Chocolate Caramel Bites
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I absolutely love these Chocolate Caramel Bites! They are the perfect combination of rich chocolate and gooey caramel, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Whenever I bring them to gatherings, they disappear in no time. The process is simple yet rewarding, and the end result is pure indulgence. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe on hand for a sweet craving or a special event.
I vividly remember the first time I made these Chocolate Caramel Bites. I was experimenting with a dessert for a friend's birthday, and the kitchen was filled with the tantalizing aroma of melting chocolate. As I layered the caramel over the chocolate, I knew I was onto something special. Each bite is a burst of flavor that leaves you longing for more.
One key tip I learned is how important it is to let the caramel cool slightly before pouring it on the chocolate base. This prevents the chocolate from melting, allowing for distinct layers that provide an amazing texture. Give it a try for yourself and see the difference!
Why You Will Love These
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with gooey caramel
- Perfect balance of sweetness and depth
- Great for sharing at parties or enjoying alone
Understanding the Ingredients
The combination of ingredients in these Chocolate Caramel Bites creates a delightful texture and flavor profile. The dark chocolate serves as a rich, decadent base that contrasts beautifully with the sweet, gooey caramel layer. Choosing high-quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cacao) enhances the depth of flavor. Unsalted butter plays a crucial role; it helps to stabilize the chocolate's smoothness without adding any extra saltiness, allowing the caramel's flavor to shine.
The addition of heavy cream in the caramel layer not only adds richness but also ensures a silky, pourable consistency. When you heat the sugar and water together, it's essential to keep a close eye on the mixture to prevent burning; it should turn a beautiful amber color, which indicates the sugar has caramelized properly. A small splash of sea salt at the end balances out the sweetness, adding a sophisticated touch that elevates the overall experience.
Perfecting Your Technique
When preparing the chocolate base, ensure that your bowl is completely dry before melting the chocolate and butter. Any moisture can seize the chocolate, making it grainy. Using a heatproof bowl over simmering water (a double boiler) helps maintain a gentle heat, ensuring that the chocolate melts evenly. Stir constantly until the mixture is glossy and smooth—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid overheating, as chocolate can burn and lose its rich flavor.
As you make the caramel, patience is key. Once the sugar and water mixture comes to a boil, stop stirring to avoid crystallization. If the edges begin to darken before the center does, you can swirl the pan gently to even out the heat distribution. Once you incorporate the cream and butter, keep the mixture on low heat to maintain a loose consistency, allowing you to pour it seamlessly over the chocolate base.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Base
- 200g dark chocolate, chopped
- 100g unsalted butter
- 50g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 75g all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Caramel Layer
- 150g granulated sugar
- 4 tbsp water
- 100ml heavy cream
- 30g unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
Instructions
Prepare the Chocolate Base
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a square baking pan. Melt the chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the sugar. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Fold in the flour and salt until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes.
Make the Caramel
In a saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves and then stop stirring. Let it boil until it turns amber. Remove from heat and carefully stir in the cream and butter until smooth. Add sea salt and allow to cool slightly.
Assemble the Bites
Once the chocolate base has cooled for about 10 minutes, pour the caramel over it evenly. Allow it to set for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. Once set, cut into squares and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- For an extra touch, sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top of the caramel before it sets. It enhances the flavors and looks beautiful!
Storage and Handling
These Chocolate Caramel Bites can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Alternatively, if you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. Just be sure to separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. If you choose to freeze them, wrap individual bites in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-lock bag—frozen bites can last up to three months.
When you’re ready to serve them from the refrigerator or freezer, let them come to room temperature for at least 15 minutes. This enhances the flavor of the chocolate and caramel, making each bite even more enjoyable. If the bites seem too cold after freezing, you can briefly microwave them for 5-10 seconds, but be careful not to melt them.
Flavor Variations
Feel free to experiment with flavors in your Chocolate Caramel Bites! For a nutty twist, you can incorporate crushed nuts such as almonds or hazelnuts into the chocolate base before baking. This adds a delightful crunch that complements the smooth texture of the caramel. Additionally, you can infuse the caramel with flavors like vanilla extract or a dash of espresso powder for a sophisticated take that enhances the chocolate’s richness.
If you enjoy a bit of spice, a pinch of chili powder or cayenne can give the caramel a unique kick that pairs surprisingly well with the sweetness. Alternatively, for those who prefer a sweeter profile, try drizzling some melted white chocolate over the top once everything is set for an elegant presentation and an added layer of flavor.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, you can, but keep in mind that the sweetness of milk chocolate will change the overall flavor.
→ How should I store these bites?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I make the caramel in advance?
Certainly! You can make the caramel a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
→ What can I use as a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative for a lighter version.
Chocolate Caramel Bites
I absolutely love these Chocolate Caramel Bites! They are the perfect combination of rich chocolate and gooey caramel, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Whenever I bring them to gatherings, they disappear in no time. The process is simple yet rewarding, and the end result is pure indulgence. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe on hand for a sweet craving or a special event.
Created by: Hallie Foster
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 24 bites
What You'll Need
For the Chocolate Base
- 200g dark chocolate, chopped
- 100g unsalted butter
- 50g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 75g all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Caramel Layer
- 150g granulated sugar
- 4 tbsp water
- 100ml heavy cream
- 30g unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
How-To Steps
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a square baking pan. Melt the chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the sugar. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Fold in the flour and salt until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes.
In a saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves and then stop stirring. Let it boil until it turns amber. Remove from heat and carefully stir in the cream and butter until smooth. Add sea salt and allow to cool slightly.
Once the chocolate base has cooled for about 10 minutes, pour the caramel over it evenly. Allow it to set for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. Once set, cut into squares and enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For an extra touch, sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top of the caramel before it sets. It enhances the flavors and looks beautiful!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 3g