If you love the perfect combination of chocolate, caramel, and crunchy peanuts, these Ooey Gooey Bars will quickly become your new favorite indulgence. With layers of rich chocolate, smooth caramel, and a buttery, crunchy base, every bite delivers a heavenly mix of textures and flavors. They’re the ultimate dessert bars for anyone with a sweet tooth, and they come together with simple ingredients that pack a major punch of deliciousness.
Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a homemade sweet treat to satisfy your cravings, these bars are a must-try. Whether you’re a fan of chocolatey snacks, no-bake desserts, or chewy caramel treats, this recipe guarantees a mouthwatering experience. One bite, and you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Ooey Gooey Bars
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- ¾ cup roasted peanuts, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until well combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking dish to form a firm crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and spread half of the melted chocolate evenly over the baked crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Layer
In another microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel candies and heavy cream. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring frequently, until the caramel is completely melted and smooth. Mix in the salt for extra depth of flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Sprinkle the chopped peanuts evenly over the chocolate layer. Pour the melted caramel over the peanuts, spreading it evenly to cover them. Finally, spread the remaining melted chocolate over the caramel layer, smoothing it out with a spatula.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the bars for at least 1-2 hours, or until fully set. Once firm, remove them from the baking dish and cut them into squares or bars. Enjoy your Ooey Gooey Bars as a rich and satisfying treat!
Storage Instructions
To keep your Ooey Gooey Bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Estimated Nutrition
(Per serving, based on 12 servings)
- Calories: ~280
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Sugar: 26g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes! While peanuts add a nice crunch, you can substitute them with almonds, cashews, or pecans.
Can I make these bars without nuts?
Absolutely! Just skip the peanuts or replace them with crispy rice cereal for texture.
What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?
Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped clean between cuts for neat slices.
Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?
Yes, homemade caramel works great and adds even richer flavor. Just ensure it’s thick enough to hold its shape.
Can I make these bars dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter, chocolate, and caramel alternatives to make them vegan-friendly.
How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking when cutting?
Let the bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing to prevent cracking.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes! These bars store well and can be made up to 3 days ahead for the best taste and texture.
Do these bars need to be refrigerated?
Not necessarily, but refrigerating them helps keep the layers firm and prevents melting in warm conditions.
Ooey Gooey Bars: A Decadent Treat You Can’t Resist
- Total Time: 15 minute
- Yield: 12 bars
Description
Indulge in the ultimate chocolate and caramel dessert with these Ooey Gooey Bars. A buttery graham cracker crust is layered with rich melted chocolate, creamy caramel, and crunchy peanuts, creating a decadent treat that melts in your mouth. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply satisfying your sweet cravings, these bars offer the ideal balance of chewy, crunchy, and chocolatey goodness. Plus, they’re easy to make and store, making them a convenient dessert recipe for any occasion!
Ingredients
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped
3 tablespoons heavy cream
¾ cup roasted peanuts, chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, then press firmly into a lined baking dish. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then cool slightly.
- Melt the Chocolate: Microwave semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract. Spread half of the chocolate over the crust.
- Make the Caramel Layer: Microwave caramel candies with heavy cream, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth. Mix in salt for extra flavor.
- Assemble the Bars: Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the chocolate layer, then pour melted caramel over them. Spread remaining melted chocolate on top.
- Chill & Serve: Refrigerate for 1-2 hours until firm. Cut into bars and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1-2 hours
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
