Description

These Shortbread Caramel Bars are the ultimate buttery dessert with layers of crumbly shortbread, rich homemade caramel filling, and a golden crumble topping. Perfect for a quick dessert idea, holiday baking, sweet snack, easy party dessert, or homemade bakery-style treat, these bars deliver the perfect balance of buttery texture and gooey caramel flavor. Whether you need easy dessert ideas, food ideas for gatherings, or an indulgent make-ahead recipe, these caramel bars are guaranteed to impress every time.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup caramel sauce

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1/4 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

1 teaspoon sea salt flakes

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add the flour and salt, then mix until crumbly dough forms.

4. Reserve about 1 cup of the dough mixture for the crumble topping.

5. Press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust.

6. Bake the crust for 15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.

7. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the caramel sauce, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a small pinch of salt.

8. Stir constantly until the caramel mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened.

9. Pour the caramel filling evenly over the partially baked crust.

10. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the caramel layer.

11. Bake for another 18 to 22 minutes until the topping becomes lightly golden.

12. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature.

13. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing for clean layers.

14. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle extra caramel on top before serving if desired.

Notes

Use thick caramel sauce for the best gooey texture and to prevent the filling from becoming runny.

Allow the bars to chill completely before slicing to achieve clean and neat layers.

Wipe the knife clean between cuts for professional-looking dessert bars.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 380
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 55mg