in a tightly covered container to maintain maximum freshness.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either 6 tablespoons of butter or margarine.
What tags describe this recipe?
This recipe is tagged as a snack, dessert, easy recipe, treat, party food, and no-bake.
Is this a no-bake recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses a microwave instead of an oven, making it a convenient no-bake treat.
What is the texture of the Decadent Chocolate Caramel Crunch Bars?
The bars are crunchy thanks to the Chex cereal and have a smooth, creamy finish from the caramel and vanilla drizzle.
How much brown sugar is used?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar.
How much light corn syrup is needed?
You will need 3 tablespoons of light corn syrup.
Can kids enjoy these bars?
Yes, they are described as a favorite treat for both kids and adults alike.
What size microwave bowl should I use?
Use a large microwavable bowl to ensure there is enough room to stir the cereal without spilling.
Why is the corn syrup used in the caramel?
Corn syrup helps create a smooth caramel texture and prevents the sugar from crystallizing.
How much baking soda is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda.
Is there a specific preparation for the butter?
The butter or margarine should be cut into pieces before being combined with the sugar and syrup.
Can these be served at parties?
Absolutely, they are ideal for sharing at gatherings and events.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to measure 8 cups of Chocolate Chex into a large microwavable bowl and line a cookie sheet with waxed paper.
How much vanilla baking chips are used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of white vanilla baking chips for the drizzle.
Is this recipe considered gourmet?
Yes, the description refers to it as a deliciously nostalgic and gourmet snack experience.