4-Layer Everything Bars

4-Layer Everything Bars: A Decadent Dessert for Every Occasion

If you’re a fan of indulgent, multi-layered desserts, these 4-Layer Everything Bars are about to become your new favorite treat. With layers of chocolate chip cookie, creamy caramel, fluffy nougat, and a crunchy Rice Krispies chocolate ganache, these bars have it all. Perfect for special occasions, potlucks, or just because, these bars are a showstopper that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Chip Cookie Layer:

• 1 (12 oz) package prepared chocolate chip cookie dough

For the Caramel Layer:

• 35 caramels, unwrapped
• 1 tablespoon evaporated milk
• 1 tablespoon water

For the Nougat Filling:

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter
• 1 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 1 (7 oz.) jar marshmallow cream
• 1/4 cup peanut butter

For the Rice Krispies Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3/4 cup rice krispies cereal

Directions:

1. Prepare the Chocolate Chip Cookie Layer:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking pan and press the prepared chocolate chip cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the pan.

Bake for 13-15 minutes, until the top is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely. While the cookie layer is baking, move on to preparing the caramel layer.

2. Make the Caramel Layer:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the unwrapped caramels, evaporated milk, and water. Stir frequently until the caramels are completely melted and smooth.

Once melted, pour the caramel over the cooled cookie crust, spreading it evenly. Place the pan in the freezer for about 10 minutes to allow the caramel to set before adding the next layer.

3. Prepare the Nougat Filling:
In the same saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, and evaporated milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, then reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer without stirring for 10 minutes.

In a separate bowl, combine the marshmallow cream and peanut butter. Pour the boiled mixture over the marshmallow and peanut butter, whisking together until smooth.

Pour the nougat filling over the cooled caramel layer, spreading it out evenly. Return the pan to the freezer for an additional 10 minutes to set.

4. Make the Rice Krispies Chocolate Ganache:
Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it’s hot but not boiling.

Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and stir vigorously until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Stir in the Rice Krispies cereal until well combined.

Spread the Rice Krispies chocolate ganache over the nougat layer, trying to spread it out as evenly as possible.

5. Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to ensure all the layers are set before cutting into them. Once chilled, slice the bars into squares and enjoy!

Quick Facts:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Calories: 450 kcal per bar
• Servings: 16 bars

Tips for Success:

• Layering: Make sure each layer is fully cooled or set before adding the next to ensure the bars hold together well.
• Chilling Time: Don’t rush the chilling process. Allowing the bars to chill for the full 2 hours helps the layers firm up and makes them easier to cut.
• Serving Tip: For clean, even slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before each cut.

Final Thoughts:

These 4-Layer Everything Bars are the ultimate indulgence for dessert lovers. With their rich, decadent layers of chocolate chip cookie, caramel, nougat, and crunchy Rice Krispies chocolate ganache, they offer a little bit of everything in every bite. Perfect for parties, celebrations, or any time you want to treat yourself, these bars are sure to be a hit. Give them a try and enjoy the deliciously layered goodness of this show-stopping dessert!

Print