Indulge in Heavenly Caramel Shortbread Bars Recipe

Sweet meets decadent in these irresistible caramel shortbread bars that melt hearts with every gooey bite.

Buttery shortbread creates a perfect golden base for rich, flowing caramel layers that promise pure indulgence.

The combination of crisp, tender crust and silky smooth caramel delivers a dessert that speaks directly to chocolate lovers.

Crumbly, yet soft shortbread provides a delicate foundation for the luxurious caramel topping.

Each bar promises a symphony of textures that dance between crisp and creamy.

Simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to fall in love with these heavenly bars that turn an ordinary moment into a celebration of sweet bliss.

Tasty Tips For Decadent Layered Caramel Shortbread Bars

• Shortcut Caramel Mastery: Melt butter and sugars slowly to prevent burning, stirring constantly for a silky-smooth caramel texture.
• Chilled Perfection Technique: Refrigerate each layer completely before adding the next to ensure clean, defined layers that hold their shape.
• Chocolate Drizzle Magic: Warm your knife under hot water before cutting to get crisp, clean edges without cracking the chocolate layer.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for a celiac-friendly version.
• Make-Ahead Magic: These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making them ideal for advance party prep or unexpected sweet cravings.

How To Share Decadent Layered Caramel Shortbread Bars

• Sweet Companion Pairings: Complement these rich bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a steaming cup of dark roast coffee for a delightful contrast.
• Elegant Dessert Presentation: Garnish each bar with a light dusting of sea salt flakes or a drizzle of extra melted chocolate to elevate the visual appeal and add gourmet sophistication.
• Party Perfect Plating: Arrange bars on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries and mint leaves, creating an Instagram-worthy dessert spread that will impress guests at gatherings or potlucks.
• Gifting Delights: Individually wrap bars in parchment paper and tie with a decorative ribbon for a homemade treat perfect as edible gifts during holidays or special occasions.

Store Decadent Layered Caramel Shortbread Bars Safely

• Fridge-Friendly Storage: Keep these delicious bars in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper, storing in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cold temperatures help maintain their perfect texture and prevent caramel from getting too soft.
• Quick Freezing Strategy: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen bars stay delectable for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
• Temperature Tip: Always let bars sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften the chocolate and caramel slightly, enhancing their rich, creamy consistency.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire batch up to 2 days before your event. Store covered in the refrigerator, which allows flavors to meld and develop a more intense taste profile. Remove 30 minutes prior to serving for optimal enjoyment.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Calories: 332 kcal

Servings: 17

What Goes In Decadent Layered Caramel Shortbread Bars

• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and creates tender texture for the base.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp, golden shortbread.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure and classic shortbread crumble.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates smooth, silky caramel with deep flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Delivers rich, molasses-like sweetness to the caramel.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Helps achieve thick, luxurious caramel consistency.
• Light Corn Syrup: Prevents sugar crystallization and ensures glossy caramel.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the caramel.

• Chocolate Chips: Provides smooth, glossy chocolate layer with rich flavor.
• Neutral Cooking Oil: Helps create shiny, easily spreadable chocolate topping.

Tools For Decadent Layered Caramel Shortbread Bars

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for creating those delectable layered bars.
• Parchment paper: Essential for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
• Large mixing bowl: For combining shortbread ingredients and creating the base.
• Electric mixer or hand mixer: Helps cream butter and sugar to light, fluffy perfection.
• Saucepan: Crucial for preparing the rich, silky caramel layer.
• Spatula: Great for spreading layers evenly and smoothly.
• Microwave-safe bowl: Ideal for melting chocolate with oil.
• Sharp knife: Ensures clean, precise cuts when serving the bars.

Steps To Build Decadent Layered Caramel Shortbread Bars

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F and line your baking dish with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy lifting.

• Craft the Buttery Base

Whip softened butter and sugar until they’re light and fluffy. Fold in flour and create a crumbly dough. Press it firmly into the dish, creating a golden foundation.

• Bake to Perfection

Send the base into the oven for 20-25 minutes until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown. Let it cool and chill out while you prepare the next layer.

• Create Dreamy Caramel

In a saucepan, dance butter, brown sugar, condensed milk, corn syrup, and salt over medium heat. Stir constantly as the mixture bubbles and transforms. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until it reaches a rich, golden color. Pull off the heat and splash in vanilla for extra magic.

• Layer on the Caramel

Drizzle the luscious caramel over the cooled shortbread. Spread it evenly and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes until firm.

• Chocolate Finale

Melt chocolate chips with a touch of oil in short bursts, stirring until silky smooth. Pour this liquid gold over the caramel and spread gently.

• Chill and Slice

Refrigerate until the chocolate sets completely. Lift out the entire creation using the parchment paper. Slice into delectable squares with a hot knife for clean, crisp edges.

Gooey Layered Caramel Shortbread Bars

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 17 1x

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Description

Irresistible layered caramel shortbread bars combine rich buttery shortbread with silky caramel and smooth chocolate. Intense flavors and elegant textures make this Scottish-inspired dessert a luxurious treat for anyone craving sweet indulgence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter (for shortbread layer)
• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter (for caramel layer)
• 1 ½ cups (255 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1 (14 oz / 396 g) can sweetened condensed milk
• ¼ cup (60 ml) light corn syrup
• ½ teaspoon salt (for caramel)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (for shortbread)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable oil or coconut oil

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Instructions

1. Foundation Creation: Blend flour, sugar, and salt to form a cohesive shortbread dough, pressing evenly into a prepared baking pan with gentle, uniform pressure.
2. Base Transformation: Bake the shortbread in a preheated oven at 350°F until edges turn golden brown, creating a firm, crisp foundation for subsequent layers.
3. Caramel Alchemy: Combine butter, brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup, and salt in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, stirring continuously over medium heat until the mixture reaches a rich, amber consistency with a smooth, glossy finish.
4. Layering Technique: Pour the warm caramel directly over the cooled shortbread base, tilting the pan to ensure complete and even coverage, then allow to set at room temperature until firm and slightly tacky.
5. Chocolate Enrobing: Gently melt chocolate with a touch of neutral oil, creating a silky, pourable coating that will seamlessly blanket the caramel layer with a professional, lustrous finish.
6. Final Assembly: Pour the molten chocolate over the caramel, using a spatula to spread evenly and eliminate any air bubbles, then refrigerate until the chocolate sets completely into a crisp, glossy shell.
7. Presentation: Remove the entire dessert from the pan using parchment paper edges, slice into precise squares, revealing the intricate layers of shortbread, caramel, and chocolate.

Notes

• Master Shortbread Consistency: Use cold butter and mix until just combined to prevent tough texture, ensuring crumbly yet compact base that holds together perfectly.
• Caramel Temperature Control: Stir continuously and monitor heat closely to prevent burning, maintaining medium-low flame for smooth, golden caramel without scorching.
• Chocolate Coating Technique: Add tiny amount of neutral oil when melting chocolate to create glossy, crack-free surface that spreads evenly and looks professionally finished.
• Chill Between Layers: Allow each layer (shortbread, caramel, chocolate) to completely cool and set before adding next layer, preventing mixing and maintaining distinct, clean layer definition.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 332
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 42 mg