Save A decadent, chewy dessert bar layered with chocolate, butterscotch, coconut, nuts, and a luscious salted caramel drizzle — a truly magical treat perfect for any sweet tooth.
I remember baking these bars for a holiday gathering, and people were completely smitten with the gooey salted caramel drizzle and the delightful contrast of textures. They disappeared within minutes, and someone even asked for the recipe before leaving!
Ingredients
- Graham cracker crumbs: 1 1/2 cups (180 g), forms the buttery base for the crust
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (115 g), melted for mixing into the crumbs
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1 cup (180 g), for a rich chocolate layer
- Butterscotch chips: 1 cup (180 g), adds a warm, sweet flavor
- Sweetened shredded coconut: 1 cup (120 g), gives chewy texture and sweetness
- Chopped walnuts or pecans: 1/2 cup (60 g), for crunch and nutty flavor
- Sweetened condensed milk: 1 cup (300 ml), helps bind and sweeten everything
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g), for the caramel drizzle
- Water: 2 tbsp (30 ml), to melt the sugar for caramel
- Unsalted butter (for drizzle): 2 tbsp (30 g), added richness to caramel
- Heavy cream: 1/4 cup (60 ml), makes caramel luscious
- Flaky sea salt: 1/2 tsp, brings that irresistible salted finish
Instructions
- Prepare the pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Make the crust:
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until evenly combined. Press firmly into the pan to create an even crust.
- Add the layers:
- Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the crust, then add butterscotch chips, coconut, and the chopped nuts in order.
- Pour condensed milk:
- Drizzle sweetened condensed milk evenly over all the layered ingredients.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is set. Cool completely in the pan.
- Make salted caramel:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water. Stir only until dissolved, then let cook undisturbed until the mixture turns deep amber (4–5 minutes). Remove from heat, whisk in butter, then slowly add heavy cream while whisking. Mix in sea salt. Let cool slightly.
- Drizzle and serve:
- Drizzle cooled caramel over the bars. Let set, lift bars from pan, and cut into squares.
Save Whenever my kids help me in the kitchen for this recipe, their favorite job is sprinkling chocolate chips and pouring condensed milk. It always ends with a little finger tasting the gooey caramel drizzle!
Required Tools
You will need a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan, mixing bowls, a small saucepan, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, and parchment paper for easy removal.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy, tree nuts, coconut, and gluten (unless using gluten-free crackers). If you need to adjust for allergies, substitute ingredients as needed and check all labels carefully.
Nutritional Information
Each bar contains about 285 calories, 17 g fat, 33 g carbs, and 3 g protein. Nutritional values are approximate and may vary.
Save Enjoy these bars for any occasion: they're easy, addictive, and guaranteed to create deliciously sweet memories at home.
Recipe FAQ
- → What makes the crust so crunchy?
The crust is made from melted butter combined with graham cracker crumbs, which bakes into a firm, crunchy base that supports the layers.
- → Can I use different nuts in the layers?
Yes, walnuts can be substituted with pecans or almonds to vary the flavor and texture according to preference.
- → How is the salted caramel drizzle prepared?
Sugar and water are cooked until amber-colored, then mixed with butter, heavy cream, and sea salt to create a rich, glossy caramel topping.
- → What texture do the bars have once baked?
Once baked, the bars offer a chewy texture with crunchy elements from the nuts and crust, contrasted by the smooth caramel drizzle.
- → Are there any gluten-free options for the crust?
Yes, using gluten-free graham crackers allows for a gluten-free crust without compromising the crispiness.