Irresistible Layers of Caramel, Chocolate, and Crunchy Bliss
These bars combine three favorites: sweet caramel, rich chocolate, and crunchy cereal, making them an instant hit for any occasion.
Ingredients
Base Layer
- 2 cups all-purpose flour For the base layer.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar For sweetness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure it's softened.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor.
Chocolate and Caramel Layer
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips For melting.
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk Mixed with cereal.
- 1 11 oz bag caramel bits or wrapped caramels, unwrapped About 40 caramels.
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream For melting with caramels.
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups crispy rice cereal For the top layer.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, softened butter, and salt until crumbly.
- Press this mixture firmly into the prepared pan to form the base layer.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
Chocolate and Caramel Layers
- While the base bakes, melt the caramels with heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot crust and return to the oven for 2–3 minutes until the chocolate softens.
- Use a spatula to gently spread the melted chocolate over the crust.
- Pour the melted caramel over the chocolate layer and gently spread it to the edges.
Cereal Layer
- In another bowl, stir the crispy rice cereal into the sweetened condensed milk until well mixed.
- Carefully spoon and spread this mixture over the caramel layer.
Final Baking
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares or bars for serving.
Notes
Store these bars in an airtight container for freshness. They can be refrigerated for up to two weeks.