Decadent Salted Caramel Shortbread Bars: The Ultimate Treat
Indulge in the perfect balance of buttery, crumbly shortbread and rich, silky salted caramel. These Salted Caramel Shortbread Bars are an irresistible dessert that combines simple ingredients to create a truly gourmet experience. Whether you are looking for an easy holiday dessert or a decadent weekend baking project, this recipe delivers a stunning layered bar that will disappear from the plate in minutes.
Ingredients
For the Crust and Topping (Shortbread Layer):
· 4 cups All-purpose flour
· 1 pound Salted butter (4 sticks), cold and cut into cubes
· 1 ¼ cups Powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
· ¾ cup Granulated sugar
· 1 ½ tablespoons Pure vanilla extract
For the Salted Caramel Filling:
· 50-60 pieces Soft caramel candies (from a 14 oz. bag), unwrapped
· ⅓ cup Heavy cream (double cream)
· ½ tablespoon Flaky sea salt (plus more for garnish, optional)
· ½ teaspoon Pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Crust/Topping:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the long sides to easily lift the bars out later. Lightly grease the parchment.
In a very large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar. Add the vanilla extract.
Cut the cold, cubed salted butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry blender or your fingertips. Work the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining; this ensures a tender, flaky shortbread.
Press half of this crumbly mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Set the remaining crumb mixture aside for the topping.
Make the Caramel Filling:
Place the unwrapped caramel candies and the heavy cream in a large microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring vigorously with a fork or whisk after each interval. Repeat until the caramels are completely melted and the mixture is perfectly smooth and glossy.
Immediately stir in the flaky sea salt and the remaining ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. The salt enhances the sweetness and creates that classic salted caramel flavor.
Assemble the Bars:
Pour the warm, smooth caramel mixture over the prepared shortbread crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly to the edges.
Evenly sprinkle the reserved crumb topping over the entire caramel layer. Do not press it down; let it sit loosely on top.
Bake and Cool:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The top should be a light golden brown, and you will see the caramel bubbling gently around the edges.
Remove from the oven and place the dish on a wire rack to cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial before refrigerating.
Chill and Serve:
Once cooled, transfer the dish to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the caramel layer is completely firm and set. This makes cutting clean bars much easier.
Using the parchment overhang, lift the entire block of bars onto a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut into squares. For the best texture, allow the bars to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Variations
Chocolate Drizzle:
After the bars have chilled and been cut, melt semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips with a teaspoon of coconut oil. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the bars for an extra layer of indulgence. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.
Nutty Crunch:
For added texture, mix ½ cup of finely chopped pecans or toasted walnuts into the reserved crumb topping before sprinkling it over the caramel. This adds a wonderful nutty flavor and crunch that complements the caramel.
Dark Caramel Sea Salt:
Use dark brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the crust for a deeper, more molasses-like flavor that pairs beautifully with the salted caramel. You can also use a dark caramel candy for a richer taste.
Gluten-Free Option:
To make this a gluten-free dessert, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture will remain remarkably similar.
Tips for the Perfect Bars
Use Cold Butter:
For the best shortbread texture, ensure your butter is straight from the refrigerator. Cutting cold butter into the flour mixture creates steam pockets as it bakes, resulting in a flaky, tender crust rather than a greasy one.
Line Your Pan:
Do not skip lining your 9×13 pan with parchment paper. It creates a “sling” that allows you to lift the entire batch out cleanly, making them much easier to cut into neat, uniform squares without breaking the caramel layer.
Watch the Baking Time:
Ovens can vary. Bake just until the top is golden brown. Overbaking can cause the shortbread to become too hard and the caramel to become tough rather than soft and chewy.
Patience is Key:
Allowing the bars to chill fully in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours is non-negotiable for clean cuts. If you try to cut them while warm, the caramel will ooze out and create a mess.
Nutritional Information
Please note: The following nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used and any variations applied.
· Serving Size: 1 bar (based on 24 servings)
· Calories: Approximately 320-350 kcal
· Fat: 18-22g
· Carbohydrates: 38-42g
· Sugar: 24-28g
· Protein: 3-4g
· Sodium: 200-250mg (due to salted butter and added sea salt)
Potential Health Benefits
While this is undeniably a decadent treat meant for indulgence, there are minor considerations regarding the ingredients used:
· Source of Energy: The combination of carbohydrates from the sugars and flour provides a quick source of energy. The fats from the butter and cream contribute to sustained energy levels.
· Mood Enhancement: Enjoying a favorite dessert in moderation can be a significant mood booster and a wonderful way to celebrate special occasions with family and friends.
· Mineral Content (from Sea Salt): Using high-quality sea salt can provide trace amounts of minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium, unlike heavily processed table salt.
Conclusion
These Salted Caramel Shortbread Bars are the epitome of a perfect homemade dessert. With a crunchy, buttery shortbread base and a luscious, salty-sweet caramel center, every bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
Easy to make yet impressive enough for any gathering, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite in your collection. Whip up a batch today and treat yourself to a truly spectacular sweet and salty experience