Chocolate Caramel Candy

When the craving hits for something chocolaty, buttery and nutty, look no further than chocolate caramel candy. Because this recipe requires you to wait for each layer to set, we recommend that you make a large batch to make the most of your effort.

And to mix things up, you can crumble any leftovers on top of pudding, chocolate cream pie or a scoop of ice cream. You can also easily customize this chocolate and caramel candy treat, so read through to our recipe variations below.

Chocolate Caramel Candy Ingredients

• Butter: Not only does butter provide flavor, it also helps bind all the ingredients together. If you don’t want to use butter, refined coconut oil has a neutral flavor and can be swapped in, using the same measurements.
• Milk chocolate chips: Using milk chocolate chips in both the base layer and the filling helps this recipe taste balanced, ensuring the chocolate doesn’t overpower the other ingredients. If you haven’t picked up a bag yet, these are the best chocolate chips for melting.
• Butterscotch chips: Made from melting butter with brown sugar, butterscotch gives this candy’s base and filling extra oomph. If you prefer, you can use caramel chips.
• Peanut butter: We recommend working with unsalted creamy peanut butter for the base, the filling and the icing. If you want to try your hand at homemade peanut butter, that’s an option too.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar is great for this recipe, or if you like, you can use brown sugar.
• Evaporated milk: All the water has been removed from evaporated milk, so its texture is extra thick and creamy. If you like, you can use sweetened condensed milk and skip the sugar called for in this recipe.
• Marshmallow creme: Also known as marshmallow fluff, this ingredient gives the filling a lift, helping it to become light and fluffy.
• Vanilla extract: With its heady aroma and delicious flavor, a touch of vanilla extract is almost always a good idea.
• Peanuts: Without the salted peanuts, this recipe would be very soft and chewy.
• Caramels: Snagging store-bought caramels provides a shortcut for making the caramel filling.
• Heavy whipping cream: Melted into the caramels, heavy whipping cream helps smooth the texture of the caramel filling so it can be easily spread.

Directions

Step 1: Create the first layer

Line a 13×9-inch pan with foil. Grease the foil with 2 teaspoons of butter, then set the pan aside.

In a small saucepan, combine the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips and peanut butter. Stir over low heat until the mixture is melted and smooth. Spread it into the prepared pan, then refrigerate it until set.

Step 2: Start the filling

In a small heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sugar and milk, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for five minutes, stirring regularly.

Step 3: Finish the filling

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the marshmallow creme, peanut butter and vanilla until smooth. Add the peanuts, and spread the filling over the entire first layer in the pan. Refrigerate until set.

Step 4: Add the caramel layer

In a small heavy saucepan, combine the caramels and cream, and stir over low heat until melted and smooth. Cook and stir for four minutes. Spread the caramel over the entire layer of filling, and refrigerate until set.

Step 5: Add the icing

In a saucepan, combine the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips and peanut butter. Stir over low heat until melted and smooth. Pour the icing over the entire layer of caramel, and refrigerate for a least four hours or overnight.

Step 6: Cut and serve

Transfer the pan from the fridge to the countertop about 20 minutes before serving. Remove the candy from the pan, cut the block into 1-inch wide strips, then into squares.

Chocolate Caramel Candy Variations

• Swap out the peanut butter: Although peanuts and chocolate are a classic flavor combination, there are plenty of options for nut butters to use in this recipe. Almond, hazelnut or cashew butter would make great alternatives.
• Make it crispy: Instead of the crunch that peanuts provide, you can substitute them with crisped rice. You can also use breakfast cereals or other crispy ingredients like puffed amaranth—experiment and have fun!
• Use white chocolate: If you want the other flavors to really shine through in this recipe, consider swapping the milk chocolate chips for white chocolate chips.

How to Store Chocolate Caramel Candy

First, transfer the chocolate candies with caramel to an airtight container, where they can be stored in the fridge or on the countertop for up to two weeks. That said, the candies will taste best within one week, so if you know you won’t finish any leftovers in time, it’s best to freeze them.

Can I freeze chocolate caramel candy?

If you’re making a big batch of caramel with chocolate candy or simply want to save some for later, freezing this candy recipe is an excellent idea. Place the candy in an airtight container and freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, allow the candy to thaw in the fridge overnight.

Chocolate Caramel Candy Tips

What is the trick to making caramel?

This recipe doesn’t require you to, but if you want to make your own caramel from scratch, there are some important tips to keep in mind. For example, adding some water to the pan can help you avoid burning the sugar as it cooks.

What is the best way to melt chocolate?

You can simply melt the chocolate chips in a saucepan as this recipe calls for, but there are several other easy ways to melt chocolate as well.

Is marshmallow fluff the same as nougat?

Marshmallow fluff is very similar to nougat, as both feature sugar and egg whites as their main ingredients. That said, nougat typically includes nuts and/or dried fruits, making it chewier than marshmallow fluff.