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–+ servings


No Bake Chocolate and Caramel Crunch Bars

Abigail
With layers of pecan crumb crust, delicious caramel filling, and melted chocolate on top, these No Bake Chocolate and Caramel Crunch Bars are simply irresistible! This recipe is quick, easy, and delicious, and the gooey caramel and rich chocolate combination make it the perfect make-ahead dessert. Perfect for spring or summer entertaining.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Chill 4 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine British, English
Servings 16 bars
Calories 288 kcal

Ingredients
 

For the Pecan and Biscuit Crust

  • 4 oz (1 stick) regular Butter
  • 2 Tablespoons Sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons Cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 1/2 cups Digestive biscuits or graham crackers, finely crushed
  • 2/3 cup Pecans or Walnuts, finely chopped

For the filling:

  • 14 oz can of Condensed Milk
  • 2 Tablespoons unsalted Butter
  • 3 Tablespoons Golden syrup, Sugar Cane syrup or light Corn Syrup
  • ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

  • 4 oz Dark or semi-sweet Chocolate (chips or bar), use good quality chocolate for the best flavor
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp light corn syrup or maple syrup

Instructions
 

For the Pecan and Biscuit Crust

  • Grease or line an 8×8 pan with parchment. Melt the butter, sugar, cocoa, and vanilla together over low heat. Stir well. Mix in the crushed biscuits and chopped nuts until fully combined and sticky. Press the mixture evenly and firmly into the pan. Refrigerate while preparing the caramel (or at least 15 minutes).

For the filling:

  • Combine all caramel filling ingredients in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. While stirring, heat over medium until bubbles form. Once bubbling, stir continuously for 6-8 minutes (use a timer) on low heat until it thickens, darkens slightly to a golden caramel color, and coats the back of a spoon (it should still be pourable but leaves a visible trail). Don't overcook, or the caramel will be too chewy.
    Pour immediately over the chilled crust and spread evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter. Cool at room temperature for 10–15 minutes, then refrigerate until the caramel is firm to the touch and no longer sticky (about 45–60 minutes, or longer if needed).

For the Topping:

  • Once the caramel is firmly set, make the ganache. Heat the heavy cream and corn/maple syrup together in a small saucepan or microwave until hot and just beginning to simmer (do not boil).
    Pour over the chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl. Let sit for 1–2 minutes, then stir gently until completely melted and smooth.
    Pour the ganache over the chilled caramel layer. Tilt the pan or use an offset spatula to spread it evenly to the edges. Tap the pan gently to smooth and remove any bubbles.
    Refrigerate until the ganache is fully set (at least 1–2 hours, preferably 3+ hours or overnight). Slice into bars.

Notes

Tips and Tricks
#1 The 6-8 minute caramel cooking window is non-negotiable for proper texture because stopping too early creates a runny filling that won't set, while overcooking produces a tough, chewy layer that's difficult to cut and overwhelming to eat.
#2 Each layer requires complete setting before adding the next layer to prevent mixing, sliding, or collapsing—the base needs 15 minutes minimum, the caramel needs 45-60 minutes until firm to touch, and the ganache needs 1-2 hours to fully solidify.
#3 The hot-knife cutting technique produces clean, professional-looking bars by heating the blade in hot water before each cut, wiping it dry, and making single downward motions rather than sawing back and forth through the layers.
#4 Room temperature matters more for serving than making these bars because slightly softened bars (5-10 minutes out of the fridge) have better texture and flavor than rock-hard cold bars, though they must stay refrigerated for storage to maintain structure.
#5 Quality chocolate and fresh nuts directly impact the final taste since the recipe has only three simple layers with minimal ingredients, meaning each component's flavor is prominent, and using premium ingredients creates a noticeably superior result.

Nutrition

Calories: 288kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 173mgPotassium: 190mgFiber: 2gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 347IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 91mgIron: 1mg
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