Description
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A delicious combination of smooth milk chocolate, buttery caramel, and crunchy nuts, these homemade Triple Treat Chocolate Caramel Candy Bars are the perfect no-bake dessert. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create gourmet-quality candy bars at home that are even better than store-bought!
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Layer:
- 2 cups milk chocolate morsels (or dark chocolate if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening (for smooth melting)
Caramel Layer:
- 14 ounces caramels, unwrapped
- 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 cup walnuts or peanuts, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
- Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Lightly grease with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
- In a double boiler, melt 2 cups of chocolate morsels and 2 tablespoons of vegetable shortening, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Microwave Alternative: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 15–20 second intervals, stirring in between until melted.
Step 3: Create the First Chocolate Layer
- Pour half of the melted chocolate into the prepared baking dish.
- Spread evenly using a spatula and refrigerate for 15 minutes, or until firm.
Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Filling
- In a saucepan over low heat, add:
- 14 ounces of unwrapped caramels
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of water
- Stir continuously until the caramel is fully melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and mix in 1 cup of chopped walnuts or peanuts.
Step 5: Add the Caramel Layer
- Pour the caramel-nut mixture over the cooled chocolate layer.
- Use a spatula to spread evenly.
- Refrigerate for 15 minutes until slightly firm but still tacky.
Step 6: Create the Final Chocolate Layer
- Gently reheat the remaining melted chocolate if needed.
- Pour over the caramel layer, spreading evenly.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour, or until completely set.
Step 7: Cutting and Serving
- Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper or foil.
- Place on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into squares or rectangles.
- For clean cuts: Warm the knife slightly under hot water, then wipe dry before slicing.
Notes
- For extra flavor: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top before chilling.
- For a crunchier texture: Add crushed pretzels or graham crackers to the caramel layer.
- Storage Tips:
- Keep at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
- Freeze for up to 3 months (wrap bars individually before storing in an airtight container).
- For a nut-free version: Substitute nuts with toffee bits, rice cereal, or shredded coconut.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg