Chocolate Salted Caramel Bars
I love to experiment with different recipes and combine classic and new flavors. I've been making this shortbread for over 20 years and finally have found the perfect pairing! I love the new craze, salted caramel, and of course I love dark chocolate, so I layered these two flavors with my favorite shortbread crust. It's melt-in-your-mouth good, and it is quickly becoming a favorite with my family, friends and customers! For even more gooey goodness, drizzle bottled caramel sauce over top.
I love to experiment with different recipes and combine classic and new flavors. I've been making this shortbread for over 20 years and finally have found the perfect pairing! I love the new craze, salted caramel, and of course I love dark chocolate, so I layered these two flavors with my favorite shortbread crust. It's melt-in-your-mouth good, and it is quickly becoming a favorite with my family, friends and customers! For even more gooey goodness, drizzle bottled caramel sauce over top.
- Carbohydrate 187.8381002366 g
- Cholesterol 515.450000621869 mg
- Fat 193.952260237694 g
- Fiber 6.75000012781009 g
- Protein 27.072060033963 g
- Saturated Fat 121.598020149068 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -1/2 dozen. (583g)
- Sodium 33001.6388859181 mg
- Sugar 181.08810010879 g
- Trans Fat 14.0751960174425 g
- Calories 2618 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- Beat butter, sugars and vanilla until light and fluffy.
- Gradually beat in flour, mixing well.
- Press 3 cups of dough onto bottom of a greased 13x9-in. pan.
- Bake until set, 20-22 minutes.
- Cool 10 minutes on a wire rack.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt caramels with cream over low heat until smooth.
- Pour over crust.
- Sprinkle with salt, then chocolate chips.
- Drop remaining dough over top by teaspoonfuls.
- Bake until light golden brown, 30-35 minutes longer.
- Cool on a wire rack.
My Chocolate Salted Caramel Bar Obsession
As a busy working mom, finding time to bake is a luxury, not a given. But when I do find those precious moments in the kitchen, I crave something that's both delicious and relatively quick to make. That's where my Chocolate Salted Caramel Bars come in. They're not just a treat; they're a testament to the joy of combining classic flavors in a surprisingly easy-to-make dessert.
The inspiration struck me during a particularly hectic week. I was juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the endless to-do list that comes with family life. I needed a pick-me-up, something comforting and decadent to reward myself for surviving another week. I rummaged through my pantry, my eyes landing on a bag of dark chocolate chips and a jar of salted caramel sauce – two of my absolute favorites. An idea sparked, and soon, I was experimenting with my tried-and-true shortbread recipe, creating a layered masterpiece that's become a family favorite.
The base is a simple shortbread, buttery and crumbly, providing the perfect foundation for the rich, gooey caramel. The salted caramel, with its perfectly balanced sweet and salty notes, adds a sophisticated touch, elevating the dessert to a whole new level. And of course, the dark chocolate, rich and intense, is the final touch of indulgence. The combination of textures and flavors is just heavenly – a delightful dance of melt-in-your-mouth shortbread, luscious caramel, and intense dark chocolate. Each bite is an explosion of flavor and texture.
These bars are incredibly versatile. I’ve served them at countless potlucks, holiday gatherings, and even as a simple after-dinner treat for my family. They’re always a hit, disappearing almost as quickly as I can bake them. And the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make, even on a busy weeknight. The recipe requires no special skills or equipment, just a little time and love.
Beyond their deliciousness, these bars also hold a special sentimental value for me. They remind me of simpler times, of spending weekends in the kitchen with my grandmother, learning the art of baking. The aroma of warm butter and sugar, the comforting crackle of the oven – these memories are woven into every batch I make. Each bite transports me back to those cherished moments, reminding me of the importance of family, tradition, and the simple joys of life. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a piece of my heart, shared with everyone who takes a bite.
I’ve experimented with variations over the years, sometimes adding a sprinkle of sea salt for extra crunch, other times using milk chocolate or white chocolate instead of dark. But the classic combination remains my absolute favorite. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and decadent, a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there’s always time for a little bit of sweetness.
So, the next time you’re looking for a simple yet impressive dessert, give my Chocolate Salted Caramel Bars a try. They’re sure to become a new favorite in your household, a delicious treat that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. And who knows, they might even become a cherished family tradition for you, too, bringing a little bit of sweetness to your busy life, one bar at a time.
