Caramel Slice – Experience the indulgence of the Ultimate Caramel Slice, a dessert that is bound to impress any gathering. Overflowing with caramel, a buttery crust and a decadent chocolate topping this delectable treat takes inspiration from Australia. Guarantees to satisfy your sweet cravings. It’s the choice, for those who relish the combination of caramel and chocolate; this recipe effortlessly brings together simple ingredients to create a dessert masterpiece. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to effortlessly recreate this treat in your kitchen. Immerse yourself in the world of desserts with our Ultimate Caramel Slice recipe featuring layers of buttery crust, velvety caramel and a rich chocolate topping. It’s a delight for dessert enthusiasts. Can be easily made at home.
I still vividly recall my first attempt, at making this Caramel Slice. It was a sunny afternoon when I decided to surprise my family with a special treat. That’s when I stumbled upon this recipe and thought it was worth giving it a shot. As the base baked in the oven its enticing aroma filled our home creating an inviting atmosphere that warmed our hearts. When my husband and child took their first bites their eyes sparkled with delight as smiles spread across their faces; it was a hit! This recipe has quickly become a favorite, in my family. I’m really excited to share it with you today.
What makes this Caramel Slice truly special?
This treat combines a mixture of textures and flavors that will leave you yearning for more. The best part is that anyone can make this chef-d’oeuvre even if you’re new to baking. It’s a choice for any occasion whether it’s a family gathering or an elegant dessert table. The crispy base provides the contrast, to the creamy caramel and the chocolate layer adds an indulgent touch. What makes this Caramel Slice truly special is its symmetry of sweetness and savory notes seizing the soul of dessert culture. Every morsel promises delight, making this treat tantalizing and truly stand out in the world of desserts.
What You Need To Make This Caramel Slice Recipe?
Base:
Plain/All Purpose Flour: This flour serves as the foundation ensuring a tender crumb that perfectly complements the caramel layer.
Brown Sugar: With its delightful molasses undertones brown sugar not only sweetens the base but also adds a caramel-like flavor enhancing the overall taste of each slice.
Desiccated Coconut: A nod to tropical flavors this ingredient brings a subtle sweetness and unique texture to make the base interesting and delightful.
Unsalted Butter: Melted to perfection butter binds all the base ingredients together creating a buttery and crumbly texture that simply melts in your mouth.
Caramel Filling:
Unsalted Butter: This rich fat adds depth and richness to the caramel giving it a buttery flavor.
Brown Sugar: Essential for creating gooey caramel, brown sugar melts into the butter contributing to its consistency and deep sweet taste.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all flavors in play adding an aromatic note to our heavenly caramel.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: The true star here! As it cooks this ingredient transforms into velvety caramel goodness. Creamy, with sweetness to make you swoon.
For the chocolate topping:
Dark or Milk Melting Chocolate: You have the option to use either dark or milk-melting chocolate depending on your preference, for richness or sweetness. This choice will determine the taste and texture of the smooth topping.
Vegetable Oil: To ensure that the melted chocolate spreads evenly over the caramel and sets with a sheen you can add an amount of vegetable oil. The oil helps to thin out the chocolate making it easier to work with.
Steps To Make Caramel Slice:
Step 1: Let’s start by preheating the oven to 350°F (or 320°F, for fan ovens).
Step 2: Take your baking pan measuring 7″ x 11″. Make sure to grease it well before lining it with parchment paper. It’s helpful to leave some parchment paper hanging over the edges for easy removal later.
Step 3: In a mixing bowl combine the flour, brown sugar, shredded coconut and melted butter. Mix them thoroughly until they are evenly incorporated.
Step 4: Next evenly press the mixture into the bottom of your pan. I find using either a spatula or an egg flip works well for this step.
Step 5: Place it in the oven. Bake for 15 minutes or until you achieve a lovely golden color, on the surface. If you have some time allow it to cool in the refrigerator.
Now let’s move on to making our caramel layer:
Step 6: Reduce the temperature to 320°F (or 280°F if you’re using a fan oven).
Step 7: In a saucepan set over medium-low heat combine the butter, brown sugar and vanilla extract. Allow the butter to melt. Then whisk everything together until well combined. Let it simmer gently.
Step 8: Once you notice bubbles forming it’s time to add the sweetened condensed milk. Get your whisk ready. Keep stirring for 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when you see bubbles forming at the bottom.
Step 9: Carefully pour the caramel over the base tilting the pan as necessary to spread it out evenly.
Step 10: Let it spend 12 minutes in the oven. Don’t worry if you spot some spots. That’s just your oven showing its quirky side.
For the chocolate layer:
Step 11: Combine your chocolate and vegetable oil in a microwave bowl.
Step 12: Heat them together in bursts, in the microwave stirring between each interval of 30 seconds. It usually takes me around 4 rounds to melt and achieve a smooth consistency.
Step 13: Pour the chocolate over your caramel layer using a spatula to spread it out. Give the pan a shake to ensure an even top surface.
Step 14: Allow it to set in the refrigerator for an hour. Once it’s ready take it out. Let it sit for 5 minutes. This will make cutting easier into bars or squares.
Tip:
The key, to achieving a perfect Caramel Slice lies in the execution of the caramel layer. To ensure its silkiness and smoothness it is important to maintain a medium-low heat and continuously whisk while cooking. This attentiveness helps prevent any graininess. Allows the butter, sugar and condensed milk to blend together seamlessly. Dedicate your attention to this step and you will be rewarded with a rich caramel layer that perfectly enhances the overall taste of your dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Sure you can definitely use salted butter instead of unsalted. However please note that it will introduce a taste to your base and caramel. If you choose this option just be mindful of the saltiness it will bring.
Can I use a different type of sugar for the base or caramel?
If you’re considering using a different type of sugar, for the base or caramel it’s worth mentioning that brown sugar works best in this recipe as it adds a molasses-like sweetness. Using a different sugar might alter the flavor and texture.
How do I store the Caramel Slice?
To store the Caramel Slice simply place it in an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated. It should remain delicious for, up to a week – if you can resist eating it all before then!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Caramel Slice
Ingredients
Base:
- 1 c plain/all-purpose flour
- 1/2 c brown sugar loosely packed
- 1/2 c desiccated coconut US: sweetened finely shredded coconut
- 125 grams 4.5 ounces unsalted butter, melted
Caramel Filling:
- 125 grams 4.5 ounces unsalted butter, roughly chopped
- 1/2 c 80 grams brown sugar, loosely packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or essence
- 395 grams 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (approximately 1 can, 300ml)
Chocolate Topping:
- 200 grams 7 ounces dark or milk melting chocolate (US: semi-sweet chocolate chips)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) or 320°F (160°C) if you have a fan oven.
- Next, prepare a baking pan measuring 7" x 11" (28 x 18 cm). Grease it. Line it with parchment paper making sure there's an overhang, for easy removal later.
- In a mixing bowl combine 1 cup of flour, half a cup of sugar, half a cup of coconut and 125g of melted unsalted butter. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Evenly press this mixture into the bottom of the pan.
- Place the pan in the oven. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the surface turns a lovely golden color.
- Once done baking set it aside to cool while you work on making the caramel. If you want to speed up the cooling process you can place it in the fridge.
- Now let's move on to preparing the caramel filling. Reduce your temperature to 320°F (160°C) or 284°F (140°C) if you're using a fan oven.
- In a saucepan, over medium-low heat combine 125g of unsalted butter, half a cup of brown sugar and one teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Stir the mixture until the butter has completely melted and all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Let the mixture simmer. Then add 395g of sweetened condensed milk.
- Whisk continuously, for 5 minutes until the mixture slightly thickens and you begin to see large slow bubbles forming.
- Carefully pour the caramel over your base tilting the pan as necessary to spread it evenly.
- Place it in an oven for 12 minutes. Don't worry if there are some spots; this is normal and expected.
- Once it's done place the pan on a wire rack to cool for 20 minutes then refrigerate it for 30 minutes. The caramel should set. The pan may still feel slightly warm when touched.
- For the Chocolate Topping, combine 200g of dark or milk chocolate and 1 tablespoon of oil in a bowl that's safe to use in a microwave.
- Heat it in bursts of 30 seconds in the microwave stirring between each burst until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Pour the chocolate over the layer of caramel using a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Gently knock on the counter with the pan to remove any air bubbles and ensure that its surface is smooth.
- Refrigerate, for an hour. Until the chocolate has set. Once the chocolate is set take it out of the refrigerator. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes. This will help soften the chocolate making it easier to cut.
- Utilize the overhanging parchment paper to lift the slice out of the pan and proceed to cut it into bars or squares.
- Indulge, in your delicious homemade Caramel Slice!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
