Irresistible Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars Recipe

Sweet chocolate caramel shortbread bars dance between decadent layers of buttery goodness and rich indulgence.

Layers of crumbly shortbread create a perfect foundation for silky caramel.

Molten chocolate cascades across the surface, promising an irresistible treat.

Crisp edges hint at the delightful contrast waiting inside each bite.

Blending classic flavors with simple techniques makes this dessert accessible to bakers of all skill levels.

Unexpected moments of pure pleasure await you in every single square.

Dive into this recipe and unleash your inner pastry chef!

What Makes Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars So Decadent

• Boost Baking Skills: Perfect recipe for bakers wanting to elevate their dessert-making abilities with a delightful, layered treat that looks professionally crafted.
• Crowd-Pleasing Indulgence: Combines rich chocolate, smooth caramel, and buttery shortbread in a single bar, guaranteeing smiles and compliments from family and friends.
• Stress-Free Preparation: Requires minimal technical skills, uses simple ingredients, and follows straightforward steps that even novice bakers can confidently execute.
• Versatile Dessert Option: Suitable for potlucks, holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a weekend sweet treat that impresses without demanding complex techniques.

Ingredients for Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational dry ingredient that provides structure to the shortbread.
• Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that creates a tender and flaky texture in the shortbread.
• Confectioners' Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Sweet ingredients that add sweetness and help create a delicate crumb.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: A flavor enhancer that adds depth and warmth to the shortbread base.

• Baking Caramel Bits: Soft candies that melt into a smooth, rich caramel sauce.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: A rich dairy product that helps create a smooth and creamy caramel sauce.

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Chocolate morsels that add a rich, sweet chocolate flavor to the bars.

How to Bake Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 325°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and give it a quick spray of non-stick cooking spray to make sure nothing sticks.

Step 2: Whip Up the Base Mixture

• Softened butter
• Powdered sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract

Blend these ingredients with an electric mixer until they’re smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Fold in the Flour

Gradually add all-purpose flour to the mixture.

Mix until everything comes together. The dough might look a bit crumbly, but it should hold together when you press it.

Step 4: Create the Shortbread Foundation

Spread about 3-4 cups of the shortbread mixture into the prepared pan. Press it down firmly to create an even base layer.

Step 5: Bake the First Layer

Pop the pan into the oven and bake for about 25 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-edged base that’s set and firm.

Once done, let it cool down completely.

Step 6: Craft the Caramel Sauce

• Caramel bits
• Heavy whipping cream

Stir over medium heat until the caramel melts into a silky smooth sauce.

Step 7: Drizzle the Caramel

Pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over the cooled shortbread base, making sure it reaches every corner.

Step 8: Sprinkle Chocolate Chips

Scatter semi-sweet chocolate chips across the caramel layer in an even distribution.

Step 9: Add the Topping

Take the remaining shortbread mixture and create small flattened discs. Gently place these discs over the chocolate chips, allowing them to slightly overlap.

Step 10: Final Bake

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Watch for a beautiful golden-brown top that signals perfection.

Step 11: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature. Slice into squares and enjoy your decadent creation!

Tips to Nail Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars Every Time

• Ensure butter is at room temperature for smooth mixing and better incorporation of ingredients.
• Use parchment paper with non-stick spray to easily remove bars and prevent sticking.
• Break shortbread dough into small, flattened discs for an even, attractive top layer that allows caramel and chocolate to peek through.
• Maintain medium heat when melting caramel to prevent burning and achieve a silky, smooth sauce.
• Let bars cool completely before cutting to help them set properly and create clean, neat slices.

Variations to Elevate Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars

• Gluten-Free Shortbread Bars: Swap all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals. Maintain the same measurements and baking technique.
• Vegan Caramel Chocolate Version: Replace butter with coconut oil, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and create caramel sauce using coconut cream and coconut sugar. Ensures plant-based friendly alternative.
• Nutty Chocolate Caramel Bars: Incorporate chopped pecans or almonds into the shortbread base and sprinkle additional nuts between chocolate and caramel layers. Adds extra crunch and rich nutty flavor profile.

Pairings That Complement Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars

• Dark roast espresso cuts through the sweet caramel and chocolate, balancing the rich dessert with its bold, intense flavor profile that refreshes the palate between bites.
• Smooth, cold vanilla ice cream creates delightful temperature contrast against warm shortbread bars, enhancing the dessert's decadent caramel and chocolate layers while providing a cool, silky texture.
• Robust port wine's deep fruity notes and slight sweetness harmonize beautifully with the chocolate and caramel, offering a sophisticated adult pairing that elevates the dessert's complex flavor dimensions.

Storage Guidelines for Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars

• Refrigerator Storage: Seal cooled bars in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining texture and flavor.
• Freezer Preservation: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months, ensuring complete protection from freezer burn.
• Room Temperature Keeping: Store bars in sealed container at cool room temperature for 2-3 days, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Reheating Method: Gently warm refrigerated or thawed bars in microwave for 10-15 seconds, or restore crispness by placing in 325°F oven for 3-5 minutes before serving.

FAQs

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can. If using salted butter, reduce or eliminate any additional salt in the recipe to maintain the right flavor balance.

• How do I know if my shortbread base is properly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a firm texture. The base should feel set when lightly touched and have a light golden color around the edges.

• What if my caramel sauce is too thick or thin?

If the caramel is too thick, add a little more cream. If it’s too thin, continue cooking for a few more minutes to help it thicken. Stir constantly to prevent burning.

• Can I substitute the chocolate chips with another type of chocolate?

Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips depending on your preference. Just ensure they melt well and complement the caramel flavor.

Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Delectable chocolate caramel shortbread bars blend rich flavors from traditional Scottish baking. Chocolate layers meld with buttery shortbread and silky caramel, creating a luxurious treat you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 14 oz baking caramel bits
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) heavy whipping cream
• 4 cups (480 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (454 g) butter, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups (180 g) confectioners’ sugar
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 6 tsp pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 325°F and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, lightly spraying with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Cream butter, confectioners’ sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until smooth and well-blended.
3. Gradually incorporate flour into the mixture, mixing until just combined. The dough will appear crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
4. Press approximately 3/4 of the shortbread mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish, creating an even base layer.
5. Bake the shortbread base for 25 minutes until edges turn golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
6. In a saucepan, melt caramel bits with heavy whipping cream over medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth and fully integrated.
7. Pour the caramel sauce evenly across the cooled shortbread base, ensuring complete coverage to the edges.
8. Sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips uniformly over the caramel layer.
9. Create small flattened discs from the remaining shortbread dough and delicately place them over the chocolate chips, allowing slight overlap.
10. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the top shortbread layer turns a rich golden-brown color.
11. Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature before cutting into serving pieces.

Notes

• Ensure butter is truly at room temperature for smooth mixing and optimal texture.
• Keep shortbread mixture slightly crumbly but compact when pressing into pan to maintain delicate, traditional shortbread consistency.
• Use parchment paper overhang as handles for easy lifting and clean cutting of bars after cooling completely.
• Experiment with alternative chocolate types like milk or dark chocolate for personalized flavor variations.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 357
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 35 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg