Irresistible 4-Layer Everything Bars Recipe for Sweet Fans

Layers of sweet, salty, and crunchy delight define these 4-layer everything bars that promise a taste explosion in every bite.

Chocolate chips, pretzels, caramel, and graham cracker crust merge into a decadent dessert that screams indulgence.

Each layer brings its own unique texture and flavor profile to the party.

The combination creates a symphony of tastes that dance across your palate with every single morsel.

Crumbly, rich, and utterly irresistible, these bars will become your new go-to treat for any occasion.

Chocolate lovers and snack enthusiasts won’t be able to resist this epic dessert that delivers pure happiness in one simple recipe.

Why 4-Layer Bars Are a Favorite

• Dive into a dessert that brings multiple flavor experiences in one spectacular bite, combining sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures.
• Requires basic cooking skills with straightforward steps, making it perfect for bakers of all levels who want an impressive yet uncomplicated treat.
• Packed with universally loved ingredients like chocolate, caramel, and peanut butter, these bars guarantee smiles and seconds at potlucks, parties, and family gatherings.
• Uses simple pantry staples and minimal specialized equipment, allowing you to create a gourmet-style dessert without complex techniques or expensive ingredients.

What’s in 4-Layer Everything Bars

• Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough: A foundational layer that provides a sweet and buttery base for the bars.

• Caramels: Soft candies that create a rich, gooey middle layer.
• Evaporated Milk, Water: Ingredients that help melt and smooth the caramel.

• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth nougat texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps form the nougat consistency.
• Evaporated Milk: Contributes to the creamy texture of the nougat.
• Marshmallow Cream: Gives the nougat its soft and fluffy characteristic.
• Peanut Butter: Adds a nutty flavor and creamy element to the nougat.

• Chocolate Chips: The base for creating a smooth chocolate ganache layer.
• Heavy Cream: Helps melt and create a silky chocolate coating.
• Rice Krispies Cereal: Adds a delightful crunch to the chocolate topping.

How to Make Everything Bars

Step 1: Create Cookie Foundation

Press chocolate chip cookie dough evenly into a greased 9×9-inch baking pan.

Use fingers or back of a spoon to distribute dough smoothly.

Bake at 350°F until the top turns lightly golden, approximately 13-15 minutes.

Allow the cookie layer to cool completely before proceeding.

Step 2: Craft Caramel Layer

Combine caramels, evaporated milk, and water in a saucepan.

Melt ingredients over medium heat, stirring continuously until smooth and creamy.

Pour molten caramel over cooled cookie base, spreading evenly.

Freeze for 10 minutes to set caramel layer firmly.

Step 3: Develop Nougat Mixture

• Unsalted butter
• Sugar
• Evaporated milk

Bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.

Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes without stirring.

In a separate bowl, blend marshmallow cream and peanut butter.

Pour hot sugar mixture over cream mixture, whisking until smooth.

Spread nougat layer over caramel and freeze for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Add Chocolate Crispy Topping

Melt chocolate chips with hot heavy cream in a heatproof bowl.

Mix in Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated.

Spread chocolate ganache layer over nougat.

Refrigerate bars for minimum 2 hours to completely set all layers.

Tips for 4-Layer Bar Success

• Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to ensure each layer sets properly and maintains its distinct texture and flavor.
• Use parchment paper in the baking pan for easy removal and clean cutting of the bars.
• Stir caramels constantly while melting to avoid burning and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
• Adjust sweetness by using dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a more complex taste profile.
• Swap Rice Krispies with chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for added texture and nutty flavor.

Storing Everything Bars Properly

• Store the 4-layer Everything Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Layer parchment paper between bars to prevent sticking and maintain their shape.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• Keep bars at room temperature for no more than 2 hours due to the caramel and nougat layers. Avoid warm environments that might cause the layers to soften or separate.
• Gently warm refrigerated bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds at 50% power to slightly soften the chocolate layer. Avoid overheating to prevent the layers from melting or becoming too soft.

Pairing Ideas for Everything Bars

• Pair Sweet Chocolate with Bold Red Wine: Deep, rich red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complement the chocolate layers, cutting through the sweetness while enhancing the dessert's complex flavors.
• Match Caramel Notes with Bourbon: Smooth, vanilla-forward bourbon creates a harmonious pairing that amplifies the caramel's buttery richness and highlights the dessert's indulgent profile.
• Elevate with Espresso Martini: The cocktail's robust coffee notes and slight bitterness provide a perfect counterpoint to the bars' sweet, layered textures, creating a sophisticated dessert experience.
• Refresh with Cold Milk: Classic whole milk offers a simple, creamy backdrop that balances the bars' intense flavors, providing a clean and nostalgic accompaniment that appeals to all ages.

Flavor Spins on 4-Layer Bars

• Gluten-Free Makeover: Replace chocolate chip cookie dough with gluten-free cookie mix or almond flour-based cookie base for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Transformation: Swap dairy ingredients with coconut milk, dairy-free chocolate chips, plant-based marshmallow cream, and coconut oil to create a completely vegan-friendly version.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Eliminate peanut butter and replace with sunflower seed butter or tahini for those with nut allergies, ensuring the same creamy texture and rich flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free caramels, monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and dark chocolate with higher cocoa percentage to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining delicious taste.

FAQs

• Are these bars similar to a candy bar?

Yes, these 4-layer Everything Bars are inspired by classic candy bars like Snickers, featuring layers of cookie, caramel, nougat, and chocolate with added crunch from Rice Krispies.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these bars?

You’ll just need a 9×9-inch baking pan, a couple of saucepans, mixing bowls, and basic kitchen tools like a spatula and whisk. No fancy equipment required.

• Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these bars up to 3-4 days in advance. Just keep them refrigerated in an airtight container. They actually taste better after the flavors meld together.

• How tricky is this recipe for a home baker?

While it looks complex, the recipe is quite straightforward. The key is patience between layers and following the freezing/chilling steps carefully. Even intermediate bakers can successfully make these delicious bars.

4-layer Everything Bars Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 48 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Chocolate-packed 4-layer everything bars combine sweet and salty flavors in one irresistible dessert. Rich layers of graham cracker, caramel, chocolate chips, and nuts create a perfect indulgence you won’t be able to resist.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 package (12 ounces / 340 grams) prepared chocolate chip cookie dough
• 35 caramels, unwrapped
• 1 jar (7 ounces / 198 grams) marshmallow cream
• 1 cup (170 grams) semisweet chocolate chips

Sugar and Dairy Components:

• 1 1/4 cups (250 grams) white sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) evaporated milk
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) evaporated milk
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup (60 grams) peanut butter
• 1/3 cup (75 grams) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) water

Cereal and Texture Components:

• 3/4 cup (20 grams) Rice Krispies cereal

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking pan. Press chocolate chip cookie dough uniformly across the bottom of the pan using fingers or the back of a spoon. Bake for 13-15 minutes until golden. Allow to cool completely before proceeding.

1. Melt caramels with evaporated milk and water in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until smooth. Carefully pour the liquid caramel over the cooled cookie base, distributing evenly. Freeze for 10 minutes to solidify the caramel layer.

1. Prepare nougat by combining butter, sugar, and evaporated milk in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes without stirring. Separately, blend marshmallow cream and peanut butter. Incorporate the hot sugar mixture into the cream-peanut butter blend, whisking until consistent. Pour over the caramel layer and return to freezer for 10 minutes.

1. Create chocolate ganache by heating heavy cream until hot but not boiling. Pour over chocolate chips, allowing to sit briefly before stirring until smooth. Fold in Rice Krispies cereal, ensuring even coating. Spread the crunchy chocolate mixture across the nougat layer.

1. Refrigerate the entire dessert for a minimum of 2 hours to completely set all layers. Remove from refrigerator, slice into bars, and serve chilled.

Notes

• Ensure cookie dough is evenly pressed to create a uniform base that supports subsequent layers without cracking or breaking.
• Caramel can be tricky, so maintain medium heat and stir constantly to prevent burning or scorching during melting process.
• Freezing between layers helps maintain distinct textures and prevents layers from blending, creating a cleaner, more professional-looking dessert.
• Consider using parchment paper for easier removal and clean cutting of bars, allowing smooth extraction without damaging delicate layers.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 33 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg