Salted Caramel Chocolate Shortbread Bar Recipe

salted caramel chocolate shortbread bar

Salted Caramel Chocolate Shortbread Bars

For the shortbread:
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • a pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup sugar
For the caramel:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp light corn syrup
  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
For the chocolate:
  • 4 oz semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp light corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • fleur de sel or sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

Make the Shortbread:

Preheat the oven to 325 deg F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

With the mixer on low speed, blend in the flour mix until just incorporated. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan and press into an even layer.

Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden. Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Caramel Layer:

Combine the butter, sugar, corn syrup and sweetened condensed milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted.

Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, stirring constantly.

Continue simmering and stirring until the mix turns an amber color and thickens a bit. Pour over the shortbread layer as evenly as possible, and allow to cool completely and set by chilling in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.

Make the Chocolate Layer:

In a double boiler, combine the chocolate, corn syrup, and butter over simmering water. Heat, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.

Pour evenly over the caramel layer and use an offset spatula to smooth it out. Allow to cool for a minute or two and then sprinkle on the fleur de sel. Chill, covered, until ready to slice or serve.


This recipe is adapted from Eats Well with Others. The amount of ingredients have all been adjusted to half of the original because I was making a smaller amount.

I'm getting acclimated to the taste of salted caramel.  That may or may not be a good thing.