Choco-Caramel Bars
Decadent choco-caramel bars combine rich chocolate, sweet caramel, and crunchy nuts for a delightful treat perfect for dessert lovers and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the caramels with 1/3 cup evaporated milk until smooth; set aside.
- Combine the cake mix, melted margarine, and 1/3 cup of milk to form a dough.
- Press half of the dough into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan and bake for 6 minutes.
- Remove from oven and evenly spread chopped nuts and chocolate chips over the baked dough.
- Pour the melted caramel mixture over the nuts and chips.
- Crumble the remaining cake mix over the top of the caramel layer.
- Bake for an additional 20 minutes until golden and firm.
- Allow to cool well before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the margarine with unsweetened applesauce in the dough. To prevent the caramels from sticking, spray your measuring cup with cooking spray before measuring them. This recipe also allows for easy customization with various nuts or even dried fruits.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Choco-Caramel Bars as a delightful dessert alongside coffee or tea. They also make a perfect treat for special occasions or potlucks. For an extra indulgent experience, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy them as part of a dessert platter that includes other sweet treats like Chocolate Mini-Mousse.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply place a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy the gooey caramel and chocolate texture again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Choco-Caramel Bars contains roughly 512 calories, with 6g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 cake mix for this recipe?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different flavors of cake mix, such as chocolate or vanilla, to create a unique twist on the bars. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change accordingly.
How do I make these bars gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Choco-Caramel Bars, use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same delicious flavors without the gluten.
What can I substitute for nuts if someone has allergies?
If you need to avoid nuts due to allergies, you can omit them entirely or replace them with seeds, such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds, for added crunch without the allergens. Alternatively, consider adding more chocolate chips.
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).