Peanut Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars

Imagine a base of buttery short‑bread or cookie‑style crust, layered with rich caramel and melting chocolate chips, and sprinkled with peanuts for crunch. These bars hit sweet, salty and nutty all at once.

Why you’ll love it

• The flavour contrast of caramel + chocolate + peanuts is irresistible.
• Bars are easier to serve and transport than individual cookies.
• Great for dessert buffs, bake‑sales or family treats.
• You can customise the crust, nuts and chocolate type.

Ingredients

• Butter, flour (or short‑bread mix) for the crust
• Granulated sugar + brown sugar (for caramel layer)
• Heavy cream or condensed milk (for caramel)
• Chocolate chips (~1 cup)
• Roasted peanuts (~½–1 cup), chopped
• Vanilla extract, pinch of salt

Directions

1. Pre‑heat oven to ~175 °C (350 °F). Line a 9×9″ (23×23 cm) baking pan with parchment.
2. Make crust: combine butter, sugar, flour (or pre‑mix) until a crumbly dough; press into pan and bake ~10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
3. While crust bakes, prepare caramel: melt butter, brown sugar, cream (or condensed milk), salt and vanilla in a saucepan until thick and bubbling; remove from heat.
4. Pour caramel over warm crust, sprinkle chocolate chips and chopped peanuts over caramel. Gently press slightly so chips settle.
5. Return to oven ~8–10 minutes until caramel still soft but set enough to hold.
6. Let the bars cool completely (preferably in fridge) before slicing into squares.

Serving & timing

- Servings: ~16 bars
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Bake time: ~20–22 minutes
- Cooling time: ~1 hour

Variations & tips

• Use salted peanuts or other nuts (pecans, almonds) for variation.
• Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch.
• Finish with a drizzle of melted chocolate or sprinkle of sea‑salt flakes for extra pop.

Storage

• Store in airtight container for up to 5 days at room temp; keep cool.
• Freeze for longer storage; thaw before serving.

Conclusion

Peanut Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars are decadent, texturally interesting and totally share‑worthy. They combine buttery crust, gooey caramel, melty chocolate and crunchy peanuts into one delightful treat you’ll be reaching for again and again.

 Peanut Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Chewy and indulgent dessert bars loaded with peanuts, gooey caramel, and melty chocolate chips. These bars are the perfect combination of salty and sweet, great for parties or a satisfying treat.

• Author: Emma Harper
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped roasted peanuts
• 1 cup caramel sauce or melted soft caramels

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Stir in chocolate chips and chopped peanuts.
7. Spread half of the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
8. Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the dough layer.
9. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the top and gently spread or flatten.
10. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.
11. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Notes

• Use salted peanuts for a sweet-salty contrast.
• You can use store-bought caramel sauce or melt soft caramels with a splash of cream.
• Let bars cool completely for cleaner cuts.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 35mg