Chocolate Caramel Peanut Bars

Featuring a sweet and salty combination of chocolate chips, caramel bits and roasted peanuts, these Chocolate Caramel Peanut Bars will satisfy any sweet tooth!

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There is a reason why Snickers candy bars land at or near the top of almost every “favorite candy bars” list. Sometimes Reese’s peanut butter cups knocks Snickers to the #2 slot, but that’s understandable. Both Reese’s and Snickers are delicious.

While I could go on and on talking about favorite candy bars (*ahem* Heath Bar *ahem*), the point is you can’t ever go wrong with a combination of chocolate + caramel + peanuts. Although it’s not a copycat recipe by any means, these Chocolate Caramel Peanut Bars channel the same vibes as a Snickers bar. Good luck eating just one of these!

Chocolate Caramel Peanut Bars

Aside from the combination of so many yummy flavors, what I really love about this recipe is how easy it is to bake. The topping is literally scoops of roasted peanuts, chocolate chips and caramel baking bits. The crust (which I borrowed from an old recipe) is a buttery dough that gets pressed into a baking pan.

This sweet + salty dessert is also a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen! Depending on the ages of your kids, they might be interested in helping with the base dough. If not, they’ll definitely be interested in helping press the dough into the pan and then topping it with peanuts, chocolate chips and caramel. Beware: some of the toppings might go missing if you employ the kids’ help.

We made these bars (cookies?) for a party recently, and everyone was asking for the recipe. It’s definitely one that you want to hang on to. This quick recipe is a great sweet and chocolatey combination – perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth (or two)!

One unique thing about this Chocolate Caramel Peanut Bars recipe? It bakes in a rimmed sheet pan (i.e. jelly roll pan) instead of a baking dish. That means you get lots of little squares of deliciousness from this recipe. Or you get a couple giant squares. There’s no shame in how you serve these bars. Want a giant 8″x8″ hunk of chocolate, caramel and nuts? Go for it!

How to Store Leftovers

Once these bars have cooled completely, they can be cut into squares and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. I recommend putting wax paper or foil in between the layers to keep the bars from sticking together. These treats can also be frozen – just lay the squares in between sheets of wax paper or foil and store them in an airtight bag for up to 4 months. Let thaw at room temperature.

If you’re looking for an easy dessert bar recipe, then these Chocolate Caramel Peanut Bars are worthy of a spot on the list! Just try not to eat all of the caramel bits before they go onto the bars. Happy baking!

Did you bake this Chocolate Caramel Peanut Bars recipe at home? Leave a comment, or snap a photo and tag me on Instagram (@Spicedblog) – I’d love to see your version!

Chocolate Caramel Peanut Bars

Featuring a sweet and salty combination of chocolate chips, caramel bits and roasted peanuts, these Chocolate Caramel Peanut Bars will satisfy any sweet tooth!

5 from 3 votes

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes minutes

Servings: 24 servings

Calories: 416kcal

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Ingredients

For the Crust

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 9 oz. ½ cup + 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping

• 2 cups salted roasted peanuts
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 11-oz. package caramel baking bits

Instructions

For the Crust

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Grease the edges of a 10”x15”x1” rimmed baking sheet. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper. Set pan aside. (Tip: Use a long piece of parchment paper so that it overhangs the edges by 1-2”. This will make it easier to remove the bars later.)
• Using a large bowl, add the flour, baking powder and salt; stir until well combined. Set flour mixture aside.
• Using a countertop mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes on medium speed).
• Add the eggs and vanilla; mix on low speed until well combined.
• Add the flour mixture; mix on low speed until well combined.
• Press dough evenly into prepared baking sheet.
• Bake at 375°F for 18-20 minutes, or until light golden brown in color.

For the Topping

• Using a medium bowl, combine the peanuts, chocolate chips and caramel baking bits.
• Remove pan from oven and sprinkle mixture evenly on top of the baked crust.
• Return pan to the oven and continue baking for 16-18 minutes, or until chocolate chips and caramel bits have melted.
• Let pan fully cool (1-2 hours) before slicing.

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