When the craving for a sweet treat strikes, few things can compare to the nostalgia of homemade goodies. That’s where these irresistible Binge Bars come into play. Picture this: the comforting aroma of melting caramel wafting through your kitchen, mingling with the rich scent of butter and chocolate, instantly transporting you to your happiest food memories.
These bars emerged from a delightful moment of inspiration one cozy afternoon. I had a stash of ingredients just begging to be transformed into something decadent. With a little bit of creativity and a dash of indulgence, the result was a deliciously chewy treat that combines all my favorite elements—warm cookie dough, rich caramel, and creamy chocolate.
Perfect for gatherings or simply enjoying with your favorite coffee, these Binge Bars are not only crowd-pleasers but also incredibly easy to whip up. Ready in under an hour, they’ll quickly become your go-to remedy for boredom with boring takeout. Let’s dive into creating these mouthwatering, caramel-filled bars that promise to delight everyone at the table!
Why are Binge Bars the ultimate treat?
Decadent and delightfully rich flavors: Each bite combines buttery cookie dough with luscious caramel and creamy chocolate.
Easy to make: With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Versatile enjoyment: Serve them warm with ice cream, pack them for lunch, or simply enjoy as an afternoon snack!
Quick prep: In under an hour, you’ll have a tray of mouthwatering bars ready to share or keep all to yourself.
Crowd favorite: Whether for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings, these bars will disappear faster than you can say “delicious!”
These Binge Bars promise to satisfy those sweet cravings while keeping your baking experience fun and stress-free.
Binge Bars Ingredients
• Get ready to create delicious Binge Bars!
For the Base
- 1 cup salted butter – Adds richness and a delightful flavor to the bars.
- 1 cup light brown sugar – Gives the bars a lovely sweetness and caramel undertone.
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – Essential for binding the ingredients together perfectly.
- 1 cup old fashioned oats – Provides a chewy texture and heartiness to the bars.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Ensures the bars rise just right for that perfect bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the sweet flavors beautifully.
For the Caramel Layer
- 1 bag (11 ounces) caramels, unwrapped – The star of the show that adds gooey goodness.
- 3 Tablespoons heavy cream – Ensures a smooth and silky caramel sauce.
- 3 Tablespoons salted butter – Adds creaminess and depth to the caramel mixture.
For the Topping
- 1 ½ cups milk chocolate chips – Adds a melty sweetness to complement the rich flavors.
How to Make Binge Bars
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Preheat oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray and set it aside for later use.
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Mix ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the salted butter, brown sugar, flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Using an electric hand mixer, beat until everything is well combined and creamy.
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Press mixture: Take 3/4 of the cookie dough mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. It doesn’t need to be thick—just a thin layer will do. Bake for about 15 minutes until it’s lightly browned but not overbaked.
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Prepare caramel: While the crust is baking, melt the 3 tablespoons of butter, heavy cream, and unwrapped caramels together over very low heat. Stir constantly to avoid burning, cooking just until melted and silky smooth.
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Assemble layers: Once your crust is baked, pour the melted caramel mixture over it. Then, sprinkle the milk chocolate chips evenly over the caramel layer.
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Top with dough: Crumble the remaining cookie dough evenly over the chocolate and caramel mixture, creating a lovely topping. Carefully return the pan to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes.
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Cool and serve: Once baked, remove your Binge Bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely before cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy the delightful treat!
Optional: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Binge Bars?
Imagine how delightful it would be to create a full meal around these indulgent treats that will captivate hearts at your table.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy coldness of vanilla ice cream perfectly melds with the warm, chewy bars, enhancing their caramel richness.
- Chocolate Milkshake: A thick, chocolatey milkshake makes for a satisfying pairing that elevates the dessert experience to a whole new level of indulgence.
- Fresh Berries: Adding a burst of juicy strawberries or raspberries complements the sweet flavors and brings a refreshing balance to each bite.
- Coffee or Espresso: Rich coffee or a strong espresso cuts through the sweetness beautifully, offering a warm and comforting beverage pairing.
- Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Elevate the experience by drizzling extra caramel on top, ensuring an ooey-gooey delight in every mouthful.
- Nutty Granola: Pair with a scoop of nutty granola for an added crunch that contrasts the soft textures of the bars.
- Milk: A classic pairing, a cold glass of milk softens the sweetness while enhancing the bars’ delightful taste.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: Light coconut whipped cream adds a tropical flair that not only tastes fabulous but also feels indulgent.
- Hot Chocolate: Rich, warm hot chocolate creates a cozy vibe and is a luxurious complement to the melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Expert Tips for Binge Bars
Perfect Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking times to avoid overbaking the crust; a lightly golden top is ideal for chewy bars.
Caramel Magic: Melt the caramel mixture over very low heat and stir constantly; it burns easily, so patience is key for smoothness.
Pressing Dough: When pressing the dough into the pan, use your hands for a more even layer—this ensures the base holds together well.
Cooling Time: Allow the Binge Bars to cool completely before cutting them; this will create cleaner, more stable bars that won’t crumble.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness—these bars are best enjoyed within a few days!
Make Ahead Options
These Binge Bars are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough mixture up to 24 hours in advance by refrigerating it in an airtight container, which helps maintain its rich flavors. The caramel layer can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days; just reheat gently before pouring it over the crust. When you’re ready to bake, simply press the chilled dough into the pan, bake your crust, pour over the caramel, add the chocolate chips, crumble the remaining dough, and finish baking. Trust me, they’ll be just as delicious, and you’ll appreciate the head start during a hectic week!
Binge Bars Variations & Substitutions
Get creative and make these Binge Bars your own with these fun twists and substitutions!
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Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the caramel beautifully.
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Oat Swaps: Use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats for a softer texture—perfect if you’re after a more cake-like bar!
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Dark Chocolate: Substitute milk chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a richer taste and slightly less sweetness.
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Nut Butter: Replace the salted butter in the topping with your favorite nut butter to introduce a fantastic flavor layer and creaminess.
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Dried Fruits: Stir in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or cherries with the chocolate chips for a fruity twist that adds both tart and sweet notes.
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Spiced Cookies: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, inviting flavor reminiscent of your favorite autumn treats.
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Caramel Alternatives: For a healthier version, use date caramel instead of traditional caramels to create a naturally sweet and creamy filling that’s just as delicious.
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Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper with the chocolate chips for a surprising and delightful spicy finish that pairs surprisingly well with the sweetness!
How to Store and Freeze Binge Bars
Room Temperature: Keep your Binge Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
Fridge: If you want to extend their life, store them in the fridge, where they can last up to a week. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature for the best taste!
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy bars that were frozen, let them thaw at room temperature or microwave them for 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey treat!
Binge Bars Recipe FAQs
What type of butter should I use for Binge Bars?
Absolutely, I recommend using salted butter for a richer flavor. The salt balances the sweetness from the brown sugar and chocolate, enhancing the overall taste of your Binge Bars.
How should I store Binge Bars for freshness?
To keep your Binge Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for a bit before enjoying for the best taste!
Can I freeze Binge Bars? If so, how?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Binge Bars, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps prevent freezer burn. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10-15 seconds until warm and gooey.
What should I do if my caramel mixture doesn’t melt smoothly?
No worries! If your caramel mixture isn’t melting smoothly, it could be due to the heat being too high. Be sure to melt over very low heat, stirring continuously. If it starts to clump, you can add a splash of milk or more heavy cream to help it come together smoothly.
Are there any allergy considerations for Binge Bars?
Yes! If you’re making these for someone with dietary restrictions, be mindful of potential allergens like dairy (butter & cream) and gluten (flour). You can substitute with dairy-free butter and gluten-free flour to customize Binge Bars for those with specific dietary needs. Always double-check labels for any hidden allergens!
Decadent Binge Bars: Sweet Treats to Satisfy Your Cravings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray and set it aside for later use.
- Mix ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the salted butter, brown sugar, flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Using an electric hand mixer, beat until everything is well combined and creamy.
- Press mixture: Take 3/4 of the cookie dough mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. It doesn’t need to be thick—just a thin layer will do. Bake for about 15 minutes until it’s lightly browned but not overbaked.
- Prepare caramel: While the crust is baking, melt the 3 tablespoons of butter, heavy cream, and unwrapped caramels together over very low heat. Stir constantly to avoid burning, cooking just until melted and silky smooth.
- Assemble layers: Once your crust is baked, pour the melted caramel mixture over it. Then, sprinkle the milk chocolate chips evenly over the caramel layer.
- Top with dough: Crumble the remaining cookie dough evenly over the chocolate and caramel mixture, creating a lovely topping. Carefully return the pan to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Once baked, remove your Binge Bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely before cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy the delightful treat!
