These truly magnificent triple-layered No Bake Chocolate Caramel Nutty Crunch Bars are a delightful revelation, so incredibly delicious you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!

If your sweet tooth yearns for a blissful combination of rich peanut butter, soft marshmallow, decadent chocolate, satisfyingly crunchy cocoa krispies, creamy butterscotch, and salty peanuts intertwined with gooey caramel, then these bars are your ultimate fix. They stand proudly alongside other beloved no-bake treats and indulgent desserts like these Healthy Peanut Butter Crunch Bars, these 3 White Chocolate No-Bake Festive Candy Recipes, and even these Outrageous Snickers Brownies!

Indulge in Effortless Sweetness: No Bake Chocolate Caramel Nutty Crunch Bars

Imagine crafting a dessert so extraordinary, so packed with flavor and texture, yet requiring absolutely no oven time. Our No Bake Chocolate Caramel Nutty Crunch Bars are precisely that! They offer a perfect solution for satisfying your sweet cravings without the fuss and heat of traditional baking. These bars aren’t just easy to make; they are a sensational treat that will impress at any gathering, from casual family nights to bustling potlucks, sporting events, and special celebrations. Forget store-bought options – these homemade beauties are far superior, delivering an unparalleled taste experience.

I recently whipped up a batch for my brother and his family when they visited, and they were an undeniable hit! The collective “oohs” and “aahs” confirmed that these bars were a definite crowd-pleaser. There’s something truly special about serving a homemade treat that brings smiles to everyone’s faces, and these crunchy, chewy, and utterly delicious bars certainly delivered that joy.

The Irresistible Allure of No Bake Desserts

No-bake desserts hold a special place in the culinary world, offering convenience without compromising on flavor. They are ideal for busy schedules, hot summer days when turning on the oven is a non-starter, or for beginner bakers looking for a foolproof recipe. The beauty of these No Bake Chocolate Caramel Nutty Crunch Bars lies in their simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor achieved through carefully chosen ingredients. You get all the decadence of a complex dessert with minimal effort, making them a go-to for impromptu treats or planned celebrations.

Beyond their ease, these bars are incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the nut types, experiment with different chocolate varieties, or even add a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the caramel notes. They are a fantastic make-ahead option, as they require chilling time to set perfectly, allowing you to prepare them in advance and simply slice and serve when needed. This makes them a stress-free addition to any party menu or a delightful snack to have on hand throughout the week.

Experience the Trifecta of Flavor: Three Divine Layers of Yumminess

What truly sets these crunchy bars apart is their masterful construction of three distinct, yet perfectly harmonious, layers. Each layer contributes a unique texture and flavor profile, building to an experience that is nothing short of heavenly. This dreamy and decadent treat is sure to captivate both children and adults, making it an instant classic in your recipe repertoire. Let’s delve into what makes each layer so special:

1. The Crunchy Chocolate Bottom Layer:

   This foundational layer provides a robust, chocolaty base with an addictive crunch. It’s a delightful medley of melted semi-sweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips for a hint of caramel-like sweetness, creamy peanut butter binding it all together, and crispy Cocoa Krispies cereal. This combination creates a rich, textural contrast that’s both familiar and utterly satisfying, reminiscent of a gourmet chocolate bar with an extra pop. It’s the perfect starting point for our layered masterpiece.

2. The Peanut Marshmallow Nutty Caramel Nougat Layer:

   Nestled between the two crunchy chocolate layers is a soft, chewy, and incredibly flavorful nougat. This middle layer is a sublime blend of fluffy marshmallow cream, rich peanut butter, a touch of butter and sugar for a homemade caramel base, and generously loaded with salty chopped nuts (like roasted peanuts) and luscious chopped caramel pieces. For an extra touch of indulgence, I often use chopped Rolo candies, which melt into pockets of smooth, chewy caramel. This layer provides a wonderful chewiness and a burst of salty-sweet goodness that beautifully complements the crispy chocolate.

3. The Crunchy Chocolate Top Layer:

   Mirroring the bottom layer, the final layer caps off these delightful bars with another dose of crunchy chocolate goodness. It features the same irresistible combination of semi-sweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, creamy peanut butter, and crispy Cocoa Krispies. This repetition isn’t redundant; it creates a satisfying “sandwich” effect, ensuring every bite begins and ends with that fantastic chocolatey crunch, perfectly bookending the chewy, nutty caramel nougat center. It truly elevates these to a decadent snack bar, almost like a deluxe rice krispie treat gone wild!

Essential Ingredients for Your No Bake Masterpiece

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these incredible no-bake treats. Most items are pantry staples, making this recipe accessible and easy to prepare any time a craving strikes. Remember that the quantities listed for the “Crunchy Chocolate Layers” below represent the *total* needed for both the bottom and top layers; you’ll divide them in half during the preparation process.

Crunchy Chocolate Layers (Total for two layers)

• 12 oz package semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 11 oz package butterscotch chips
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 cups Kellogg’s Cocoa Krispies (or similar chocolate rice cereal)

Peanut Marshmallow Nutty Caramel Nougat Layer

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 7 oz marshmallow cream (or marshmallow fluff)
• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1½ cups salted roasted peanuts, chopped or whole (pecans or walnuts also work beautifully)
• 2 cups soft caramels, chopped (such as Rolo candies, unwrapped and chopped)

Crafting Your No Bake Chocolate Caramel Nutty Crunch Bars: Step-by-Step Guide

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward steps and minimal equipment. With a microwave, a saucepan, and a baking dish, you’re ready to create magic!

Crunchy Chocolate Bottom Layer

1. Prepare Your Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. For easy removal and clean slicing, line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. Set aside.
2. Melt Chocolate Mixture (Half Quantity): In a microwave-safe bowl, combine half of the semi-sweet chocolate chips (6 oz), half of the butterscotch chips (5.5 oz), and ½ cup of creamy peanut butter. Microwave on high heat in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
3. Add Cereal: Stir in 1½ cups of Cocoa Krispies until every piece is fully coated with the chocolate mixture.
4. Form Bottom Layer: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly across the bottom of the pan.
5. Chill: Place the dish in the refrigerator for approximately 15 minutes, or until this bottom layer is firm to the touch.

Peanut Marshmallow Nutty Caramel Nougat Layer

1. Prepare Caramel Base: In a small saucepan, combine the ¼ cup unsalted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and ¼ cup heavy cream over medium heat. Stir continuously until the butter is completely melted and the sugar has fully dissolved. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and continue to cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently with a rubber spatula to prevent scorching. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
2. Incorporate Marshmallow & Peanut Butter: Immediately stir in the 7 oz marshmallow cream until it is completely combined and smooth. Next, add the ¼ cup creamy peanut butter, stirring until thoroughly mixed.
3. Fold in Nuts & Caramels: Gently fold in the 1½ cups salted roasted peanuts and the 2 cups chopped soft caramels (like Rolos). Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the nougat mixture.
4. Layer and Chill: Carefully pour and spread this warm nougat layer over the chilled crunchy chocolate bottom layer in the baking dish. Spread it evenly. Refrigerate again for about 15 minutes, or until this middle layer has firmed up.

Crunchy Chocolate Top Layer

1. Repeat Chocolate Mixture: Prepare the top crunchy chocolate layer by repeating the exact process from steps 2 and 3 of the “Crunchy Chocolate Bottom Layer.” This means combining the remaining 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips, 5.5 oz butterscotch chips, and ½ cup creamy peanut butter, melting them, and then stirring in the remaining 1½ cups of Cocoa Krispies.
2. Apply Top Layer: Pour the newly prepared chocolate-cereal mixture over the chilled nougat layer. Gently spread it out evenly to create a smooth top surface.
3. Final Chill & Slice: Return the baking dish to the refrigerator for a final chill of at least 15 minutes, or until the entire bar is firm. Once thoroughly chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place on a cutting board and slice into bars of your desired size. This recipe typically yields 18 large, generous bars, or you can cut them smaller to make around 36 bite-sized pieces, perfect for serving a crowd.

Tips for Perfect No Bake Bars Every Time

• Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Don’t skip lining your baking dish with parchment paper. It makes lifting the set bars out incredibly easy and simplifies cleanup.
• Gentle Spreading: When spreading the layers, especially the top chocolate layer over the soft nougat, do so gently to avoid disturbing the layers underneath.
• Quality Ingredients: While this recipe is forgiving, using good quality chocolate chips and fresh peanut butter will elevate the flavor significantly.
• Chilling is Key: Allow ample chilling time between layers and for the final set. This ensures clean cuts and prevents the bars from being too sticky or soft. If pressed for time, a freezer chill for 5-10 minutes per layer can speed things up.
• Clean Cuts: For neat slices, use a sharp, warm knife. You can warm the knife by running it under hot water and drying it between cuts.
• Customization: Feel free to experiment with different nuts (almonds, pecans), other cereals (plain Rice Krispies, crushed pretzels for salty crunch), or even a drizzle of white chocolate on top for extra flair.

Storing Your No Bake Chocolate Caramel Nutty Crunch Bars

These delightful bars are best enjoyed fresh, but they also store wonderfully, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert.

• Refrigeration: Place the cut bars in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days to maintain their freshness and firm texture.
• Serving Temperature: While they can be served straight from the fridge, allowing them to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving often yields the best texture, as the nougat softens slightly, and the chocolate becomes less brittle.
• Warm Environments: Be mindful that chocolate melts. If serving in high heat or a very warm environment, they will soften quickly. Keep them chilled until just before serving to prevent a melty mess!

These No Bake Chocolate Caramel Nutty Crunch Bars are incredibly rich and utterly addictive. They are truly a “guilty pleasure” you’ll find impossible to resist after just one bite. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this spectacular, easy-to-make dessert. We hope you enjoy every single mouthful!

For more fantastic no-bake delights, you might also love these Healthy Dark Chocolate No-Bake Cookies, these No Bake Chewy Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Bars, and of course, our classic Peanut Butter Bars!

Explore More Sweet Treats!

• Pumpkin Lasagna Dessert
• 13 Holiday Peppermint Desserts
• Halloween Rice Krispie Treats
• Milky Way Rice Krispies
• Triple Chocolate Mocha Peppermint Crunch Cookies
• Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars

No Bake Chocolate Caramel Nutty Crunch Bars

Author: Kim Lange

Summary: These impressive and magnificent triple layered No Bake Chocolate Caramel Nutty Crunch Bars are so heavenly yummy, you’ll wish you knew of them sooner!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (from 1 vote)

Prep Time: 20 mins

Chill Time: 30 mins (total for setting)

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: 36 bars

Calories: (Nutrition information not provided in original content)

Ingredients

Crunchy Chocolate Layers (Total for two layers):

• 12 oz package semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 11 oz package butterscotch chips
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 cups Kellogg’s Cocoa Krispies

Peanut Marshmallow Nutty Caramel Nougat Layer:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 7 oz marshmallow cream
• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1½ cups salted roasted peanuts, chopped or whole
• 2 cups soft caramels, chopped (I used Rolos)

Instructions

Crunchy Chocolate Bottom Layer

1. Prepare a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and line with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Combine half of the chocolate chips (6 oz), butterscotch chips (5 1/2 oz), and 1/2 cup peanut butter and microwave in a microwavable bowl on high heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chips are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Stir in 1 1/2 cups Cocoa Krispies until fully coated then pour into the prepared baking dish and spread using a spatula or spoon.
4. Refrigerate about 15 minutes until firm.

Peanut Marshmallow Nutty Caramel Nougat Layer

1. In a small saucepan, combine butter, sugar, and heavy cream over medium heat, stirring until butter is completely melted and the sugar is dissolved, then bring to a boil and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently with a rubber spatula, then remove from heat.
2. Stir in marshmallow creme until completely combined, then add in peanut butter, stirring until combined and follow with peanuts and mix.
3. Pour and spread the nougat layer over the chilled chocolate bottom layer. Sprinkle the chopped Rolos on top of the nougat and refrigerate until firm, about 15 minutes.

Crunchy Chocolate Top Layer

1. Repeat with the same instructions as you did for the bottom layer for the top layer.
2. Combine half of the chocolate chips (6 oz), butterscotch chips (5 1/2 oz), and 1/2 cup peanut butter and microwave in a microwavable bowl on high heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chips are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Stir in 1 1/2 cups Cocoa Krispies until fully coated then pour into the prepared baking dish and spread using a spatula or spoon.
4. Refrigerate about 15 minutes until firm before cutting.

Keywords: bars, chocolate, marshmallow, no bake, peanut butter, Rice Krispies

Tried this recipe? Let us know how it was by commenting below!

Recipe slightly adapted from Mom on Time-Out