Caramel Morsel Bars
Caramel Morsel Bars are a delightful combination of chewy caramel, crunchy cereal, salty peanuts, and rich chocolate and butterscotch chips. Perfect for satisfying sweet and salty cravings, they make an indulgent treat for parties, snacks, or anytime you want a comforting, homemade dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the caramels in water in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth; set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the cereal and salted peanuts. Pour the melted caramel over and mix well.
- Pat the entire mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips and butterscotch chips over the cereal mixture.
- Place the pan in a 200°F oven until the chips are soft.
- Spread the melted chips evenly over the top, then cool and cut into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of sea salt on top before baking. If you're short on time, you can use pre-packaged caramel sauce instead of melting caramels with water. For a nut-free version, substitute the salted peanuts with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely. You can also mix in your favorite candies for a fun twist.
Serving Suggestions
These caramel morsel bars are perfect for dessert or a sweet snack. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delicious treat. For a complete meal, serve alongside Fran'S Vegetable Casserole and a fresh garden salad for a balanced spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover caramel morsel bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to two weeks. To enjoy them warm, simply microwave for a few seconds until slightly soft, but be careful not to overheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Caramel Morsel Bars contains roughly 670 calories, with 10g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 581mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cereal for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute Rice Krispies with other crispy cereals such as Cornflakes or even granola for added texture. Just ensure the cereal is crunchy to hold up against the melted caramel.
What can I do if the caramel is too thick?
If your caramel mixture becomes too thick while melting, add a little more hot water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a smooth consistency. Stir well to combine before pouring it over the cereal.
Can I freeze the caramel morsel bars?
Absolutely! Wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).