Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramel Club Cracker Bars

Prep: 20 minCook: 4 min15 barsmediumAmerican
Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramel Club Cracker Bars

These indulgent layered bars combine the satisfying crunch of club crackers with rich homemade caramel, sweet peanut butter chips, and smooth melted chocolate. The crackers provide an unexpected savory-sweet foundation that perfectly balances the decadent toppings. Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or when you want an easy no-bake dessert that looks impressive but requires minimal effort. The layers create beautiful visual appeal when cut, and the combination of textures makes each bite interesting.

Ingredients

Yield: 15 bars
  • 45 Club Crackers
    graham crackers1:1traditional

    sweeter base

  • 2 sticks butter
    vegan butter1:1vegandairy-free

    works well

    Full guide →
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup peanut butter chips
    vegan butter1:1vegandairy-free

    works well

    Full guide →
  • 1 ½ cups chocolate chips, melted

Instructions

  1. 1

    Line an 8x8 inch square baking pan with foil and spray with cooking spray

  2. 2

    Place 15 club crackers in the bottom of the prepared pan

  3. 3

    Sprinkle 1/2 cup peanut butter chips over the crackers

  4. 4

    Melt butter and brown sugar in a medium saucepan over medium high heat, stirring constantly for 4 minutes until bubbly, smooth and creamy caramel forms

  5. 5

    Pour 1/2 cup of caramel over the peanut butter chips

  6. 6

    Add another layer of crackers, peanut butter chips and caramel

  7. 7

    Top with final layer of crackers

  8. 8

    Melt chocolate chips using double boiler or microwave

  9. 9

    Spread melted chocolate over the top layer

Tips

Tip 1

Line the pan with foil for easy removal and clean cutting of the finished bars

Tip 2

Let each layer cool slightly before adding the next to prevent ingredients from mixing together

Tip 3

Cut bars while chocolate is still slightly soft for cleaner edges

Good to Know

Storage

Store covered at room temperature for up to 1 week or refrigerate for firmer bars

Make Ahead

Can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored covered

Serve With

Cut into squares and serve at room temperature for best texture

Common Mistakes

Watch

Let caramel cool slightly before pouring to avoid melting the peanut butter chips

Watch

Don't overheat chocolate when melting to prevent seizing

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

butter
vegan butter1:1vegandairy-free

works well

Full guide →
peanut butter chips
mini chocolate chips1:1nut-freedairy-free

different flavor profile

Full guide →

General Alternatives

club crackers
graham crackers1:1traditional

sweeter base

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use a different size pan?

Yes, but adjust thickness expectations. A 9x9 pan will make thinner bars, while a smaller pan creates thicker layers.

What if my caramel gets too hard?

Reheat gently while stirring to restore smooth consistency. Add a tablespoon of cream if needed.

How long do these bars keep?

Store covered at room temperature for up to 1 week or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks for firmer texture.