Salted Caramel Shortbread Bars are a delightful treat that combines crisp shortbread, creamy caramel, and rich chocolate. They are perfect for families and gatherings, satisfying both kids and adults alike. You can whip these up for a cozy dessert at home or to bring to a potluck. Each layer melts in your mouth, making every bite a joy.

Why You Will Love This Treat

These bars are incredibly easy to make and call for simple, everyday ingredients. They require minimal prep time, making them a great choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Plus, the sweet and salty combination will please any palate. You’ll be serving up smiles with every indulgent bite.

How to Make Delicious Bars

Making these salted caramel shortbread bars is straightforward. You’ll start by preparing the shortbread layer, followed by the creamy caramel, and finish with a luscious chocolate ganache. No fancy techniques are needed, just a little time to let each layer set.

What You Need

1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 ⅓ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
⅓ cup (70g) granulated sugar
⅓ cup (70g) light brown sugar
¼ cup (30g) oat flour
1 large egg yolk
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 (14 oz) cans (790g) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup light brown sugar
⅓ cup light corn syrup
14 Tbsp (195g) salted butter, cut into small cubes
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups (340g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate
½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
Sea salt (for sprinkling, optional)

Step-by-Step

How to Cook Shortbread Layer, Caramel Layer, Chocolate Ganache Layer

Prepare the Shortbread: Preheat your oven and mix the ingredients for the shortbread layer. Press it into a baking dish and bake until lightly golden.
Make the Caramel: In a saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, light brown sugar, corn syrup, and salted butter. Stir until smooth and cook over low heat until thickened. Pour over the shortbread base and let it cool.
Finish with Ganache: Melt chocolate and heavy cream together to create the ganache. Spread it over the cooled caramel layer, and let everything set.
Sprinkle with Sea Salt: Add a touch of sea salt for that delicious sweet and salty balance. Cut into bars and enjoy!

How to Serve These Sweet Treats

These salted caramel shortbread bars are perfect for sharing. Serve them on a plate at family gatherings or enjoy them with a cup of milk. They can also make a delightful addition to a dessert buffet or be packed as a special sweet treat in lunchboxes.

How to Store Your Bars

To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to a week. If you’d like to freeze them, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Just let them thaw in the fridge before enjoying.

Recipe Tips

Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best mixing results.
Let the caramel cool completely to avoid melting the chocolate layer.
Use a sharp knife to cut for neat edges.
If you don’t have oat flour, you can substitute with all-purpose flour.
For extra chocolate flavor, use chocolate chips in the ganache.

Variations & Swaps

Peanut Butter Swirl: Add a layer of peanut butter on top of the caramel before the ganache for a nutty twist.
Nutty Shortbread: Mix in crushed nuts like walnuts or pecans into the shortbread layer for added texture.
Different Chocolates: Swap semi-sweet chocolate for milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter ganache.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make these salted caramel shortbread bars a day or two in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. They only get better as the flavors meld!

Can I freeze the bars?
Yes, these bars can be frozen! Wrap them well in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay good for about three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

What’s the best way to reheat them?
To reheat, place a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until warmed through. Just be careful not to overheat, as the caramel can get too gooey.

What if I don’t have light corn syrup?
If you don’t have light corn syrup, you can use honey or maple syrup as an alternative. Each option will give the caramel a slightly different flavor but will still be delicious.

What mistakes should I avoid when making the bars?
One common mistake is not letting each layer cool properly before adding the next. This can cause the layers to mix, which you want to avoid. Also, be gentle when melting the chocolate to prevent burning.

Enjoy these delightful salted caramel shortbread bars with your family—they’re sure to become a favorite!