If you’re craving a treat that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and crunchy, look no further than this delightful Caramel Cracker Bars Recipe. These bars combine layers of buttery club crackers with rich caramel, luscious chocolate, and a hint of peanut butter, creating an irresistible snack that’s easy to whip up and guaranteed to please any crowd. Whether it’s a potluck, a casual get-together, or just a weeknight dessert, these bars will quickly become your go-to indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A baking pan lined with brown parchment paper holds a base layer of square, light golden crackers arranged neatly in close rows, filling the entire pan. On top of this cracker layer, smooth, glossy milk chocolate is being poured in uneven lines and blobs, showing different thicknesses and some ripples in texture. The combination of the crisp, pale crackers and the shiny, dark chocolate creates a clear contrast. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients may seem simple, but each plays a vital role in building the perfect texture and flavor harmony for the Caramel Cracker Bars Recipe. From the crunchy base to the gooey caramel and smooth chocolate topping, every component shines together.

84 club crackers: The crispy, salty foundation that provides that signature crunch and lightness.
1 cup butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create the smooth, buttery caramel sauce.
1 cup crushed graham crackers: Gives the caramel an added layer of flavor and texture, enhancing its depth.
2 cups packed brown sugar: The essential sweetener that caramelizes beautifully with butter and milk for a deep, molasses-like taste.
2/3 cup evaporated milk: Contributes creaminess and helps achieve the ideal caramel consistency.
2 tsp. vanilla: A touch of warmth and aroma that elevates the caramel’s flavor.
1 cup milk chocolate chips: Melted on top for a decadent, smooth finish.
1 cup butterscotch chips: Adds a buttery, rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
1/2 cup peanut butter: Brings a subtle nuttiness and creaminess to the chocolate topping.

How to Make Caramel Cracker Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare your pan and crackers

Start by lining a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper, letting the ends hang over for easy removal later. This step is a game changer, making cleanup and cutting so much easier. Then, arrange your club crackers evenly across the bottom of the pan in three neat rows of nine crackers each to form a solid, crunchy base.

Step 2: Make the caramel sauce

In a large pot, combine the crushed graham crackers, butter, brown sugar, and evaporated milk. Bring this mixture to a boil, then keep it boiling for about seven minutes, stirring constantly. This slow, steady boil melts everything into a luscious caramel, ready to soak into the crackers. Finish it off by stirring in the vanilla for that perfect flavor boost.

Step 3: Layer caramel and crackers

Once your caramel is ready, pour half of it over the first cracker layer, spreading it gently. Then add a second layer of crackers on top, followed by the remaining caramel. Finally, place the last cracker layer on top. These layers work together to create that mouthwatering combination of crunch and gooey sweetness.

Step 4: Melt and pour the chocolate mixture

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine milk chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter. Microwave for one minute, stir thoroughly, then continue with 10-second bursts until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Pour this luscious topping evenly over the top crackers, smoothing it out with a spatula.

Step 5: Chill and cut

Refrigerate the pan until the bars are completely firm. Use the parchment paper edges to lift the whole slab out of the pan, then cut into squares or bars with a sharp knife. These bars hold their shape beautifully, making them perfect for serving or sharing.

How to Serve Caramel Cracker Bars Recipe

The image shows a stack of three square layered treats on a white marbled surface. Each treat has distinct layers: a base layer of thin, light tan crackers, followed by a thick layer of dark caramel filling, then another layer of crackers, caramel, and ending with a smooth, thick layer of milk chocolate on top with slight uneven edges. The treats have a soft and firm texture, and there are more pieces scattered blurred in the background. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of pizzazz, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the chocolate topping before chilling. This enhances the sweet-salty balance and adds a beautiful finish. Chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts can also add a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor that complements the bars.

Side Dishes

Serve these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to turn this snack into a decadent dessert experience. Fresh berries or sliced apples provide a refreshing contrast to the rich caramel and chocolate.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gifting, place the Caramel Cracker Bars Recipe pieces in decorative boxes or wrap them individually in parchment paper tied with twine. You can also layer them in clear jars for a charming presentation that showcases the bars’ layers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, making it easy to satisfy sweet cravings anytime.

Freezing

These bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing in the freezer. They can be frozen for up to two months without losing their texture or flavor.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy them slightly warm, pop a bar or two into the microwave for about 10 seconds. This softens the chocolate and caramel to create a gooey treat reminiscent of a fresh bake.

FAQs

Can I use salted or unsalted butter for the caramel?

Both work well, but using unsalted butter gives you more control over the saltiness, especially if you want to balance the sweet and salty flavors precisely.

Is it necessary to use evaporated milk?

Evaporated milk adds richness and a creamy consistency to the caramel, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can substitute with regular milk, although the texture will be a bit thinner.

Can I substitute the peanut butter in the topping?

Absolutely! If peanut butter isn’t your thing or if there are allergies, almond butter or sunflower seed butter make great alternatives without compromising creaminess.

What type of crackers can I use instead of club crackers?

Saltine crackers can be used but keep in mind they are thinner and less buttery, so the texture and flavor will shift slightly. Club crackers remain the best for that perfect balance.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free crackers and substitute gluten-free graham cracker crumbs. Be sure to check all your ingredients to maintain the gluten-free standard.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Cracker Bars Recipe truly brings together the best of sweet, salty, and crunchy into one easy dessert that anyone can make and enjoy. It’s a crowd-pleaser that you can whip up with pantry staples and share with the people you love. Give it a try and watch how quickly these bars become a staple in your baking rotation!