Chocolate Caramel Bites

Name: Chocolate Caramel Bites
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24 bites
Ingredients: 200g dark chocolate, chopped; 50g milk chocolate, chopped; 100g granulated sugar; 30g unsalted butter; 60ml heavy cream; A pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making Chocolate Caramel Bites, a treat that never fails to impress friends and family. The combination of rich chocolate and gooey caramel is simply irresistible! Each bite is a little piece of heaven that embodies both sweetness and decadence. Whenever I serve these delightful bites, they're always the star of the dessert table. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make! Let me take you through how to create this delicious concoction that will satisfy your sweet tooth perfectly.

Created by

Ainsley Harper

Last updated on 2026-01-10T11:40:18.139Z

When I first created my Chocolate Caramel Bites, I wanted to combine my love for chocolate and caramel into a single dessert. I experimented a few times with different chocolate types, and I found that using dark chocolate created a beautifully balanced flavor that complements the sweetness of the caramel. It was a hit!

One essential tip is to make sure your caramel is at the right consistency before pouring it into the chocolate base. If it's too runny, it can make the bites messy and difficult to handle. Trust me, the right texture is key, and with a quick test, I always get it just right!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Decadent chocolate surrounding gooey caramel that satisfies cravings
Perfectly sized bites make them a delightful treat for any occasion
Easy to customize with different chocolate or toppings

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The heart of these Chocolate Caramel Bites lies in high-quality chocolate. I recommend using a combination of dark chocolate for its rich flavor and milk chocolate for added creaminess. The dark chocolate should contain at least 70% cocoa to balance the sweetness of the caramel. Be sure to chop the chocolate into small, even pieces to ensure it melts uniformly without burning, which can happen if you don't pay attention while heating.

When it comes to the caramel filling, the type of sugar used can significantly affect the texture. Granulated sugar is traditional, but using brown sugar can introduce a hint of molasses flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully. Make sure to control the heat while melting the sugar; too high a flame can cause it to crystallize rather than liquefy, resulting in a gritty texture instead of a smooth caramel.

Perfecting the Technique

One of the most crucial steps in this recipe is the melting of the chocolate. Employing the double boiler method allows for gentle heating; keep the water simmering, not boiling. Stirring constantly is key—this will prevent the chocolate from seizing. If it does seize, a small, controlled amount of vegetable oil or cocoa butter can help bring it back to a smooth consistency. This technique will give your Chocolate Caramel Bites a glossy finish that is visually appealing as well as delicious.

When layering chocolate and caramel in the molds, ensure that the first layer of chocolate is firm enough to support the caramel without leaking. You can let that initial layer cool slightly for a few minutes before adding the caramel. If you find the melted chocolate hard to work with or too warm, just chill it a little. This attention to texture can elevate your bites from good to extraordinary.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

After you've chilled and unmolded your Chocolate Caramel Bites, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for about a week, but I find that they are best enjoyed fresh within the first three days. If you plan to make them ahead for a special event, consider freezing them for up to a month. Just be sure to use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, and let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving.

For serving, I suggest garnishing the bites with a sprinkle of sea salt or crushed nuts for added texture and visual appeal. These bites also pair excellently with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine, making them a perfect after-dinner treat. If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with flavored salts or even a dash of espresso powder in the chocolate for a mocha twist.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create these delicious Chocolate Caramel Bites:

For the Chocolate Coating

200g dark chocolate, chopped
50g milk chocolate, chopped

For the Caramel Filling

100g granulated sugar
30g unsalted butter
60ml heavy cream
A pinch of salt

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Chocolate Caramel Bites:

Make the Caramel Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar until it turns a deep amber color. Add in the butter and stir to combine. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously.

Once everything is mixed, add a pinch of salt and remove from heat. Allow it to cool slightly.

Melt the Chocolate

In a heatproof bowl, combine both dark and milk chocolate. Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water to create a double boiler. Stir consistently until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.

Combine and Set

Pour a layer of melted chocolate into a silicone bite-sized mold, filling each cavity halfway. Then, add a teaspoon of caramel filling into each mold, followed by more melted chocolate to cover the caramel. Smooth out the tops with a spatula.

Chill and Serve

Place the molds in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes until fully set. Once set, gently pop the bites out of the molds and store them in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve.

Enjoy these treats as a sweet indulgence at any gathering!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, sprinkle a tiny bit of sea salt on top before chilling to enhance the contrast of sweet and salty.

Flavor Variations

If you're looking to experiment with flavors, consider adding a hint of vanilla extract to the caramel during cooking. This will enhance the richness of the filling. Alternatively, for a more adult twist, a splash of bourbon can be added after the caramel has thickened. Be sure to reduce the heat when adding any liquid to prevent splatters as it combines with the hot sugar mixture.

You can also customize the chocolate coating. Try using white chocolate or even flavored chocolate melts. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, you can mix in some finely crushed peppermint candies or orange zest into the chocolate for a refreshing take. Just remember to adjust the sweetness as necessary, since different chocolates have varying levels of sugar.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your caramel turns grainy, it typically means the sugar has crystallized. To avoid this, make sure the saucepan is clean and dry before starting, and avoid stirring the sugar too much while it melts. Should this happen, a tablespoon of water can help dissolve some of the crystals if added early in the melting process. If it’s too far gone, you may need to start over for the perfect silky consistency.

In case your chocolate is too thick for coating, adding a small amount of coconut oil or shortening can thin it out for easier dipping. Just melt the chocolate together with these additives to achieve the desired consistency. On the other hand, if the chocolate has cooled too much and is hardening, it can be gently reheated in the microwave in short bursts of 10-15 seconds while stirring in between until it's back to a workable state.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can. However, the bites will be sweeter, so adjust the caramel accordingly.

→ How long can I store these bites?

They can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, in an airtight container.

→ Can I freeze the Chocolate Caramel Bites?

Absolutely! They can be frozen for up to three months. Just ensure they are properly sealed.

→ What if my caramel turns hard?

If your caramel turns hard, simply reheat it gently with a bit more cream until it softens again.