Chocolate Crunch Bars Recipe

Introduction

Chocolate Crunch Bars are a delightful combination of rich cocoa, sweet caramel, and crunchy nuts layered on a buttery oat and graham cracker base. These bars offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making them an irresistible treat for any chocolate lover.

Ingredients

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
• 1 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, rolled oats, cocoa powder, brown sugar, and sea salt. Mix well.
3. Step 3: Pour the melted butter into the dry ingredients and stir until the mixture is evenly coated and crumbly.
4. Step 4: Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a firm layer.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the milk chocolate chips evenly over the pressed crust. Then drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the chocolate chips.
6. Step 6: Add the chopped nuts over the caramel layer, pressing them slightly into the chocolate.
7. Step 7: Top with the remaining crumb mixture and gently press it down to ensure everything sticks together.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is set and slightly golden.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully drizzle the extra caramel sauce on top.
10. Step 10: Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares or bars as desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, substitute the nuts with toasted coconut flakes or extra chocolate chips.
• Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a richer flavor.
• If you prefer a softer bar, reduce baking time by a few minutes.
• Adding a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the dry ingredients enhances the chocolate flavor.

Storage

Store the Chocolate Crunch Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw frozen bars at room temperature and enjoy. Reheating is not necessary, but warming slightly can enhance the gooey caramel.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?

While you can substitute regular granulated sugar, brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper flavor that complements the caramel and chocolate well.

What types of nuts work best in this recipe?

Walnuts, pecans, and almonds are all excellent choices. Feel free to use your favorite nut or a mix for added texture and flavor.

Chocolate Crunch Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 111 reviews

These Chocolate Crunch Bars combine a delightfully crisp graham cracker and oat base with rich milk chocolate chips, luscious caramel sauce, and crunchy nuts. Baked to perfection, they deliver a harmonious balance of chocolatey sweetness, caramel creaminess, and nutty texture, making them an irresistible dessert or snack.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base and Mix

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Layers and Toppings

• 1 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
• 1 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang for easy removal.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, rolled oats, cocoa powder, brown sugar, and sea salt until well combined.
3. Add Butter: Pour the melted unsalted butter into the dry mixture and stir thoroughly until the mixture is evenly coated and crumbly in texture.
4. Form Base Layer: Press half of this crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even and compact layer.
5. Layer Chocolate Chips and Caramel: Sprinkle the milk chocolate chips evenly over the pressed crust, then drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the chocolate chips to add gooey richness.
6. Add Nuts: Scatter the chopped nuts over the caramel layer, pressing them lightly into the chocolate to embed them for better cohesion.
7. Top with Remaining Crumbs: Spread the remaining crumb mixture over the nuts and gently press down so everything sticks together effectively.
8. Bake: Bake the assembled bars in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is set and turns slightly golden in color.
9. Cool and Drizzle: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After this, drizzle the extra caramel sauce on top for added flavor and visual appeal.
10. Final Cooling and Serving: Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares or bars as preferred and serve.

Notes

• You can substitute the nuts with your preferred type or omit them altogether for a nut-free version.
• For a richer chocolate flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.
• Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• If you prefer a softer bar, slightly reduce baking time and check for doneness earlier.
• To make cleanup easier, ensure the parchment paper overhang is sufficient for lifting the bars out whole.

Keywords: Chocolate Crunch Bars, Chocolate Bars, Caramel Bars, No-Bake Dessert Bars, Graham Cracker Dessert, Nutty Chocolate Bars