Decadent Chocolate Caramel Dream Bars
Indulge in these Decadent Chocolate Caramel Dream Bars, a luscious treat perfect for any occasion! Inspired by a delightful recipe from the TOH Cooking School, this version swaps peanut butter morsels for rich Nestle milk chocolate and caramel swirled morsels, creating a symphony of flavors you'll love. The base of chocolate or classic graham cracker crumbs provides that perfect crumbly texture, while the gooey filling, made with sweetened condensed milk, delivers an irresistible sweetness. Serve these bars warm with a scoop of your favorite sugar-free vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of elegance. Remember, this treat is packed with richness, so feel free to cut back on the sugar where possible to suit your taste buds. Perfect for dessert parties or a cozy night in, these bars are sure to impress family and friends alike!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
chocolate graham cracker crumbs
2 cups (or substitute with graham cracker crumbs)
butter
1/2 cup (melted)
sugar
1/3 cup (or use Splenda granular as a substitute)
Nestle milk chocolate and caramel swirled morsels
1 2/3 cups
sweetened condensed milk
14 ounces (or use diabetic substitute)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
pecans
1 cup (coarsely chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar (or Splenda). Mix until well combined.
3
Press the mixture firmly into an ungreased 9x13 inch baking pan to form an even crust.
4
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of the milk chocolate and caramel swirled morsels, the sweetened condensed milk, and the vanilla extract.
5
Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir to combine. If the chips are not completely melted, continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
6
Pour the melted mixture over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the coarsely chopped pecans and the remaining morsels on top.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are bubbling and the center is set.
8
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into 24 squares.
9
For serving, enjoy warm with Dulce de Leche or vanilla ice cream, drizzled with caramel sauce and topped with additional pecans.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Chocolate Caramel Dream Bars?
They are a rich, indulgent dessert bar featuring a chocolate graham cracker crust, a gooey chocolate-caramel filling, and crunchy pecans.
What is the base of these bars made of?
The base is made from 2 cups of chocolate graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup of melted butter, and 1/3 cup of sugar.
Can I use regular graham crackers instead of chocolate ones?
Yes, you can substitute the chocolate graham cracker crumbs with classic graham cracker crumbs.
Is there a sugar-free option for the crust?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of Splenda granular as a substitute for the 1/3 cup of sugar in the crust.
What kind of chocolate chips are required?
The recipe calls for 1 2/3 cups of Nestle milk chocolate and caramel swirled morsels.
What type of milk is used in the filling?
A 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk is used to create the gooey filling.
Can I make this recipe more diabetic-friendly?
Yes, you can use a diabetic substitute for the sweetened condensed milk and Splenda for the sugar.
What nuts are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of coarsely chopped pecans.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What size pan is needed for baking?
You should use an ungreased 9x13 inch baking pan.
How do I prepare the crust?
Combine crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a medium bowl, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan.
How do I melt the chocolate and caramel morsels?
Microwave 1 cup of the morsels with the condensed milk and vanilla on high for 1 minute, then stir until smooth.
What should I do if the morsels aren't fully melted after one minute?
Continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is completely smooth.
How much vanilla extract is used?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
When do I add the pecans and the remaining morsels?
Sprinkle them on top of the melted mixture after it has been spread evenly over the crust.
How long do the bars need to bake?
Bake the bars for 20 to 25 minutes.
How can I tell when the bars are done?
The bars are done when the edges are bubbling and the center is set.
Do I need to cool the bars before cutting?
Yes, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into squares.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 24 squares.
How should I serve these bars?
Serve them warm, optionally with Dulce de Leche or vanilla ice cream and extra caramel sauce.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves simple assembly and baking steps.
What makes the filling gooey?
The combination of sweetened condensed milk and melted chocolate-caramel morsels creates the gooey texture.
Can I add extra toppings?
Yes, serving with additional pecans and a drizzle of caramel sauce is recommended for an elegant touch.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include chocolate, caramel, bars, dessert, cookies, sweet, treat, pecans, and easy recipe.
Where did this recipe inspiration come from?
This version is inspired by a recipe from the TOH Cooking School.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of melted butter.
What is the total amount of morsels used?
A total of 1 2/3 cups of chocolate and caramel swirled morsels are used.
Can I use a wire rack for cooling?
Yes, it is recommended to cool the pan on a wire rack.
Should the pan be greased?
No, the instructions specify using an ungreased baking pan.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The bars offer a symphony of rich milk chocolate, sweet caramel, and savory pecans.