Chocolate Chip Crumb Bars
Chocolate chip crumb bars feature a buttery crumbly base topped with caramel, baked to create a rich, sweet treat perfect for dessert or snack occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening and brown sugar together.
- Add egg yolks, beating until mixture is light and fluffy.
- Blend in sifted flour, baking powder, and salt until mixture is very dry and crumbly.
- Press the mixture firmly into a greased 7 x 11-inch pan.
- Bake in a moderate oven at 375°F for 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and spread evenly with caramel topping.
- Bake in the oven at 325°F for 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve a perfect crumb texture, ensure your shortening is at room temperature before creaming with brown sugar. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter for a richer flavor. For added depth, consider mixing in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon, which also pairs beautifully with Cinnamon Top Pound Cake.
Serving Suggestions
These Chocolate Chip Crumb Bars are best served slightly warm, allowing the caramel topping to be gooey. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter alongside other favorites like Creamy Orange Fluff or Best Cream Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate the bars, where they can last up to a week. To reheat, place them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy them cold for a delightful texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Chip Crumb Bars contains roughly 699 calories, with 10g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (28% of the Daily Value), calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 730mg per serving (32% 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 a different type of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with granulated sugar, but the bars will be less moist and flavorful. For a deeper flavor, try using dark brown sugar or even coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
What can I use instead of egg yolks?
If you're looking for an egg-free option, you can use a flaxseed meal or chia seed gel as a substitute. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit until it thickens, which works well in this recipe.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to add in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or mix in chocolate chips for added sweetness. Just be cautious not to overload the crumb mixture, as it may affect the texture and baking time.
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).