Sweet and salty desserts fans will delight in Salted Caramel Crisp Bars, a homemade treat. Caution: these bars are crunchy and sweet with a grain of salt, creamy chocolate and rich caramel, providing a simple dessert packed with flavor.
The bonus here is that you don’t need an advanced knowledge of baking to make them! A batch can be made by your family, for a party, holiday celebration, or afternoon snack using some common ingredients and simple cooking supplies.
Another one of the advantages of these Salted Caramel Bars is that they can be easily cut into small pieces for sharing.
What Are Salted Caramel Crisp Bars?
Salted Caramel Crisp Bars are crunchy cereal or crisp base caramel and chocolate sweet squares. A little salt is added to get a balance with the sweetness.
The crunchy and creamy texture is a unique quality of these bars, compared to traditional cookies or brownies.
The main flavors are:
- Sweet caramel
- Crunchy cereal
- Rich chocolate
- Light sea salt
- Butter
- Vanilla
They can be prepared in a square baking dish, and cut into bars once cooled.
Ingredients You Need
For the crisp base:
- 4 cups of crispy rice cereal
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup of honey or light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
To make the caramel layer:
- 1 cup of soft caramel candies
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
To make the chocolate topping:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
- Oil of any kind, or coconut oil, 1 teaspoon, optional
- A pinch is equal to 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt.
Milk chocolate, dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate may be used depending on the sweetness desired of the bars.
Equipment You Need
Just a couple of simple tools are required:
- 1 baking pan, 8 1/2 x 8 x 2 inches, or other equivalent size pan.
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- A wooden spoon or spatula.
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Knife
If using parchment paper, it will make cleaning out the finished bars a lot easier, as there won’t be any of the dough to deal with.
How to Make Salted Caramel Crisp Bars
Step 1: Arrange the Pan
Line an 9 x 9 baking pan with a sheet of parchment.
Hang over with some parchment. This will aid in the lifting of the bars later.
If necessary, brush the parchment with a little oil.
Step 2: Combine the Crisp Mixture
Transfer crispy rice cereal to a large bowl.
Place butter, brown sugar, honey (or corn syrup), and salt in a small saucepan.
Bring to a boil on medium heat.
Add butter and mix until it melts and sugar mixture is smooth.
Never leave mixture unattended.
Take off of the heat and add in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Add the Caramel and Cereal to the Mix
Pour over the warm mixture the crispy cereal.
Gently stir with a spatula.
Be sure the cereal is coated with an even film.
Make sure to not crush the cereal during mixing. You want the bars to remain crunchy when you’re done.
Step 4: Press Firmly into the Pan
Pour mixture into the prepared baking pan.
Gently push it down with the spatula or the bottom of a clean measuring cup.
Press hard enough to keep the bars together but don’t crush the cereal too hard.
Wait for the bottom to cool down for a few minutes.
How to Make the Caramel Layer
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, put in caramel candies and heavy cream.
So, gently heat until the caramel is smooth.
When heating in a Microwave, heat in short bursts and stir between heatings.
Care needs to be taken as melted caramel can get extremely hot.
Pour in the caramel and let it cool.
Spread it out in a uniform layer.
Allow the caramel to cool and set somewhat before it is time to add the chocolate.
Add Chocolate Topping
Place chocolate chips in a bowl that can go in the microwave and melt.
Cook on and stir after each 1-2 minutes.
This will help to prevent the chocolate from melting.
Vegetable oil or coconut oil may be used sparingly to thin the chocolate as it’s too thick.
Pour over the caramel layer, the melted chocolate.
Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.
Top with a little flaky sea salt before the chocolate has set.
Use sparingly salt. A little will do for the sweet and salty flavour.
Chill the Salted Caramel Crisp Bars
Place the pan in the refrigerator.
Allow the bars to cool down until the caramel and chocolate are set.
This typically takes 1-2 hours.
When the dessert is set, transfer the whole dessert onto the parchment paper.
Set on cutting board.
Use a sharp knife to cut it into squares or bars.
If you want to get cleaner cuts, let the dessert chill at room temperature for a couple of hours.
