Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars – Immerse yourself in the delightful world of Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars, a dessert that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser, at any gathering. Just think of the heavenly combination of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and indulgent chocolate all coming in harmony. These bars, with their easy-to-follow recipe, bring together ingredients like butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and chocolate chips to create a truly heavenly treat.
The time first I made these delectable Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars was for a family get-together. Seeing the smiles light up on my husband’s and child’s faces with every bite was a joy. The blend of chocolate and caramel nestled on top of a buttery shortbread base instantly won everyone over creating memories filled with laughter and sweet indulgence.
What makes these Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars truly special?
These Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars are not just a delight for your taste buds. Also, showcase their simplicity and versatility. The balanced textures include a shortbread base, a velvety smooth layer of caramel in the middle topped off with a soft layer of chocolate. Each element contributes to an exquisite mouthfeel. The ease of preparation makes these bars an excellent choice for both beginner bakers and those more experienced, in the kitchen. Whether you’re taking them to a family get-together sharing them at a meal or just indulging in them on an evening, at home these delectable treats are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression and fulfill your desire, for something sweet.
What You Need To Make These Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars Recipe?
Room Temperature Butter: Butter, at room temperature plays a role in creating a tender base for the shortbread. Its ability to blend seamlessly ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s essential for perfection.
Confectioners’ Sugar (Powdered Sugar): When it comes to sweetening the shortbread confectioners’ sugar (also known as sugar) is preferred over granulated sugar. With its finer texture, it dissolves easily imparting a sweetness that contributes to the velvety texture of the shortbread.
Granulated Sugar: Speaking of granulated sugar its sparkling crystals not only add sweetness. It also provides a subtle hint of texture to balance out the richness of the shortbread. It’s about achieving the right amount of sweetness.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Adding a dash of high-quality vanilla extract elevates the flavor profile of the shortbread. The warm and aromatic depth it brings complements both the caramel and chocolate layers perfectly enhancing their taste.
All-Purpose Flour: The all-purpose flour acts as the backbone that brings all these ingredients together. Its gluten content is carefully balanced to give the shortbread firmness without making it overly dense.
Baking Caramel Bits: To create a caramel layer that contrasts with the crispness of the shortbread baking caramel bits are an excellent choice. These little gems melt beautifully. Save your time while ensuring perfect caramel texture.
Heavy Whipping Cream: The secret ingredient, for achieving a creamy caramel is whipping cream. It adds a touch that takes your caramel to another level. It combines seamlessly with the caramel pieces resulting in a layer that’s incredibly indulgent and brings a delightful texture to the bars.
Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips: The semi-sweet quality of these chips achieves a balance, between sweetness and bitterness imparting a chocolate flavor that isn’t overwhelming. This blends, with the caramel and shortbread layers creating a combination.
Steps To Make Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars:
Step 1: To begin preheat your oven to 325°F. Line a baking dish measuring 9×13 inches, with parchment paper.
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Step 2: In a mixing bowl combine the butter, powdered sugar, white sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip them together until you achieve a creamy consistency.
Step 3: Gradually add the flour to the mixture. Mix well until everything is fully combined. Take 3 to 4 cups of this dough and press it into the prepared baking dish to create the base.
Step 4: Place the dish in the oven. Bake for approximately 25 minutes or until the edges turn golden.
Step 5: While waiting for the base to cool down melt caramel bits along with whipping cream in a saucepan. Stir continuously until you achieve a caramel mixture. Pour this caramel layer over the cooled base.
Step 6: Sprinkle chocolate chips on top of the caramel layer. With the remaining dough, shape small discs and place them on top of the chocolate chips creating another layer.
Step 7: Return your baking dish back, into the oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until the top turns golden brown in color.
Step 8: Allow it to cool before cutting it into bars. Then simply savor these treats!
Tip:
When making the caramel layer it’s important to be mindful of its consistency. You want a caramel that can be poured easily but not too thin or thick. If it’s too runny it won’t properly set between the layers of shortbread and chocolate resulting in a slice. Conversely, if it’s too thick it can become chewy and difficult to bite into once cooled. The trick is to stir the mixture of caramel and heavy whipping cream, over heat until it achieves a golden and velvety texture that lightly coats the back of a spoon. This ideal consistency not only guarantees an eating experience but also adds to the visually appealing layers of these bars.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these bars in advance?
Sure you can definitely prepare these bars ahead of time. They remain fresh and delicious when kept in a container that controls air from getting in.
Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Certainly! If you prefer a sweeter flavor feel free to use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet ones.
How do I store leftover bars?
To guarantee the bars stay fresh it’s best to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. However, if you want them to last longer refrigeration is also an option.
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<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars
Ingredients
- 2 c butter brought to room temperature
- 1 ½ c confectioners’ sugar
- 1 c granulated sugar
- 6 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 4 c all-purpose flour
- 14 oz baking caramel bits
- ⅓ c heavy whipping cream
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Take a 9×13 inch baking dish line it with parchment paper and lightly spray it with nonstick baking spray.
- Make the Shortbread Base: In a bowl combine room-temperature butter confectioner's sugar, granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until blended. Gradually add flour to the mixture until you have a dough. Press 3 to 4 cups of this dough evenly, into the bottom of your baking dish.
- Place the base in the oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes or until you notice that the edges have turned golden. Once done take it out of the oven. Let it cool down.
- Prepare the Caramel Layer: In a saucepan over medium heat melt caramel bits along with whipping cream. Stir continuously until you achieve a smooth consistency. Pour this caramel mixture over your cooled shortbread base.
- Sprinkle a layer of chocolate chips on top of the caramel.
- Take portions of your remaining dough, flatten them slightly and place them evenly over the chocolate chips.
- Put your dish back, in the oven. Bake for another 35 to 40 minutes. Until you see that the top has turned golden brown. Once baked to perfection remove from the oven. Allow it to cool before slicing into bars.
- Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars!
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!
