Go Back
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs - 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt - 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - Flaky sea salt for topping You can swap creamy peanut butter for crunchy peanut butter. This gives your bars extra texture. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil instead of unsalted butter. Maple syrup can replace brown sugar for a different flavor. You can also use almond flour instead of graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-free bar. Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth mix. It blends well with the other ingredients. When choosing your caramel sauce, go for high-quality brands for the best taste. Flaky sea salt adds a lovely contrast to the sweet bars. Always melt your chocolate in short bursts to avoid burning. This keeps it smooth and easy to drizzle. First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the bars bake evenly. Take an 8x8 inch baking pan and grease it lightly. You can also line it with parchment paper. This way, your bars will come out easily once they cool. In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter and 1 cup of creamy peanut butter. Add in 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Don’t forget to add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Mix everything until it is smooth and well combined. You want a nice, creamy texture for the base. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs and 1/8 teaspoon of fine sea salt into the peanut butter mixture. Stir until you have a thick, cohesive mix. Next, pour half of this mix into your prepared pan. Press it down firmly to form the base layer. Now, drizzle half of the 1/2 cup of salted caramel sauce over the base. Use a spoon to spread it evenly. Then, add the remaining peanut butter mix over the caramel. Press it down again to smooth it out. In a small bowl, add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Microwave them in 30-second bursts. Stir between each burst until the chocolate is fully melted. Drizzle this melted chocolate over the top layer of the bars. For a fun effect, gently swirl it with a spatula to mix it with the caramel below. Bake your bars in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for golden edges and a set center. Once done, take the pan out and let it cool completely. This makes slicing easier. After cooling, cut your bars into equal squares. Enjoy your delicious creation! To make your Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Bars perfect, follow these steps: - Use fresh ingredients. Fresh peanut butter and butter give the best flavor. - Measure accurately. Use a proper measuring cup for both liquid and dry ingredients. - Mix well. Ensure your peanut butter mixture is smooth for a perfect texture. - Press firmly. When layering, press down the mixture to avoid crumbling. - Cool completely. Allow bars to cool fully before cutting to maintain shape. You may face some issues while making these bars. Here are solutions: - Bars are too crumbly. This may happen if you did not mix well. Add a bit more melted butter. - Too sweet. If your bars taste too sweet, reduce the amount of sugar next time. - Chocolate not melting smoothly. Heat in shorter bursts and stir often to avoid burning. - Caramel sauce is too runny. Let it cool slightly before drizzling on the bars. Serve these bars in fun ways. Here are some ideas: - Plate them nicely. Cut bars into squares and use a decorative platter. - Add extra toppings. Drizzle more caramel or chocolate for a gourmet touch. - Garnish with nuts. Chopped peanuts add crunch and enhance the flavor. - Pair with drinks. Enjoy with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. These tips will help you create delicious Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Bars every time! {{image_4}} You can add nuts to make these bars even better. Chopped peanuts or almonds work great. Just mix in 1/2 cup of your chosen nuts with the peanut butter mixture. This extra crunch adds texture and a nice nutty flavor. If you prefer, you can also use walnuts or pecans. These options will give your bars a lovely twist. Switching up the caramel sauce can change the whole taste. Try butterscotch or chocolate caramel for a fun twist. You can also use flavored caramel, like sea salt or espresso. Each sauce brings its own flair. Just make sure the sauce is thick enough to layer well. To make these bars gluten-free, replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free options. Almond flour or gluten-free cookies can work as good substitutes. Just ensure they match the texture of regular crumbs. This way, everyone can enjoy the bars, no matter their dietary needs. After making these tasty bars, let them cool completely. Cut them into squares and place them in an airtight container. Store the bars at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them. They will stay fresh for about a week when stored properly. To freeze these delicious bars, cut them into individual pieces first. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature. These bars taste best when served fresh, but they still shine after some time. For the best flavor, serve them within the first few days. If you freeze them, allow a bit of time to thaw. This way, the caramel and peanut butter flavors come alive again, making every bite a treat. Yes, you can use natural peanut butter. It gives a unique taste. Just keep in mind, natural peanut butter can be runnier. You may want to chill it before use. This helps it hold its shape better in the bars. Making salted caramel sauce is simple. Start by melting 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan. Stir it until it turns a deep amber color. Next, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream carefully. Mix well until smooth. Finally, add 1 teaspoon of flaky sea salt. Let it cool before using. You can use crushed cookies like Oreos or vanilla wafers. Almond flour or crushed nuts also work well. Just make sure the texture matches graham cracker crumbs. This keeps the bars firm and tasty. These bars last up to a week when stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container. If you want to keep them longer, try freezing them. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Yes, you can make vegan salted caramel peanut butter bars. Use vegan butter instead of regular butter. Choose a vegan chocolate for the topping. For the caramel, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a rich taste. You learned how to make delicious bars with simple steps and tips. Start with the right ingredients, and don’t be afraid to try substitutes. Follow the step-by-step guide for a great texture and taste. Mix your flavors with fun variations, like nuts or different sauces. Remember to store leftovers properly and enjoy your bars fresh. With these ideas, you can create amazing treats that everyone will love. Get started today, and enjoy the process!

Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Bars

Indulge in the ultimate treat with these delectable salted caramel peanut butter bars! Combining creamy peanut butter, rich salted caramel, and a touch of chocolate, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, these bars are easy to make and oh-so delicious. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your friends and family with these irresistible delights!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Flaky sea salt for topping

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8 inch baking pan by greasing it lightly with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter. Add in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix with a spatula or electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

      Gradually add the graham cracker crumbs and fine sea salt to the peanut butter mixture. Stir until you've achieved a thick, cohesive mixture with no dry crumbs remaining.

        Pour half of the peanut butter mixture into the prepared baking pan. Using your fingers or the back of a spatula, press it down firmly to create an even base layer.

          Carefully drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce over the peanut butter base, using the back of a spoon to spread it gently for even coverage.

            Spoon the remaining peanut butter mixture over the caramel layer and press down firmly once more to smooth it out evenly.

              Drizzle the remaining salted caramel sauce over the top layer, ensuring you cover it evenly with a delicious caramel sheen.

                In a small microwave-safe bowl, add the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Microwave them in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until completely melted and smooth.

                  Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the bars. To create a marbled effect, use a spatula to gently swirl it into the layer beneath.

                    Finish off by sprinkling flaky sea salt on top for that perfect salted touch that enhances the flavors of the bars.

                      Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden brown and the center feels set.

                        Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before slicing into equal bars.

                          Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45-55 minutes | Servings: 16 bars

                            - Presentation Tips: Cut the bars into squares and arrange them on a decorative platter. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle additional caramel and melted chocolate sauce over the cut bars. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped peanuts for a delightful crunch!