Craving a treat that’s both rich and satisfying? Look no further! These Caramel Chocolate Squares are the answer to your dessert dreams. Imagine a buttery, crumbly crust layered with gooey, melted caramel and topped with a smooth, decadent chocolate ganache. Is your mouth watering yet? Mine definitely is!

This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to share with friends and family or simply want to indulge in a little something special, these squares are sure to be a hit. Plus, they are incredibly customizable – add nuts, sea salt, or different types of chocolate to create your own signature version. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get baking!

From birthday parties to holiday gatherings, caramel chocolate squares always steal the show. They are the perfect make-ahead dessert, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your guests. So, are you ready to bake these amazing squares?

Ingredients for Irresistible Caramel Chocolate Squares

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delectable caramel chocolate squares. Don’t worry; most of these are pantry staples!

1 cup all-purpose flour: This forms the base of our buttery crust. For a gluten-free option, substitute with your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter is crucial for creating a tender and crumbly crust. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust and helps it achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness.
1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped: The star of the show! Use your favorite brand of caramel candies. For a richer flavor, consider using sea salt caramels.
2 tablespoons heavy cream: Helps the caramel melt smoothly and creates a luscious, creamy texture.
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Provides the rich chocolate layer on top. Feel free to experiment with dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips depending on your preference.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Adds shine and smoothness to the melted chocolate, making it easier to spread.
1 tablespoon white chocolate, melted: This is for the decorative swirl on top. It’s optional, but adds a touch of elegance and visual appeal.

Having high-quality ingredients will elevate your final product, but don’t feel like you need to break the bank! Use what you have access to, and don’t be afraid to experiment. For example, for a twist, consider using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor in the crust. You can also add a pinch of sea salt on top of the melted chocolate for an amazing sweet-and-salty experience. Check out our recipe for Ultimate Fudgy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies!

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Perfect Caramel Chocolate Squares

Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of irresistible caramel chocolate squares. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner – these instructions are designed to be easy to follow and understand!

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the crust bakes evenly.
In a bowl, combine flour, softened butter, sugar, and salt. Mix until a crumbly dough forms. You can use a pastry blender, a fork, or even your hands to mix the ingredients. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in a tough crust.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to press the dough firmly and evenly into the pan. This will create a solid base for the caramel and chocolate layers.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool completely. Keep a close eye on the crust while it’s baking. You want it to be lightly golden brown, but not burnt. Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely before adding the caramel layer. This is important to prevent the caramel from melting the crust.
In a saucepan, melt caramel candies with heavy cream over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent the caramel from scorching. Stir constantly to ensure that the caramel melts evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. If the caramel seems too thick, add a teaspoon of heavy cream at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
Pour the melted caramel over the cooled crust and spread evenly. Spread the caramel evenly over the crust using a spatula or the back of a spoon. Make sure to cover the entire surface for a uniform layer of caramel goodness.
In a separate bowl, melt semi-sweet chocolate chips with vegetable oil in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, to prevent it from burning. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate in a double boiler over simmering water.
Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer and spread evenly. Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the caramel layer using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Drizzle the melted white chocolate on top of the dark chocolate in a swirl pattern. Use a toothpick to drag through the white chocolate to create a decorative design. This step is optional, but it adds a touch of elegance and visual appeal to your caramel chocolate squares. Get creative with your swirl pattern!
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares. This allows the caramel and chocolate layers to set properly, making it easier to cut the squares cleanly.

For a perfect presentation, remember the chef’s tip! For a clean cut, use a warm knife when slicing the chilled squares. Dip the knife in warm water and dry before each cut. You may also want to try our Decadent Chocolate Chunk Brownies! They are a crowd-pleaser!

Expert Tips and Serving Suggestions for Caramel Chocolate Squares

Want to take your caramel chocolate squares to the next level? Here are some expert tips and serving suggestions to help you create a truly unforgettable dessert.

Make-Ahead Magic: These squares are perfect for making ahead of time. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Storage Solutions: Store the squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
Reheating Recommendations: While these are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, you can warm them up slightly in the microwave for a gooey, melty treat. Just be careful not to overheat them.
Serving Suggestions: Serve these squares with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent dessert.
Pairing Perfection: These squares pair perfectly with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot coffee, or a sweet dessert wine.
Customize Your Squares: Get creative and customize your squares with different types of chocolate, nuts, or toppings. Consider adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the caramel layer for a nutty crunch. You can also sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the melted chocolate for a sweet-and-salty flavor combination.

Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try using different types of caramel candies, such as sea salt caramels or chocolate caramels, to add a unique twist to your caramel chocolate squares. You can also use different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate or milk chocolate, to create a different flavor profile. The possibilities are endless!

Ready to impress your friends and family with these amazing caramel chocolate squares? Give the recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments below! We love hearing about your baking adventures and seeing your creative variations. So, share your photos and tag us on social media!

Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Chocolate Squares

Still have questions about making caramel chocolate squares? Here are some frequently asked questions to help you troubleshoot any issues and ensure baking success.

1. Can I use a different type of flour for the crust?

Yes, you can! For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You can also use whole wheat flour for a slightly nutty flavor, but the crust may be a bit denser.

2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

While you can use salted butter, it’s generally recommended to use unsalted butter and add salt separately. This allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe and ensure that the flavors are balanced. If you do use salted butter, reduce the amount of salt in the recipe by half.

3. My caramel is too thick. What should I do?

If your caramel is too thick, add a teaspoon of heavy cream at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. Be sure to stir constantly to prevent it from burning.

4. My chocolate is burning in the microwave. What am I doing wrong?

Chocolate can burn easily in the microwave. To prevent this, heat the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s melted and smooth. You can also melt the chocolate in a double boiler over simmering water.

5. How do I prevent the crust from sticking to the pan?

To prevent the crust from sticking to the pan, you can grease the pan with butter or cooking spray before pressing in the dough. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.

6. Can I add nuts to these squares?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds would be a delicious addition to the caramel layer. Simply sprinkle the nuts over the caramel before pouring on the melted chocolate.

7. Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Yes, you can! Feel free to experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate depending on your preference. You can also use a combination of different types of chocolate for a more complex flavor.

8. How do I get a clean cut when slicing the squares?

For a clean cut, use a warm knife when slicing the chilled squares. Dip the knife in warm water and dry before each cut. This will help the knife glide through the caramel and chocolate layers without dragging or tearing.

9. Can I freeze these squares?

Yes, you can freeze these squares for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

10. What are some other variations I can try?

The possibilities are endless! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Sea Salt Caramel Chocolate Squares: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the melted chocolate for a sweet-and-salty flavor combination.
Peanut Butter Caramel Chocolate Squares: Add a layer of peanut butter between the caramel and chocolate layers.
Coconut Caramel Chocolate Squares: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the caramel before pouring on the melted chocolate.

11. Can I make these squares vegan?

Yes, you can make these squares vegan with a few substitutions. Use a vegan butter substitute for the crust, vegan caramel candies (or make your own vegan caramel), and vegan chocolate chips for the topping.

12. Why are my Caramel Chocolate Squares so crumbly?

If your Caramel Chocolate Squares are coming out crumbly, there might be a couple of factors at play. First, ensure you’re not overmixing the crust dough, as this can develop the gluten too much, leading to a tougher, more crumbly texture. Also, make sure you’re using the correct ratio of butter to flour – too little butter can result in a dry, crumbly crust. Finally, allow the squares to cool completely and chill properly before cutting, as this helps everything set and bind together.

Conclusion: Time to Bake!

So, there you have it – everything you need to create your own batch of delicious caramel chocolate squares! With their buttery crust, gooey caramel filling, and rich chocolate topping, these squares are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they are so easy to make, even a beginner baker can whip them up in no time.

Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to share with friends and family or simply want to indulge in a little something special, these squares are the perfect choice. Don’t be afraid to get creative and customize them with your favorite flavors and toppings. After all, baking is all about experimentation and having fun! Feel free to try adding a pinch of sea salt like in our Irresistible Chocolate Almond Caramel Bars!

So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get baking! We can’t wait to hear about your baking adventures and see your creative variations. Share your photos and tag us on social media! Happy baking!

Caramel Chocolate Squares

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Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon white chocolate, melted

Directions

1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2. In a bowl, combine flour, softened butter, sugar, and salt. Mix until a crumbly dough forms.
3. 3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking pan.
4. 4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
5. 5. In a saucepan, melt caramel candies with heavy cream over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth.
6. 6. Pour the melted caramel over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
7. 7. In a separate bowl, melt semi-sweet chocolate chips with vegetable oil in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
8. 8. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer and spread evenly.
9. 9. Drizzle the melted white chocolate on top of the dark chocolate in a swirl pattern. Use a toothpick to drag through the white chocolate to create a decorative design.
10. 10. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares.
11. Tip/Pairing:
12. Enjoy these squares with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
13. Chef Tip:
14. For a clean cut, use a warm knife when slicing the chilled squares. Dip the knife in warm water and dry before each cut.

Decadent Caramel Chocolate Squares: Easy Recipe!