Description
These 4-Layer Everything Bars are the ultimate dessert squares! A chewy cookie crust topped with gooey caramel, fluffy nougat, and crunchy chocolate Rice Krispies ganache. Perfect for parties, holidays, or whenever you want a treat that looks bakery-made but is easy to make at home.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Crust:
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1 (12 oz) package prepared chocolate chip cookie dough (or 2 cups homemade dough)
For the Caramel Layer:
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35 soft caramel candies, unwrapped
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1 tablespoon evaporated milk
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1 tablespoon water
For the Nougat Layer:
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⅓ cup unsalted butter
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1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
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½ cup evaporated milk
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1 (7 oz) jar marshmallow cream
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¼ cup creamy peanut butter (or sunflower seed butter for nut-free option)
For the Ganache Layer:
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1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
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¼ cup heavy cream
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¾ cup Rice Krispies cereal
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Cookie Crust
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 baking pan.
• Press cookie dough evenly into the bottom.
• Bake for 13–15 minutes until lightly golden.
• Cool completely before adding the next layer.
2️⃣ Make the Caramel Layer
• Melt caramel candies with evaporated milk and water over medium heat.
• Stir constantly until smooth.
• Pour evenly over the cooled crust.
• Freeze for 10 minutes to set.
3️⃣ Prepare the Nougat Layer
• In a saucepan, simmer butter, sugar, and evaporated milk for 10 minutes.
• Whisk marshmallow cream with peanut butter in a mixing bowl.
• Pour the hot sugar mixture over and whisk until smooth.
• Spread evenly over the caramel.
• Freeze for 10 minutes to firm.
4️⃣ Finish with Ganache Layer
• Heat cream until hot (not boiling), then pour over chocolate chips.
• Stir until smooth, then fold in Rice Krispies cereal.
• Spread evenly over nougat layer.
5️⃣ Chill & Slice
• Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
• Slice with a hot knife for clean edges and serve.
Notes
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Use parchment paper to line the pan for easy removal.
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For nut-free bars, substitute sunflower seed butter in the nougat layer.
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To cut without cracking, heat your knife under hot water, wipe dry, then slice slowly.
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You can prepare these bars a day ahead—they actually taste better after chilling overnight.
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Bars freeze well for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
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Swap the cookie crust for a brownie base if you want an ultra-chocolatey version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking + Layering
- Cuisine: American