Dragonfly Chocolate Caramel Bars

Dragonfly Chocolate Caramel Bars Recipe - Vegan Dessert with Chocolate Chips, Brown Sugar, and Nuts

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 12 minutes | Servings: 12 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Dragonfly Chocolate Caramel Bars are a delicious and decadent treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and caramel with a crunchy saltine base. These bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and are sure to be a hit with friends and family.

History

The exact origins of Dragonfly Chocolate Caramel Bars are unknown, but they have been a popular dessert for many years. This recipe is a twist on the classic caramel bar, adding a layer of chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.

Ingredients

20 saltines
12 oz (340 g) chocolate chips
2 sticks of soy margarine
1 cup brown sugar
0.5 cup chopped nuts (almonds)

How to prepare

Line a baking pan measuring approximately 9 X 14 inches with foil.
Arrange a single layer of saltines on the bottom of the pan.
In a saucepan, melt margarine and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly.
Once melted, bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for 3 minutes. Pour this mixture over the saltines.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and bake the mixture for 5 – 7 minutes, or until it turns golden brown.
Remove the pan from the oven and immediately pour chocolate chips over the mixture. Return the pan to the oven for about a minute, or until the chocolate chips are melted.
Using a knife, spread the melted chocolate evenly over the mixture. Sprinkle with nuts.
Allow the mixture to cool and harden in the refrigerator overnight.

Variations

Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate layer for a sweet and salty twist.
Swap out the almonds for your favorite nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to line your baking pan with foil to make it easier to remove the bars once they have cooled.

- Be sure to stir the caramel mixture constantly while it is cooking to prevent it from burning.

- Allow the bars to cool completely in the refrigerator before cutting them into squares for the best results.

Serving Suggestions

Dragonfly Chocolate Caramel Bars are delicious on their own, but can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to watch the caramel mixture closely while it is boiling to prevent it from burning.

- Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares for clean edges.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have soy margarine, you can use regular butter as a substitute.

- Feel free to use any type of chocolate chips you prefer, such as milk chocolate or dark chocolate.

Make Ahead Tips

Dragonfly Chocolate Caramel Bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Dragonfly Chocolate Caramel Bars on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Dragonfly Chocolate Caramel Bars with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a delicious snack.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Dragonfly Chocolate Caramel Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Dragonfly Chocolate Caramel Bars contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Dragonfly Chocolate Caramel Bars contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Dragonfly Chocolate Caramel Bars contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Dragonfly Chocolate Caramel Bars contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Dragonfly Chocolate Caramel Bars are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Dragonfly Chocolate Caramel Bars contain soy and nuts. They may also contain traces of gluten from the saltines.

Summary

Dragonfly Chocolate Caramel Bars are a sweet and indulgent treat that are best enjoyed in moderation due to their high sugar and fat content.

Summary

Dragonfly Chocolate Caramel Bars are a sweet and indulgent treat that are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With a crunchy saltine base, gooey caramel layer, and rich chocolate topping, these bars are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly remember the moment I discovered this recipe for Dragonfly Chocolate Caramel Bars. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret at her cozy little cottage in the countryside. Margaret was known for her exquisite baking skills, and I always looked forward to trying out her latest creations.

As soon as I walked into Margaret's kitchen, I was greeted by the most heavenly aroma of caramel and chocolate wafting through the air. Curious, I made my way to the stove where Margaret was stirring a bubbling pot of golden caramel. She smiled warmly as she saw me approach and beckoned me closer.

"Would you like to help me make Dragonfly Chocolate Caramel Bars?" she asked, holding out a spoonful of the sticky caramel for me to taste.

I eagerly accepted, and Margaret began to show me the steps to creating this decadent treat. She explained that the recipe had been passed down through her family for generations and was a closely guarded secret. I felt honored to be let in on this delicious tradition.

We started by making a buttery shortbread crust, pressing it into a pan and baking it until golden brown. While the crust cooled, Margaret showed me how to make the rich caramel filling by slowly melting sugar, butter, and cream together until it reached the perfect consistency. The scent of caramelizing sugar filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Once the caramel was ready, Margaret poured it over the cooled shortbread crust and spread it out evenly. Then came the best part – the chocolate topping. We melted a mixture of dark chocolate and butter, pouring it over the caramel and swirling it with a toothpick to create a beautiful marbled effect.

As we waited for the bars to set, Margaret regaled me with stories of how she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had in turn learned it from a mysterious traveler who had passed through their village many years ago. The traveler had been a master baker, known for his delectable desserts, and had shared this recipe with Margaret's grandmother as a token of gratitude for her hospitality.

I was enchanted by the story and felt a deep connection to this recipe that had traveled through time and generations to end up in Margaret's kitchen. When the bars were finally ready to be cut and served, I took a bite and was transported to chocolatey, caramel heaven. The flavors were rich and indulgent, with the perfect balance of sweetness and richness.

I thanked Margaret profusely for sharing this special recipe with me and promised to carry on the tradition in my own kitchen. As I left her cottage that day, I felt a sense of gratitude for the friendships and connections that food can bring into our lives. The Dragonfly Chocolate Caramel Bars had not only satisfied my sweet tooth but had also opened a door to a world of memories and stories that would stay with me forever.