Caramel Slice

My Caramel Slice Journey: A Taste of Home

As a busy housewife, time is a precious commodity. Finding quick, delicious, and satisfying desserts is a constant quest. That's why I've fallen head-over-heels for the Caramel Slice. This isn't just any dessert; it's a trip down memory lane, a taste of home, and a surprisingly simple treat that even a beginner baker can master. It's one of those recipes that evokes feelings of nostalgia and comfort, reminding me of cozy afternoons spent in the kitchen.

This recipe, however, is a slight twist on the classic. While the traditional Caramel Slice, often found on tins of sweetened condensed milk, includes desiccated coconut, I’ve chosen to omit it. Why? Because I wanted to truly showcase the rich, buttery caramel flavor without any competing notes. The addition of a touch of salt elevates the caramel to a whole new level – a sweet and salty symphony in every bite. It’s this subtle alteration that makes my Caramel Slice truly unique. I believe that simple alterations can make a classic even better. I’ve shared this recipe with countless friends and family, and their reactions are always the same: pure delight. They're often surprised at how easy it is to make.

The beauty of the Caramel Slice lies not just in its taste, but also in its versatility. It’s perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight gatherings to special celebrations. I’ve served it at countless potlucks, picnics and even used it for my children's birthday parties, they always go down really well. The rich caramel filling and smooth chocolate topping always impress, and the simple biscuit base provides a pleasing contrast of textures. Moreover, it keeps well, so you can prepare it ahead of time and enjoy it over several days. The Caramel Slice is a true testament to the power of simple ingredients, thoughtfully combined to create something truly extraordinary. And the best part is, you only need a few ingredients!

From my perspective as a home baker, the joy of this recipe is its simplicity. The ingredients are readily available, and the process is straightforward, even for inexperienced bakers. The result is a dessert that looks impressive but requires minimal effort. It’s a perfect example of how even the simplest recipes can yield the most rewarding results. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and embark on a culinary adventure to create this delightful Caramel Slice.

I hope you enjoy my Caramel Slice as much as I do. Let me know how yours turns out!

Step-by-step

• Preheat oven to 160°C. Grease a 3cm-deep 30cm x 20cm lamington or slice tin. Line base and two long sides with baking paper, extending paper 5cm over the two long sides.
• For the Biscuit Base: Cream softened butter and sugar until pale in colour. Fold in flour lightly until the mixture is crumbly. Transfer mixture to the prepared tin. Press down to evenly compact with the back of a spoon or the flat underside of a glass; press with a piece of baking paper on top of mixture to prevent sticking to spoon or glass. Bake at 160°C for 30 minutes, or until light golden brown. Remove from oven and turn oven temperature up to 180°C.
• For the Salted Caramel Filling: Combine sweetened condensed milk, golden syrup, butter and salt in a saucepan. Stir over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes, or until the caramel mixture is golden brown; pour over the biscuit base. Spread evenly to level the surface. Return to oven and bake at 180°C for 10 minutes remove from oven and let cool until the surface set.
• For the Chocolate Topping: Place chocolate and copha in a large heatproof mixing bowl. Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water; making sure the base of bowl does not touch the water. When the chocolate mixture has melted, remove from heat and stir until smooth. Pour over the set caramel filling. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• When cold and set, remove slice from the tin, peel off lining paper and cut into 24 squares of 5cm x 5cm each. To make cutting easier, use a knife that has been dipped in hot water and wiped dry.