Name: Salted Caramel & Chocolate Oreo Bars Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pkg oreo cookies; 2 sticks butter; ⅔ cup brown sugar; ¾ cup heavy whipping cream; 6 oz bittersweet chocolate chips; flaked sea salt

Here's an indulgent treat that's sure to satisfy your sweet tooth: Salted Caramel and Chocolate Oreo Bars. These are deliciously decadent and surprisingly easy to make. The combination of the rich chocolate, crunchy oreos, and gooey caramel makes for an irresistible dessert.

Photos of Salted Caramel & Chocolate Oreo Bars Recipe

Most of the ingredients required for this recipe are common pantry items. However, you may need to purchase bittersweet chocolate chips and flaked sea salt, which are not always readily available in everyone's kitchen. Bittersweet chocolate chips have a deep chocolate flavor that pairs excellently with the sweet caramel and oreos. The flaked sea salt adds a touch of sophistication and balances the sweetness of the bars.

Salted Caramel and Chocolate Oreo Bar Ingredients

Oreo cookies: The base of the bar, it gives the dessert its chocolatey crunch.

Butter: Used in both the crust and the caramel, it provides richness and depth of flavor.

Brown sugar: It's what gives the caramel its distinct sweet, molasses-like flavor.

Heavy whipping cream: Used in the caramel and the chocolate layer, it provides creaminess and richness.

Bittersweet chocolate chips: The key ingredient in the chocolate layer, it gives a deep chocolate flavor.

Flaked sea salt: A finishing touch to the bars, it helps balance out the sweetness and enhance the flavors.

One reader, Blaire Lebron says:

These salted caramel and chocolate Oreo bars are a divine treat! The combination of rich chocolate, creamy caramel, and the crunch of Oreo cookies is simply irresistible. The touch of sea salt adds a perfect balance of flavors. A must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth!

Blaire Lebron

Techniques Required for Making Salted Caramel and Chocolate Oreo Bars

Pulverize oreo cookies: Use a food processor to grind the oreo cookies into fine crumbs. Melt butter: Melt the butter and pour it into the food processor with the pulverized oreo cookies. Make caramel sauce: Combine butter and brown sugar in a saucepan, boil, then add heavy cream and whisk until smooth. Melt chocolate: Microwave chocolate chips and whipping cream, then mix until smooth. Assemble the bars: Press the cookie and butter mixture into a pan, pour the caramel sauce over the crust, then spread the melted chocolate on top and sprinkle with flaked sea salt. Chill the bars: Refrigerate the bars until they are set and ready to serve.

These Oreo bars are a no-bake dessert with rich dark chocolate and salted caramel. The best part is you can make these within 15 minutes.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 10 minutes

Total: 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1packageOreo Cookies,(about 36 pieces)
2sticks butter,divided
⅔cuppacked brown sugar
¾cupheavy whipping cream,divided
6ozbittersweet chocolate chips
flaked sea salt

Instructions

Using a food processor, pulverize Oreo cookies until they are crumbs.
Into the top of the food processor, pour 1 melted stick of butter (8 tablespoons).
Press into the bottom of a springform pan or tart pan.
Put the pan in the freezer while making the caramel sauce.
Add last stick of butter to a saucepan with the brown sugar.
Melt them together and let them boil vigorously for a minute.
Turn off the heat and add ¼ cup of heavy cream and whisk it together.
Pour the caramel onto the frozen pie crust and tilt the pan to cover the crust
In a microwave-safe bowl add chocolate chips and a half a cup of whipping cream.
Microwave for one minute.
Let sit for 3 minutes undisturbed then mix until smooth.
Pour over the caramel sauce and spread with a spatula.
Sprinkle the top with flaked sea salt.
Keep in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 470.58kcal
Fat: 32.03g
Saturated Fat: 17.68g
Trans Fat: 0.66g
Monounsaturated Fat: 10.36g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.22g
Carbohydrates: 47.45g
Fiber: 1.90g
Sugar: 34.89g
Protein: 2.98g
Cholesterol: 60.87mg
Sodium: 224.85mg
Calcium: 36.60mg
Potassium: 169.29mg
Iron: 4.98mg
Vitamin A: 190.32µg
Vitamin C: 0.09mg

Technique Tip for Perfecting Salted Caramel and Chocolate Oreo Bars

When making the caramel sauce, it's crucial to keep a close eye on the mixture as it boils. Caramel can easily burn if left unattended, resulting in a bitter taste. To prevent this, stir the mixture continuously and remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches a deep amber color. This will ensure your salted caramel and chocolate oreo bars have a perfectly sweet and creamy caramel layer.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Oreo Bars

Preparation: Use store-bought caramel sauce and pre-made Oreo cookie crumbs to save time on the recipe preparation.

Chilling: Place the bars in the freezer for a shorter amount of time to speed up the setting process.

Microwaving: Instead of using a double boiler, melt the chocolate and cream in the microwave for a quicker and easier process.

Portioning: Cut the bars into smaller pieces for quicker serving and easier handling.

Organization: Set up all the ingredients and equipment in advance to streamline the cooking process and minimize time spent searching for items.

Substitute Ingredients For Salted Caramel & Chocolate Oreo Bars Recipe

oreo cookies - Substitute with chocolate graham crackers: Chocolate graham crackers can provide a similar chocolatey flavor and crunchy texture to the Oreo cookies.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter and adds a subtle coconut flavor to the bars.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a healthier alternative to brown sugar, providing a similar caramel-like sweetness to the bars.
heavy whipping cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can be used as a dairy-free alternative to heavy whipping cream, adding a rich and creamy texture to the bars.
bittersweet chocolate chips - Substitute with dark chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips can be used as a substitute for bittersweet chocolate chips, providing a rich and intense chocolate flavor to the bars.
flaked sea salt - Substitute with Himalayan pink salt: Himalayan pink salt can be used as a substitute for flaked sea salt, providing a similar salty contrast to the sweet caramel and chocolate flavors.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Oreo Bars

Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for tasks such as chopping, grinding, and blending. It is perfect for pulverizing the Oreo cookies into crumbs for this recipe.
Springform pan or tart pan: A springform pan or tart pan is a baking pan with a removable bottom, making it ideal for creating layered desserts like the salted caramel and chocolate Oreo bars.
Saucepan: A saucepan is a fundamental kitchen tool used for heating and cooking sauces, caramel, and other liquid ingredients. It is essential for making the caramel sauce in this recipe.
Microwave-safe bowl: This type of bowl is designed to withstand the heat generated by a microwave, making it safe for heating and melting ingredients such as chocolate and cream for the recipe.
Whisk: A whisk is a kitchen utensil used for blending and mixing ingredients together. It is essential for incorporating the heavy cream into the caramel sauce.
Spatula: A spatula is a versatile tool for spreading and smoothing out ingredients, making it perfect for spreading the chocolate mixture over the caramel layer in the recipe.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Oreo Bars

Let the salted caramel and chocolate oreo bars cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This will prevent condensation from forming on the surface of the chocolate and help maintain the texture of the oreo crust.
If you plan to store the bars for more than a day or two, place a layer of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer of bars to prevent them from sticking together. This will also make it easier to remove individual bars without disturbing the others.
To keep the bars fresh for up to a week, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cool temperature will help preserve the texture of the oreo crust and prevent the caramel and chocolate layers from becoming too soft.
For longer storage, you can freeze the salted caramel and chocolate oreo bars for up to 2-3 months. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. This will protect the bars from freezer burn and help maintain their flavor and texture.
To thaw frozen bars, transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator and let them defrost overnight. Avoid thawing the bars at room temperature, as this can cause condensation to form on the surface and make the oreo crust soggy.
Before serving, let the bars sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly and enhance their flavor. If desired, you can sprinkle a little extra flaked sea salt on top of the bars just before serving to refresh the salty-sweet contrast.

Random Fact About Salted Caramel and Chocolate Oreo Bars

Oreo cookies were first introduced in 1912 by the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) and were originally called Oreo Biscuits. They are now one of the best-selling cookies in the United States.

Is Making Oreo Bars at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this salted caramel and chocolate Oreo bars recipe largely depends on the availability and prices of the ingredients in your area. While Oreo cookies and butter are generally affordable, the inclusion of bittersweet chocolate chips and heavy whipping cream may elevate the overall cost. Considering the indulgent nature of this dessert, the approximate cost for a household of four people could range from $15 to $20. As a culinary chef, I rate this recipe an 8 for its decadent flavors and ease of preparation.

Are Salted Caramel and Chocolate Oreo Bars Healthy or Unhealthy?

This recipe for salted caramel and chocolate oreo bars is undeniably delicious, but it's far from healthy. The main ingredients - oreos, butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and chocolate chips - are all high in fat, sugar, and calories, with little to no nutritional value. Consuming these bars regularly could contribute to weight gain, increased risk of heart disease, and other health issues.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Replace the oreo crust with a whole grain or nut-based crust for added fiber and nutrients
Reduce the amount of butter and sugar in the caramel sauce, or use a healthier alternative like date caramel
Opt for dark chocolate with a high cocoa percentage (70% or above) to increase antioxidants and reduce sugar content
Use a lighter whipping cream or coconut cream to decrease the overall fat content
Incorporate some fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or raspberries, on top for added flavor and nutrition

By making these adjustments, you can still enjoy the indulgent flavors of salted caramel and chocolate while minimizing the negative health impacts. Remember, moderation is key - even with healthier substitutions, these bars should be treated as an occasional treat rather than an everyday snack.

Editor's Opinion on This Decadent Oreo Bar Recipe

The salted caramel and chocolate Oreo bars recipe is a delightful combination of rich flavors and textures. The buttery Oreo crust provides a perfect base for the luscious caramel and decadent chocolate layers. The addition of flaked sea salt adds a delightful contrast, enhancing the overall taste experience. This recipe is a wonderful balance of sweet and salty, making it a delectable treat for any occasion.

Enhance Your Salted Caramel & Chocolate Oreo Bars Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes with a hint of parmesan and chives

Grilled Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears drizzled with a balsamic glaze and sprinkled with toasted almonds

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts roasted with bacon and a maple balsamic glaze

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Appetizer and Main Course Pairings for Oreo Bars

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Impress your guests with these savory and indulgent stuffed mushrooms. The combination of cream cheese, garlic, and parmesan creates a rich and flavorful filling that perfectly complements the earthy mushrooms. These bite-sized appetizers are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game with a classic bruschetta. The vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and tangy balsamic vinegar come together on top of crispy, toasted baguette slices. This refreshing and light appetizer is a perfect way to start any meal.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Creamy and indulgent, this classic Italian dish features tender pieces of chicken in a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce, served over a bed of al dente fettuccine pasta.

Beef Stroganoff: Tender strips of beef are cooked in a savory, creamy mushroom sauce and served over a bed of buttery egg noodles, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.

Why trust this Salted Caramel & Chocolate Oreo Bars Recipe:

This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, featuring the irresistible combination of Oreo cookies and decadent chocolate. The rich and creamy caramel sauce adds a delightful contrast, while the sprinkle of flaked sea salt enhances the overall flavor profile. With a perfect balance of sweet and salty, these bars are a true indulgence for any occasion. Trust the expertise behind this recipe to elevate your dessert game and satisfy your cravings for a delightful treat.

Got a sweet tooth? Try making these irresistible Salted Caramel & Chocolate Oreo Bars! Share your experience and any tweaks you made to the recipe in the Baking and Desserts forum.

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Yes, you can use a different type of cookie for the crust if you prefer. Graham crackers or chocolate wafers can also work well as a base for these bars.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of bittersweet chocolate for the topping?

Absolutely! If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can use milk chocolate instead of bittersweet chocolate for the topping. It will give the bars a slightly different taste, but it will still be delicious.

How long do I need to refrigerate the bars before serving?

I recommend refrigerating the bars for at least 2-3 hours before serving. This will allow the layers to set properly and make it easier to cut into neat bars.

Can I make these bars in advance?

Yes, you can make these bars in advance. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making them a great make-ahead dessert for parties or gatherings.

Can I omit the sea salt on top?

Certainly! If you prefer the bars without the salty element, you can omit the sea salt on top. The bars will still have a delicious combination of sweet and rich flavors without the salt.