Salted Caramel Bars

Whenever I think of indulgent desserts, Salted Caramel Bars come to mind. These sweet, rich bars hold a special place in my heart, and I can’t help but reminisce about the first time I made them. It was a rainy afternoon, and I wanted something comforting to lift my spirits. I decided to whip up these bars, and as the aroma of melting butter filled my kitchen, I felt my mood instantly brighten. The combination of the buttery shortbread crust and the luscious salted caramel is simply irresistible, bringing a sense of warmth and nostalgia with every bite.

Every time I share Salted Caramel Bars with friends or family, I’m met with smiles and satisfied sighs. There’s something magical about the moment the rich caramel meets the crumbly crust; it’s a dessert that creates memories. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a gathering of loved ones, these bars never fail to impress. They’re not just a treat; they’re an experience, a treasure to be shared and enjoyed.

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Bars

The ingredients for Salted Caramel Bars work together in perfect harmony, creating a deliciously satisfying dessert. The rich butter serves as the base for both the crust and the caramel, ensuring a decadent flavor. The combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar gives the caramel its sweetness, while sea salt enhances the overall taste, balancing the flavors beautifully. With just a few key ingredients, you can whip up a batch that will impress anyone!

• 1 shortbread crust: This is the base of the bars, providing a buttery foundation that contrasts perfectly with the sweet caramel.
• 1 cup butter (2 sticks): The star ingredient for both the crust and the caramel, lending richness and depth of flavor.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the shortbread crust, balancing the flavors.
• 1¼ cup packed brown sugar: This brings a deeper, molasses-like flavor to the caramel layer.
• ¾ cup light corn syrup: Helps create that perfect gooey texture in the caramel, making it luscious and sweet.
• 1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances the sweetness of the caramel, providing that heavenly salty-sweet combination.
• ¼ cup half and half: This creamy ingredient adds richness to the caramel layer.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: While vanilla is typically a supporting player, it adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile.

Step by Step Guide for Salted Caramel Bars

Making Salted Caramel Bars is a delightful process that brings together simple ingredients to create something truly special. Follow these steps carefully to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

1. Start by preheating your oven to 325º F. This step is essential because a properly heated oven ensures your shortbread crust will bake evenly and become golden brown.

2. Next, prepare the shortbread crust. In a mixing bowl, combine your butter, granulated sugar, and a pinch of sea salt. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about two to three minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it turns a pale yellow and has a creamy texture. This fluffy mixture forms the base of your bars.

3. Now, add in the flour to your butter mixture and mix until well combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9 by 13-inch baking pan. Use your fingers or the bottom of a measuring cup to create an even layer.

4. Place the pan in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 15 to 20 minutes until the crust is set and lightly golden. Keep an eye on it; you want it just perfect, not overcooked! The aroma of baking butter will fill your kitchen.

5. While the crust cools, prepare the salted caramel layer. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the packed brown sugar, light corn syrup, butter, half and half, and sea salt. Stir over low to medium heat until everything is melted together.

6. Once melted, increase the heat to medium and allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature; you’re aiming for about 250º F, which is known as the hard ball stage. The caramel should turn a warm, golden brown color, signaling it’s ready.

7. Remove the pan from heat and add in the vanilla extract. Be careful, as the mixture will bubble up! Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until smooth and creamy.

8. Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread crust, spreading it into an even layer. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to set slightly.

9. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 to 3 hours, or overnight if you can wait. This step is crucial to allow the caramel to firm up properly.

10. When ready to serve, remove the pan from the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before slicing. This will make it easier to cut through the caramel.

Recipe Variations about Salted Caramel Bars

If you love Salted Caramel Bars but want to switch things up, there are plenty of variations to explore. Here are some ideas to inspire your next batch.

• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the caramel layer for a delightful crunch.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top after the caramel has set for an extra indulgent touch.
• Flavored Caramel: Experiment with different flavored syrups to create unique caramel variations, like adding espresso or orange zest.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the shortbread crust with a gluten-free cookie base for a gluten-friendly version.
• Mini Bars: Make bite-sized versions by using a smaller baking dish and cutting the bars into smaller pieces for parties.

Perfect Pairings for Salted Caramel Bars

When serving Salted Caramel Bars, consider these delicious pairings to elevate your dessert experience:

• Coffee: A warm cup of coffee pairs wonderfully with the sweet and salty flavors of the bars. The bitterness of the coffee perfectly balances the sweetness of the caramel.
• Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream for a decadent treat.
• Fresh Fruit: Accompany the bars with fresh berries or sliced apples for a refreshing contrast.
• Tea: A cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint, complements the richness of the bars.
• Chocolate Fondue: For a fun dessert platter, serve with chocolate fondue for dipping.
• Seasonal Celebrations: These bars are perfect for parties, celebrations, or as a comforting snack during cozy nights in.

FAQ

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Bars are truly a delightful dessert that combines the richness of caramel with a buttery shortbread crust. They are perfect for sharing and are sure to impress anyone who tries them. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, and I promise you won’t be disappointed. Enjoy making memories with each delicious bite!

Salted Caramel Bars

The ultimate treat for caramel lovers, these Salted Caramel Bars combine a buttery shortbread crust with a rich salted caramel layer. With their perfect balance of sweet and salty, they are a must-try for any dessert lover. Indulge in these bars tonight, and enjoy a delightful experience!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 24 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 shortbread crust
• 1 cup butter 2 sticks
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1¼ cup packed brown sugar
• ¾ cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ cup half and half
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Equipment

• Oven
• Frying Pan
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Start by preheating your oven to 325º F. This step is essential because a properly heated oven ensures your shortbread crust will bake evenly and become golden brown.
2. Next, prepare the shortbread crust. In a mixing bowl, combine your butter, granulated sugar, and a pinch of sea salt. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about two to three minutes. You'll know it's ready when it turns a pale yellow and has a creamy texture. This fluffy mixture forms the base of your bars.
3. Now, add in the flour to your butter mixture and mix until well combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9 by 13-inch baking pan. Use your fingers or the bottom of a measuring cup to create an even layer.
4. Place the pan in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 15 to 20 minutes until the crust is set and lightly golden. Keep an eye on it; you want it just perfect, not overcooked! The aroma of baking butter will fill your kitchen.
5. While the crust cools, prepare the salted caramel layer. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the packed brown sugar, light corn syrup, butter, half and half, and sea salt. Stir over low to medium heat until everything is melted together.
6. Once melted, increase the heat to medium and allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature; you’re aiming for about 250º F, which is known as the hard ball stage. The caramel should turn a warm, golden brown color, signaling it's ready.
7. Remove the pan from heat and add in the vanilla extract. Be careful, as the mixture will bubble up! Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until smooth and creamy.
8. Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread crust, spreading it into an even layer. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to set slightly.
9. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 to 3 hours, or overnight if you can wait. This step is crucial to allow the caramel to firm up properly.
10. When ready to serve, remove the pan from the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before slicing. This will make it easier to cut through the caramel.

Notes

• Tip 1: The prep time does not include the chilling time for the salted caramel shortbread bars.

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Meet Chloe Bennett

I started this blog to document the rustic, comforting food I love to make. I’m the “Pine” of the group I’m all about hearty stews, wood-fired cooking, and cozy, one-pot meals. I brought my best friends on board to make this a shared journal of our adventures. I work closely with Maya to develop our main courses and do most of the writing for our posts.