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Chocolate Crunch Bars 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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