Joye’s Pro Tip: Toast nuts in a dry skillet 3–5 minutes until fragrant—cool before using. Stale cereal? Skip it—fresh = crisp bars.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Caramel Base
→ In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine condensed milk, 1½ cups chocolate chips, and butter.
→ Microwave on medium (50%) power in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each, until smooth and glossy (~1.5–2 minutes total).
✅ Don’t rush—high heat scalds the milk!
🌟 Stovetop Option (My Grandma’s Way):
Melt in a double boiler over low heat, stirring constantly, 4–5 minutes. Remove from heat before it simmers.
2. Fold in the Crunch
→ Gently stir in cereal or nuts until every piece is coated—no dry spots!
→ Mixture will be thick, glossy, and fragrant—like warm toffee batter.
3. Press & Set
→ Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides (for easy lifting!).
→ Pour mixture into pan.
→ Press firmly and evenly with:
• The back of a greased measuring cup, or
• A greased spatula, or
• Parchment-covered hands
✅ Press hard—this prevents crumbling later!
4. Add the Chocolate Topping
→ In a small bowl, melt 1 cup chocolate chips + 1 tbsp coconut oil (microwave or double boiler) until smooth.
→ Pour evenly over base; tilt pan to spread.
→ Immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt (if using).
✅ Work quickly—chocolate sets fast!
5. Chill & Slice
→ Refrigerate 1–2 hours, or until completely firm.
→ Lift slab out using parchment overhang.
→ Cut into 16 squares with a sharp knife (wipe blade with hot water between cuts for clean edges).
Tips for Perfect Bars (Joye-Approved!)
🔸 Press, press, press! Under-pressed bars = crumbly bites. Be firm—it’s worth it.
🔸 Chill fully. Warm bars = messy slices. Patience pays.
🔸 Toast the nuts. Raw = flat; toasted = rich, buttery, unforgettable.
🔸 Say “Ready?” before serving. It’s not superstition—it’s ritual. And rituals make sweets sweeter.
Delicious Variations to Try
Salted Caramel Crunch
Swirl ¼ cup thick caramel sauce into base before topping
Your love of sweet-salty depth—so
giftable
Mocha Crunch
Add 1 tsp instant espresso powder to chocolate topping
Deep, complex,
adult-level delicious
Peanut Butter Swirl
Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter into base; marble gently
Creamy, nostalgic, crowd-pleasing
Holiday Sparkle
Use red/green cereal + white chocolate topping + crushed peppermint
Festive, fun,
so
Instagram-worthy
Nut-Free Joy
Use all crispy rice cereal or toasted sunflower seeds
Safe, crunchy, still deeply satisfying
Gifting & Serving Ideas (Joye’s Favorites!)
🎁 Holiday tins: Layer bars in cupcake liners, tuck into vintage tins
