Homemade Chocolate Peanut Caramel Bars

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Homemade chocolate peanut caramel bars are the kind of sweet snack that tastes like it came from a fancy candy shop—but you can make it right in your own kitchen. They’re thick, chewy, crunchy, and coated in smooth chocolate, with salty peanuts and a rich caramel-style filling that makes every bite irresistible. If you love sweet-and-salty desserts, this recipe is going to be your new favorite.

These bars are perfect for holidays, parties, dessert trays, or simply keeping in the fridge for a quick treat. The best part is that they’re easy to make, don’t require complicated steps, and can be prepared ahead of time. Once chilled and set, they slice beautifully into bite-sized squares that look impressive and taste even better.

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Peanut Bars

  • No-bake friendly: Great when you don’t want to use the oven.
  • Sweet and salty balance: Chocolate + caramel + peanuts is always a win.
  • Perfect for gifting: They look like gourmet candy bites.
  • Easy to store: Keeps well in the fridge or freezer.

Ingredients

For the peanut caramel base:

  • 2 cups roasted peanuts (salted or unsalted)
  • 1 cup caramel (soft caramels melted, or thick caramel sauce)
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy works best)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt (skip if peanuts are very salty)

For the chocolate coating:

  • 2 cups chocolate chips (milk or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter (helps the chocolate melt smoother)

Optional topping:

  • Flaky sea salt
  • Extra chopped peanuts

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Caramel Bars

  1. Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) pan with parchment paper, leaving extra paper on the sides so you can lift the bars out easily.
  2. Melt the caramel mixture: In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter, caramel, and peanut butter together. Stir constantly until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and mix in vanilla and a small pinch of salt if needed.
  3. Add the peanuts: Stir the peanuts into the warm caramel mixture until fully coated. The mixture should look thick and chunky.
  4. Press into the pan: Pour the peanut caramel mixture into the lined pan and press it firmly into an even layer. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to pack it down well. This helps the bars hold together when sliced.
  5. Chill the base: Place the pan in the fridge for about 20–30 minutes so the base firms up.
  6. Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips with coconut oil (or butter) in 20–30 second bursts, stirring between each round until smooth.
  7. Coat the bars: Pour melted chocolate over the chilled peanut caramel layer and spread evenly. Sprinkle with flaky salt or chopped peanuts if desired.
  8. Chill until set: Refrigerate again for 45–60 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set and firm.
  9. Slice and serve: Lift the slab out using the parchment paper, place on a cutting board, and slice into squares or bars with a sharp knife.

Tips for Perfect Bars

  • Press firmly: The tighter the base is packed, the better it will slice.
  • Use low heat for caramel: Caramel can burn quickly, so keep the heat low and stir often.
  • Slice cleanly: For neat cuts, warm your knife under hot water, dry it, then slice.
  • Don’t over-chill before slicing: Very cold chocolate can crack. Let the bars sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before cutting.

Ingredient Variations You Can Try

These chocolate peanut caramel bars are easy to customize:

  • Use mixed nuts: Try almonds, cashews, or a mix for different textures.
  • Add crispy cereal: Stir in rice cereal for extra crunch.
  • Make it darker: Use dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet bite.
  • Add pretzels: Crushed pretzels bring a salty crunch and a fun twist.
  • Add dates: For a more natural caramel feel, blend soft dates with peanut butter and a little water, then mix with peanuts.

Serving Ideas

These bars are delicious on their own, but they also work well with:

  • Coffee or espresso for a sweet snack break
  • A dessert platter with cookies and brownies
  • Ice cream (cut smaller and use as toppings)
  • Holiday gift boxes wrapped in parchment and tied with string

How to Store Chocolate Peanut Caramel Bars

  • In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • At room temperature: If your kitchen isn’t too warm, they can sit out for a few hours, but they’re best chilled for clean texture.
  • In the freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before eating.

Chocolate peanut caramel bars are rich, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to make. With crunchy peanuts, chewy caramel, and a smooth chocolate top, they’re a guaranteed hit for parties, snack cravings, or anytime you want an easy homemade candy-style dessert.

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