Peanut Butter Caramel Bars
Indulge in the irresistible combination of sweet, salty, and nutty with these Peanut Butter Caramel Bars—a decadent treat that's perfect for any occasion! These layered bars start with a buttery shortbread crust, followed by a rich and creamy peanut butter filling, a luscious layer of melted caramel, and a smooth, glossy chocolate topping. With optional chopped peanuts for added crunch, this dessert is packed with texture and flavor in every bite. Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients like soft caramels, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and peanut butter, these bars are a crowd-pleasing delight that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or an afternoon indulgence, these bars come together in just 20 minutes of prep time and are guaranteed to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 cups creamy peanut butter
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 14 ounces soft caramels
- 1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 0.5 cup peanuts (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Prick the surface with a fork to prevent bubbling, then bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let cool completely.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter and heavy cream. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth and creamy.
Pour the peanut butter mixture over the cooled crust and spread it out evenly. Let it chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, unwrap the soft caramels and melt them with 2 tablespoons of water in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring until smooth.
Spread the melted caramel over the chilled peanut butter layer, then return the pan to the refrigerator for another 10 minutes to set.
Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 20-second intervals and stirring until smooth.
Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer and smooth it out with an offset spatula. Optional: Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for extra crunch.
Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until fully set.
Once set, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 16 squares or desired portions. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
8491 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 451.2 g | 578% | |
| Saturated Fat | 179.4 g | 897% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 408 mg | 136% | |
| Sodium | 3653 mg | 159% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1051.8 g | 382% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 52.2 g | 186% | |
| Total Sugars | 732.4 g | ||
| Protein | 156.9 g | 314% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 649 mg | 50% | |
| Iron | 26.8 mg | 149% | |
| Potassium | 3702 mg | 79% | |
*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.
