Caramel Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Gooey Bars
Indulging in a sweet treat is one of life’s simple pleasures, and there’s something undeniably satisfying about the combination of caramel, peanut butter, and chocolate. Enter the Caramel Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Gooey Bars—a delightful dessert that brings together these flavors in a rich, gooey package that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet, these bars will impress everyone around you. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, which means you can whip them up in no time!
What Sets This Recipe Apart
What makes these gooey bars stand out is their perfect balance of flavors and textures. The buttery base is complemented by the crunch of graham crackers, the creaminess of peanut butter, and the rich sweetness of caramel and chocolate. The bars are soft and chewy, with just the right amount of gooeyness thanks to the sweetened condensed milk. Each bite is a heavenly combination that leaves you wanting more!
Gather These Ingredients
To create your own Caramel Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Gooey Bars, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt, optional and to taste
- 4 graham crackers, chopped into ½-inch square pieces (about 1 heaping cup loosely piled pieces)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
What’s in the Gear List
To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, you’ll need the following tools:
- Mixing bowl: For combining your ingredients.
- Whisk: To beat the egg and mix the wet ingredients smoothly.
- Spatula: For folding in the dry ingredients and spreading the mixture in the baking pan.
- Baking pan: A 9×13 inch pan works perfectly for this recipe.
- Oven: To bake your delicious bars to gooey perfection.
Make Caramel Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Gooey Bars: A Simple Method
Ready to get started? Follow these simple steps to create your Caramel Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Gooey Bars:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly and achieve that perfect gooey texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan with a little butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined, then add the egg and whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 5: Add the Graham Crackers and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chopped graham crackers and semi-sweet chocolate chips. The graham crackers provide a delightful crunch, while the chocolate chips add a rich sweetness.
Step 6: Prepare the Peanut Butter and Condensed Milk Mixture
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the creamy peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 7: Assemble the Bars
Spread half of the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Pour the peanut butter and condensed milk mixture over the batter, spreading it out evenly. Then, add the remaining batter on top, spreading it out gently to cover the peanut butter layer.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center looks set. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking, as you want that gooey center!
Step 9: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, slice into bars and serve to your eager friends and family.
No-Store Runs Needed
One of the best things about these Caramel Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Gooey Bars is that you likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry already. Here’s what you probably have on hand:
- Unsalted butter
- Eggs
- Brown sugar
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Chocolate chips
With just a few staples and a quick trip to pick up graham crackers, sweetened condensed milk, and peanut butter, you’re ready to bake!
Flavor Logic
The harmony of flavors in these gooey bars is nothing short of magical. Here’s why they work so well together:
- Sweet and Salty: The sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips pair beautifully with the saltiness of the butter and peanut butter.
- Crunch and Cream: The crunchy graham crackers provide a delightful contrast to the creamy peanut butter and gooey center.
- Richness: The combination of melted butter, chocolate, and peanut butter creates a rich, indulgent flavor that satisfies any sweet tooth.
Make-Ahead & Storage
These Caramel Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Gooey Bars are perfect for making ahead of time. Here are some tips for storage:
- Store in an airtight container: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for longer shelf life: If you want to keep them fresh for a week, store them in the refrigerator.
- Freeze for future cravings: You can freeze individual bars wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
Quick Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but it may alter the texture slightly. Stir it well before using to incorporate the oils.
Can I substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips, depending on your preference.
What can I substitute for graham crackers?
If you don’t have graham crackers, crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies work well as a substitute.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your graham crackers are gluten-free.
Save & Share
If you’re as excited about these Caramel Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Gooey Bars as I am, don’t keep it to yourself! Share the love by sending this recipe to your friends and family, or post it on your favorite social media platforms. Let everyone enjoy the deliciousness!
These bars are not just a dessert; they’re an experience—a delightful combination of flavors that will leave you and your loved ones in awe. Whether it’s a cozy evening at home or a festive gathering, these gooey bars are sure to be a hit. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let the sweet aroma of baking fill your kitchen! Enjoy every gooey bite!
Caramel Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Gooey Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Grease your 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined, then add the egg and whisk until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped graham crackers and chocolate chips.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the peanut butter and condensed milk. Stir until smooth.
- Spread half of the batter in the baking pan, pour the peanut butter mixture over it, and then add the remaining batter on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, then slice into bars and serve.
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for a week-long freshness.
- Freeze wrapped bars for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before enjoying.
