Chocolate Chip Dream Bars
Indulge in the irresistible decadence of Chocolate Chip Dream Bars, a layered treat that combines buttery shortbread crust, gooey caramel filling, and a generous topping of melted chocolate chips and optional pecans for a satisfying crunch. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for potlucks, holidays, or everyday indulgence, featuring a golden crust made from all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and butter, topped with a luscious caramel made from sweetened condensed milk and brown sugar. Finished in just under an hour, these bars deliver a delightful balance of sweet, buttery, and nutty flavors in every bite. Whether enjoyed fresh or stored for up to five days, these dessert bars are truly a dreamy crowd-pleaser!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.75 cups unsalted butter
- 0.5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 0.5 cups light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 0.5 cups chopped pecans (optional)
- 0.25 teaspoons salt
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the butter and cut it into the mixture with a fork or pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove and let cool slightly.
In a small saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk and brown sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened (about 3-5 minutes).
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the baked crust. Sprinkle the chocolate chips and chopped pecans (if using) evenly over the top.
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden and bubbly.
Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (this will take about 2 hours).
Once completely cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 12 squares or bars.
Serve and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4744 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 216.3 g | 277% | |
| Saturated Fat | 110.2 g | 551% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 321 mg | 107% | |
| Sodium | 1136 mg | 49% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 691.7 g | 252% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.9 g | 100% | |
| Total Sugars | 513.6 g | ||
| Protein | 73.6 g | 147% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 1274 mg | 98% | |
| Iron | 16.9 mg | 94% | |
| Potassium | 2051 mg | 44% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
