Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars!!! — The 5-Ingredient, No-Bake Treat That Tastes Like a $10 Candy Bar (But Costs Pennies)

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🛒 What You’ll Need: Pantry Staples, Maximum Joy

Grab these cozy ingredients—you probably already have most:

For the Base:

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk (the glue of greatness!)

1½ cups (260g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter

2½ cups crispy rice cereal (like Rice Krispies) OR toasted nuts (pecans, almonds, walnuts)

For the Chocolate Topping:

1 cup (175g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips

1 tbsp coconut oil or butter (for smooth melt & shine)

Flaky sea salt (optional—but so good!)

That’s it.

No corn syrup. No eggs.

Just real food, chilled into brilliance.

💡 Pro tip: Toast your nuts for 3–5 mins in a dry skillet—deepens flavor big time.

🔥 How to Make Them: Step-by-Step, Crunch-by-Crunch

Let’s cook this like we’re making edible confetti—one golden bar at a time.

Step 1: Melt the Base

In a microwave-safe bowl:

Combine sweetened condensed milk, 1½ cups chocolate chips, and butter.

Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between, until smooth (~1.5–2 mins total).

👉 Stovetop option: Melt gently in a double boiler over low heat.

Step 2: Mix in Crunch

Stir in crispy rice cereal or toasted nuts until fully coated.

Batter will be thick and glossy.

Step 3: Press into Pan

Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper (leave overhang for easy lift-out).

Transfer mixture to pan.

Use a greased spatula or measuring cup to press down firmly and evenly.

👉 Don’t skip pressing—it prevents crumbly bars!

Step 4: Add the Chocolate Top

In a small bowl:

Melt 1 cup chocolate chips + 1 tbsp coconut oil in 30-second bursts until smooth.

Pour over base and tilt pan to spread evenly.

Immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt (if using).

Step 5: Chill & Slice

Refrigerate 1–2 hours, or until completely firm.

Lift out using parchment overhang.

Cut into 16 squares with a sharp knife (wipe blade between cuts for clean edges).

Serve cold—for best texture and chocolate snap.

Bonus: Leftovers keep beautifully for 2 weeks in an airtight container (if they last that long!).

💡 Pro Tips for Next-Level Success

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Use fresh cereal

Stale = soggy = sad

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Toast your nuts

Adds nutty depth and crunch

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Don’t skip chilling

Warm bars fall apart

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Double the batch

They vanish fast—freeze extras!

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Make ahead: