Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the first time I made these salted caramel shortbread bars. I was having one of those cozy Sundays where the rain was falling softly outside, and I just felt the urge to fill my kitchen with something sweet and indulgent. The rich, buttery flavor of the shortbread paired with that luscious, gooey caramel—it’s like a hug in dessert form! Each bite is a perfect balance of sweet and salty, with that satisfying crunch of the shortbread underneath. Trust me, once you make these bars, they’ll become a go-to treat for gatherings or just a cozy night in. You won’t want to miss out on this delightful experience!
Ingredients for Salted Caramel Shortbread Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
How to Prepare Salted Caramel Shortbread Bars
Preparing these salted caramel shortbread bars is a breeze! I promise you, once you get the hang of it, you’ll find yourself making them on repeat. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to dessert heaven!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and ready for those delicious bars!
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Next, sift in the all-purpose flour and salt. Gently mix until everything is combined. Don’t overwork it; you want that crumbly texture!
- Now, press the mixture evenly into a greased baking pan. Make sure it’s packed down well; this will be your shortbread base.
- Pop it in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until it’s golden brown on top. Just keep an eye on it, as oven times can vary!
- While that’s baking, let’s make the caramel. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
- Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. You want that rich, bubbling goodness! Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps thicken it up.
- After it simmers, remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully pour the warm caramel over your baked shortbread base, spreading it out evenly.
- Now, sprinkle that gorgeous sea salt on top! It’s the perfect finishing touch.
- Let everything cool completely in the pan before you slice it into bars. Patience is key here for clean cuts!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 40 minutes!
- Rich, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth.
- Decadent caramel layer that’s perfectly sweet and salty.
- Satisfying crunch from the shortbread base adds great texture.
- Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying solo!
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings or mix-ins.
- Great for meal prep—make a batch and enjoy throughout the week!
Tips for Success with Salted Caramel Shortbread Bars
To make sure your salted caramel shortbread bars turn out perfectly every single time, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips to share. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will elevate your baking game!
- Use high-quality butter: It makes a world of difference! Opt for a good unsalted butter for that rich flavor you crave.
- Measure accurately: Baking is a science, after all! Use a kitchen scale if you have one, especially for the flour and sugar. Too much can lead to a dense shortbread.
- Don’t rush the caramel: Be patient while cooking your caramel. It should reach a nice bubbling boil and simmer for about 5 minutes to get that perfect thickness.
- Watch your baking time: Every oven is different, so check on your shortbread a minute or two before the time is up. You want it golden but not overdone!
- Let it cool completely: I know it’s tempting to dive in right away, but letting the bars cool in the pan helps the caramel set up nicely for clean cuts.
- Experiment with toppings: Feel free to sprinkle on some chopped nuts or a drizzle of chocolate for an extra special touch!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be making the best salted caramel shortbread bars ever! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information for Salted Caramel Shortbread Bars
Now, I know you’re probably curious about the nutritional breakdown of these delightful salted caramel shortbread bars. While I believe in enjoying treats in moderation, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in! Here are the typical estimates per bar:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a general idea. Now, go ahead and enjoy these bars without guilt—each bite is worth it!
FAQ about Salted Caramel Shortbread Bars
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but I recommend sticking with unsalted butter for this recipe. This way, you have better control over the saltiness, especially since we add sea salt on top for that perfect sweet and salty combination!
What can I do if my caramel turns out too runny?
If your caramel is too runny, it might need more cooking time. Let it simmer a little longer on the stove until it thickens up. Just keep stirring and watching it closely to prevent burning!
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These salted caramel shortbread bars are perfect for making ahead. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or in the fridge for longer freshness.
How do I know when the shortbread base is done?
You’ll know the shortbread is done when it’s a lovely golden brown on top. Keep an eye on it as it bakes because every oven is a bit different. You want that perfect balance between golden and overbaked!
Can I add nuts or other toppings to these bars?
For sure! Feel free to sprinkle some chopped nuts on top of the caramel before it sets or add a drizzle of melted chocolate after they cool. It’s a great way to customize your bars to your liking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve whipped up these incredible salted caramel shortbread bars, you’ll want to know how to keep them fresh and delicious! Here’s how to store any leftovers (if there are any!) and how to reheat them if you prefer them warm.
First off, make sure to let your bars cool completely in the pan before transferring them. Once they’re cool, slice them into bars and store them in an airtight container. They can stay at room temperature for about 3-4 days if you keep them sealed tight, but if you want to extend their life, pop them in the fridge! They’ll last up to a week that way.
If you find yourself wanting to enjoy them warm, just take a bar and microwave it for about 10-15 seconds. It’ll soften that gooey caramel and give you that fresh-out-of-the-oven vibe! Just be careful not to overheat them, or you might end up with a melted mess. Enjoy every bite, whether cold or warm!
Salted Caramel Shortbread Bars: A Heavenly Indulgence to Try
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious salted caramel shortbread bars with a rich flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar.
- Add flour and salt, mixing until combined.
- Press mixture into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden.
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring until boiling.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Pour caramel over the baked shortbread base.
- Sprinkle sea salt on top.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be refrigerated for longer freshness.
- Use high-quality butter for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: salted caramel shortbread bars
