Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars

Makes 16 bars (8x8 pan)

For the Caramel Crunch Base

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk (the magic binder—it caramelizes as it cools!)

1½ cups (255g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

½ cup (1 stick / 115g) unsalted butter

2½ cups crispy rice cereal (Rice Krispies-style, GF if needed)

OR

2½ cups toasted chopped pecans or almonds (your fave—buttery, praline-like!)

OR

A mix of both (1¼ cups each—highly recommended!)

For the Chocolate Topping

1 cup (170g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips

1 tbsp coconut oil or unsalted butter (for smooth, glossy melt)

Flaky sea salt (Maldon or fleur de sel—your love of bold balance—yes!