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Perfect Shortbread Caramel Bars

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These bars feature a buttery, crisp shortbread base topped with a luscious, chewy caramel layer, creating a perfect balance of crumbly crust and gooey caramel in an easy homemade treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter and ½ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and mix.
  2. Gradually sift in 2 cups all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir gently until mixture forms coarse crumbs.
  3. Press dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch pan, compacting firmly and evenly.
  4. Bake crust for 18-20 minutes until edges are golden brown and center is set but tender.
  5. While crust bakes, combine 1 cup brown sugar, 6 tablespoons butter, and 1 cup heavy cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until sugar dissolves and mixture bubbles gently.
  6. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in ¼ teaspoon sea salt and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  7. Pour warm caramel evenly over baked shortbread crust and spread with a spatula.
  8. Let bars cool completely at room temperature for at least 2 hours or refrigerate for quicker setting.
  9. Once set, cut into bars using a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts for neat edges.

Notes

Do not overmix the dough to keep the crust tender and crumbly. Press dough firmly but gently to avoid cracking. Watch caramel closely to prevent burning. Use room temperature butter for best creaming results. Let bars cool completely before cutting to avoid sticky slices. Store-bought caramel sauce can be used to save time but reduce added salt in dough.

Nutrition

Keywords: shortbread bars, caramel bars, homemade dessert, buttery shortbread, caramel dessert, easy bars, quick dessert

Find it online: https://nadinetable.com/perfect-shortbread-caramel-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-buttery-crisp-base/