Sweetened Condensed Milk Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe
Introduction
Sweetened Condensed Milk Chocolate Chip Bars are a delightful treat combining a buttery crust, rich chocolate layer, and a crunchy nutty topping. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a mix of textures and flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
- For the crust:
- 2 sticks butter, softened
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- For the chocolate layer:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- For the topping:
- 1 stick butter, softened
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- dash of salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup pecans or walnuts, diced
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13″ x 9″ casserole dish.
- Step 2: For the crust, beat 2 sticks of softened butter until creamy. Add sugar, flour, and salt, mixing until the texture becomes crumbly.
- Step 3: Press the crumbly mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. Remove from oven.
- Step 4: To make the chocolate layer, pour the sweetened condensed milk into a saucepan over low heat. Add 1 cup of chocolate chips and stir continuously until melted and smooth.
- Step 5: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the baked crust, spreading it evenly to the edges.
- Step 6: For the topping, cream 1 stick of softened butter in a bowl. Add flour, sugar, and a dash of salt, mixing until crumbly.
- Step 7: Stir in the remaining chocolate chips and diced nuts into the crumbly topping mixture.
- Step 8: Sprinkle the topping evenly over the chocolate layer.
- Step 9: Bake for 30-35 minutes. Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting into bars and serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use your favorite nuts for the topping or substitute with seeds for a different crunch.
- For an extra flavor boost, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the chocolate layer while melting.
- Try mixing dark or white chocolate chips with semi-sweet for varied chocolate taste.
- Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, to achieve the best crumbly texture in the crust and topping.
Storage
Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to one week. To serve, bring to room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave for a gooey texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. They keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
What can I use if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is key for the gooey chocolate layer, but you can try making a homemade version by simmering milk and sugar until thickened, though it requires some care. Alternatively, some recipes may substitute with a mixture of evaporated milk and sugar but results will vary.
PrintSweetened Condensed Milk Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe
These Sweetened Condensed Milk Chocolate Chip Bars feature a buttery crumb crust, a rich chocolate layer made by melting sweetened condensed milk with semi-sweet chocolate chips, and a crunchy topping of chocolate chips and nuts. Baked to golden perfection, they are a decadent treat perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 sticks butter, softened
- 1–3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
Chocolate Layer
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Topping
- 1 stick butter, softened
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- dash of salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup pecans or walnuts, diced
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13″ x 9″ casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, beat 2 sticks of softened butter until creamy and smooth. Add 1/2 cup sugar, 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix well until the mixture becomes crumbly in texture. Press this mixture evenly into the greased casserole dish. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown; this will create a firm base for the bars.
- Prepare the Chocolate Layer: While the crust is baking, pour one 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk into a saucepan and heat on low. Add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and stir constantly until the chocolate chips are fully melted and blended into a smooth, glossy mixture. Pour this chocolate mixture evenly over the baked crust, spreading it to cover all edges.
- Make the Topping: In another bowl, cream 1 stick of softened butter. Add 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and a dash of salt. Mix until the mixture becomes crumbly. Fold in 1 cup chocolate chips and 1 cup diced pecans or walnuts. Distribute this crumbly topping evenly over the chocolate layer in the casserole dish.
- Bake the Bars: Place the casserole dish back into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the topping is golden and set.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares. This cooling step helps the bars set properly for easy slicing.
Notes
- For a nut-free option, omit the pecans or walnuts or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Use a good quality semi-sweet chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- You can substitute walnuts for pecans depending on your preference or availability.
Keywords: Chocolate chip bars, sweetened condensed milk dessert, chocolate bars, nutty dessert bars, easy baking recipes
