Layer Everything Bars Recipe

Easy & Dreamy Layer Everything Bars Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Craving a dessert that layers pure indulgence into every delectable bite?

layer everything bars represent the ultimate sweet symphony where textures and flavors collide in a mouthwatering masterpiece.

These decadent treats blend multiple ingredients that harmonize like culinary musicians creating an irresistible composition.

Rich, complex, and surprisingly simple, these bars redefine ordinary pantry staples into an extraordinary dessert experience.

Each carefully constructed layer promises a different sensory adventure, from crunchy to smooth, sweet to slightly salty.

The magic happens when these carefully selected components meld together, creating a treat that defies traditional dessert boundaries.

Prepare to embark on a delightful journey of taste and texture that will tantalize your senses.

What Goes in Layer Everything Bars

Chocolate Base Layer:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the cookie base.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender cookie layer.
  • Chocolate Chips: Brings sweetness and chocolate flavor to the base.
  • Sugar: Sweetens and helps with cookie browning.
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds moisture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cookie layer rise and become light.
  • Salt: Balances and intensifies other flavors.
Caramel Layer:
  • Caramels: Main sweet, sticky component of the layer.
  • Heavy Cream: Helps create smooth, creamy caramel texture.
Nougat Filling:
  • Butter: Provides rich, smooth base for nougat.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create nougat consistency.
  • Milk: Helps blend ingredients smoothly.
  • Marshmallow Cream: Creates fluffy, soft nougat texture.
  • Peanut Butter: Adds nutty flavor and creamy consistency.
Chocolate Topping:
  • Chocolate Chips: Primary chocolate component.
  • Heavy Cream: Helps create smooth ganache.
  • Rice Krispies: Adds crunch and textural contrast.

Instructions for Baking Layer Everything Bars

Step 1: Prepare Chocolate Chip Cookie Base

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking pan. Press prepared chocolate chip cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 13-15 minutes until lightly golden on top. Remove from oven and let cool completely.

Step 2: Create Caramel Layer

Gather caramel ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until:
  • Caramels are completely melted
  • Mixture becomes smooth and glossy

Pour caramel mixture over cooled cookie crust. Place in freezer for 10 minutes to set.

Step 3: Develop Nougat Filling

In the same saucepan, prepare nougat mixture by:
  • Melting butter
  • Adding sugar and milk
  • Bringing to a boil
  • Simmering for 10 minutes without stirring
In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Marshmallow cream
  • Peanut butter

Whisk hot mixture into marshmallow-peanut butter blend. Pour over set caramel layer. Freeze for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Add Chocolate Rice Krispies Topping

Heat cream until hot but not boiling. Pour over chocolate chips and stir until completely melted. Mix in rice krispies. Spread evenly over nougat layer.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate bars for at least 2 hours before cutting and serving. Store in refrigerator for best texture.

Baking Tips for Layer Everything Bars

  • Prep Like a Pro: Use parchment paper in the baking pan for easy bar removal and clean cutting.
  • Temperature Control: Let each layer cool completely before adding the next to prevent blending and maintain distinct textures.
  • Smooth Caramel Secret: Stir caramel constantly and keep heat at medium to prevent burning or scorching.
  • Marshmallow Mixing Hack: Warm peanut butter slightly to blend seamlessly with marshmallow cream for a silky nougat layer.
  • Chocolate Ganache Perfection: Ensure chocolate chips are room temperature and cream is just hot enough to create a glossy, smooth ganache without breaking.

How to Keep Layer Everything Bars Fresh

  • Refrigerate: Store these decadent Layer Everything Bars in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep bars separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicious layers.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen bars will retain their quality for 2-3 months, offering a make-ahead dessert option for busy days.
  • Reheat: Thaw refrigerated or frozen bars at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. For a warm, gooey experience, microwave each bar for 10-15 seconds, which will soften the caramel and chocolate layers perfectly.

What Drinks Pair with Layer Everything Bars

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Complement the rich, sweet layers with a robust cabernet sauvignon that matches the dessert's intense chocolate and caramel flavors.
  • Serve with Creamy Coffee: Enjoy a smooth cappuccino or espresso to cut through the sweetness and enhance the nutty peanut butter undertones.
  • Indulge with Cold Milk: Classic whole milk provides a refreshing contrast to the decadent chocolate and caramel layers, creating a nostalgic childhood treat experience.
  • Add Salted Caramel Liqueur: A small shot of caramel-flavored liqueur intensifies the dessert's caramel notes and adds a sophisticated adult twist to this layered bar.

Ways to Remix Layer Everything Bars

  • Nutty Comfort Bars: Swap peanut butter with almond butter and add chopped pecans to the nougat layer for a rich, toasty flavor profile.
  • Coconut Tropical Bars: Incorporate shredded coconut into the cookie base and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the ganache for a island-inspired treat.
  • Dark Chocolate Espresso Bars: Replace milk chocolate chips with dark chocolate and mix in instant espresso powder for a sophisticated, bold coffee-infused version.
  • Berry Decadent Bars: Add dried cranberries to the nougat layer and drizzle white chocolate ganache on top for a fruity, elegant dessert experience.

Why Layer Everything Bars Are the Ultimate Treat

  • Layered Dessert Delight: Indulge in a mouthwatering treat that combines multiple textures and flavors in one irresistible bar, creating a symphony of sweetness with each bite.
  • Quick and Easy Technique: Master a no-fuss recipe that requires simple cooking methods, minimal kitchen skills, and straightforward layering, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Crowd-Stopper: Wow your friends and family with a decadent dessert that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and offers a perfect balance of chocolate, caramel, nougat, and crispy elements in every slice.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these bars in advance and refrigerate, allowing you to have a show-stopping dessert ready at a moment's notice for parties, potlucks, or spontaneous sweet cravings.
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Layer Everything Bars Recipe

Layer Everything Bars Recipe


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4.6 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Mexican-inspired Layer Everything Bars blend sweet and savory flavors into a crowd-pleasing dessert. Chocolate, caramel, nuts, and graham cracker crust combine for an irresistible treat that will delight guests at any gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Chip Cookie Layer:

  • 1 (12 ounces / 340 grams) package prepared chocolate chip cookie dough

Caramel and Nougat Layer:

  • 35 caramels, unwrapped
  • 1 tablespoon evaporated milk
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • ⅓ cup (75 grams) unsalted butter
  • 1 ¼ cups (250 grams) white sugar
  • ½ cup evaporated milk
  • 1 (7 ounces / 198 grams) jar marshmallow cream
  • ¼ cup (60 grams) peanut butter

Chocolate and Cereal Topping:

  • 1 cup (170 grams) semisweet chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
  • ¾ cup rice krispies cereal

Instructions

  1. Prepare a 9×9-inch (23×23 centimeters) baking pan by lightly greasing its surface, ensuring uniform coverage to prevent sticking.
  2. Create the chocolate chip cookie foundation by pressing prepared dough evenly across the pan’s bottom, maintaining a consistent thickness.
  3. Bake the cookie layer in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 13-15 minutes until a delicate golden hue emerges.
  4. Allow the cookie base to cool completely, creating a stable foundation for subsequent layers.
  5. Craft the caramel layer by combining ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring consistently until caramels transform into a smooth, glossy mixture.
  6. Carefully pour the molten caramel over the cooled cookie crust, ensuring complete coverage.
  7. Freeze the caramel layer for precisely 10 minutes to set and stabilize.
  8. Prepare the nougat filling by melting butter in the same saucepan, then incorporating sugar and milk.
  9. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes without disturbing the liquid.
  10. In a separate mixing bowl, thoroughly combine marshmallow cream and peanut butter until a uniform consistency develops.
  11. Pour the hot butter mixture over the marshmallow-peanut butter blend, whisking vigorously to create a smooth nougat filling.
  12. Spread the nougat layer evenly over the set caramel surface.
  13. Freeze the nougat layer for 10 minutes to solidify.
  14. Create the rice krispies chocolate ganache by heating cream until hot but not boiling.
  15. Pour the warm cream over chocolate chips, stirring until a silky, fully melted chocolate mixture forms.
  16. Gently fold rice krispies into the chocolate ganache, ensuring even distribution.
  17. Spread the chocolate-rice krispies mixture uniformly across the nougat layer.
  18. Refrigerate the assembled dessert for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing all layers to set and flavors to meld.
  19. Before serving, let the bars rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to facilitate easier cutting and optimal texture.

Notes

  • Prep ahead by lining your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
  • Ensure each layer is completely cooled before adding the next to prevent melting and maintain distinct, clean layer textures.
  • Use a candy thermometer when making caramel and nougat layers to achieve perfect consistency and prevent burning.
  • Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to meld and firm up.
  • Allow bars to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor release.
  • Select high-quality chocolate chips and marshmallow cream for richer, more decadent taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 26 g
  • Sodium: 110 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

  • Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
  • Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

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