Chocolate + Caramel = BLISS

Remember that old ad slogan, “Two great tastes that taste great together?” Yeah, chocolate and peanut butter are a good combo, but for my money, chocolate and caramel are the true dynamic duo.

Although both caramel and chocolate have been popular confections since at least the late 18th century, the first commercial application of the ingredients together was the debut of Goo Goo Clusters candy from the Standard Candy Company in 1912. In the 20th century, mass production of both ingredients and refinements to their formulations made them easier to work with for home cooks. And am I glad!

When I have a hankering for a chocolate caramel treat, I head straight to the Tastefully Simple recipe database. Rich, buttery Creamy Caramel Sauce partnered with one of the available brownie mixes or Classy Chocolate Pound Cake beats a mass-produced candy bar anytime!

Some of my favorites:

Candy Bar Brownies. It’s not a Goo Goo, but you’ll go ga-ga for this delightful dessert that combines ALL the candy bar stars: a Peanut Butter Brownie base, nuts, creamy filling and Creamy Caramel topping.

Classy Double Chocolate Cheesecake. Decadent much? You’re WORTH it!  Classy Chocolate Pound Cake forms the bottom layer of this super-simple cheesecake. Creamy Caramel Sauce is drizzled over the top. Want even more chocolate-caramel cheesecake glory? Try Brownie Turtle Cheesecake, made in your multi-cooker!

Chocolate Caramel Lace Cookies. This delicate, traditional Italian cookie was new to me when I discovered the recipe last year, but it will be in my holiday cookie repertoire from now on.

Classy Chocolate Caramel Bread Pudding. What’s better than bread pudding? Pound cake pudding! Classy Chocolate Pound Cake cubes are smothered with sweet caramel custard, baked and topped with Creamy Caramel Sauce. What’s not to love?

However you mix ’em up, the delicious duet of chocolate and caramel is a recipe for pure bliss!

kgm