The Dreamiest Decadent Layered Caramel Shortbread Bars Recipe

Caramel lovers will adore these decadent layered caramel shortbread bars that promise pure indulgence.

Sweet memories of childhood treats dance through this irresistible dessert.

Buttery shortbread creates a perfectly crisp foundation for rich, golden caramel.

Silky smooth layers melt together in a symphony of textures that tantalize every sense.

Each bite delivers a luxurious combination of sweet and salty notes that make you close your eyes in pure bliss.

Chocolate drizzles add an extra dimension of decadence to these incredible bars.

You won’t be able to resist cutting just one more slice of this utterly addictive treat.

How To Assemble Decadent Layered Caramel Shortbread Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy bar removal. Warm up the oven to a cozy 350F (175C).

Step 2: Create Buttery Shortbread Base

• Butter
• Sugar
• Flour
• Salt

Cream the butter and sugar until they’re light and fluffy like a cloud. Gently fold in flour and salt, mixing until the dough looks crumbly. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan, creating an even layer that’ll become your delicious foundation.

Step 3: Bake the Golden Crust

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. Let the shortbread cool completely – patience is key!

Step 4: Craft Luxurious Caramel

• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Corn syrup
• Salt
• Vanilla extract

In a medium saucepan, combine these ingredients over medium heat. Stir constantly as the mixture begins to bubble and transform. Reduce heat and simmer, keeping a watchful eye and stirring to prevent burning. Cook until the caramel becomes thick and develops a rich, deep color.

Step 5: Layer the Luscious Caramel

Pour the warm caramel over the cooled shortbread base. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, creating a smooth, inviting layer. Pop the pan into the refrigerator and let it chill for about 30 minutes.

Step 6: Melt Chocolate Topping

• Chocolate chips
• Cooking oil

Melt the chocolate and oil together in short bursts, stirring between each interval. You can use the microwave or a double boiler – whichever works best for you.

Step 7: Crown with Chocolate

Drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, ensuring complete coverage. Gently spread it to create a smooth, glossy top.

Step 8: Chill and Slice

Refrigerate for 30 minutes until the chocolate sets completely. Use the parchment paper handles to lift the entire creation out of the pan. Slice into squares using a sharp knife – pro tip: run the knife under hot water for perfectly clean cuts.

Step 9: Indulge and Enjoy

Serve these decadent bars and watch faces light up with pure delight! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Tips For Smooth Layers In Caramel Shortbread Bars

• Perfectly Press Shortbread: Use the back of a measuring cup or flat-bottomed glass to evenly compress the shortbread dough, creating a uniform base that bakes consistently and prevents crumbly texture.
• Control Caramel Consistency: Watch the caramel closely while simmering, stirring continuously to prevent burning and achieve a rich golden-brown color without scorching the mixture.
• Clean Chocolate Cutting: Warm your knife blade under hot water and dry thoroughly before slicing to create smooth, precise edges without cracking the chocolate layer.
• Make Dietary Modifications: Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version, and use dairy-free butter and chocolate alternatives for a vegan adaptation.
• Temperature Matters: Allow each layer to cool completely before adding the next to ensure clean, distinct layers and prevent unwanted blending or melting between components.

How To Store Decadent Layered Caramel Shortbread Bars Without Cracks

• Seal freshly cut bars in an airtight container to maintain their delectable texture.
• Refrigerate these indulgent treats for up to 5 days, keeping them away from strong-smelling foods that might affect their flavor.
• Layer the bars between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve their pristine appearance.
• For longer storage, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring you place them in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight, allowing them to slowly return to their original creamy consistency before enjoying.

What To Pair With Caramel Shortbread Bars

• Pair Smooth Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich caramel and chocolate layers, enhancing the dessert's decadent flavor profile.
• Match Robust Coffee: Brew a strong espresso or dark roast coffee to balance the sweetness, cutting through the richness and providing a delightful contrast with each bite.
• Create Vanilla Bourbon Pairing: Serve alongside a small glass of vanilla bourbon, which will highlight the caramel's deep notes and add a sophisticated warmth to the dessert experience.
• Enhance with Salted Caramel Martini: Mix a salted caramel martini that echoes the bar's flavor elements, creating a luxurious and indulgent dessert drink combination.

Tasty Variations For Caramel Shortbread Bar Lovers

• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds between the caramel and chocolate layers for added texture and rich, toasted flavor.
• Sea Salt Chocolate Caramel: Finish the bars with a light dusting of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate layer to enhance the sweet and salty contrast.
• Espresso Chocolate Drizzle: Mix instant espresso powder into the melted chocolate for a subtle coffee undertone that complements the caramel's sweetness.
• Coconut Caramel Dream: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes between the caramel and chocolate layers for a tropical-inspired variation with added crunch and nutty notes.

FAQs On Decadent Layered Caramel Shortbread Bars

• What makes these caramel shortbread bars so special?

These bars combine three incredible layers – buttery shortbread, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate – creating a decadent dessert that’s way more impressive than ordinary cookies. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Can I use salted or unsalted butter for this recipe?

Both work great! If using salted butter, just reduce or eliminate the additional salt in the recipe. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the overall saltiness, which can enhance the caramel’s flavor profile.

• How do I prevent the caramel from burning while cooking?

Constant stirring is key! Use medium-low heat and stir continuously. Keep your heat gentle and watch the mixture closely. A heavy-bottomed saucepan also helps distribute heat more evenly and reduces the risk of burning.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these bars?

Not really! Just a 9×13-inch baking pan, parchment paper, a mixer or whisk, and basic measuring tools. A candy thermometer can help, but it’s not absolutely necessary if you’re comfortable eyeballing caramel consistency.

Why Decadent Layered Caramel Shortbread Bars Are Sweet And Buttery Bliss

• Effortless Sweet Adventure: These layered caramel shortbread bars deliver a delightful dessert experience with minimal kitchen complexity, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Quick Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Requiring just under 90 minutes from start to finish, this recipe offers a showstopping dessert that can quickly impress family and friends at gatherings, potlucks, or weekend celebrations.
• Customizable Decadent Delight: The recipe allows simple modifications like adding sea salt, chopped nuts, or different chocolate varieties, making it versatile for personal taste preferences and creative baking experiments.
• Indulgent Make-Ahead Magic: These bars can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for several days, providing a convenient dessert option for busy home cooks who want to plan ahead without sacrificing taste or presentation.

What Goes Into Decadent Layered Caramel Shortbread Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure for the shortbread base, giving it a classic crumbly texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, tender base with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth quality. Best when softened at room temperature.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, crisp shortbread texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the dessert.

• Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich, smooth base for the caramel sauce. Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Gives deep, molasses-like sweetness to the caramel layer.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a thick, creamy caramel with a silky consistency.
• Light Corn Syrup: Prevents sugar crystallization and ensures a smooth caramel texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex flavor to the caramel sauce.

• Chocolate Chips, Vegetable Oil: Create a glossy, smooth chocolate layer that sets beautifully. Dark or milk chocolate work equally well.

Decadent Layered Caramel Shortbread Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

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

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Description

Irresistible caramel shortbread bars blend buttery Scottish shortbread with rich golden caramel and smooth chocolate for an indulgent treat. Sweet layers create a perfect balance of textures that melt deliciously in each bite you savor.

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Ingredients

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Decadent Layered Caramel Shortbread Bars

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter (for shortbread layer)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (for caramel layer)
• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Base and Sugar Ingredients:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 (14-ounce / 396 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
• ¼ cup light corn syrup

Seasoning and Finishing Ingredients:

• ¼ teaspoon salt (for shortbread)
• ½ teaspoon salt (for caramel)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or coconut oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the foundation by crafting a buttery shortbread base with precise measurements of flour, sugar, and a hint of salt, ensuring a crumbly yet cohesive texture.
2. Transform the raw dough into a golden-edged canvas by baking in a preheated oven, creating a sturdy platform for subsequent layers.
3. Craft a luxurious caramel sauce by gently coaxing butter, brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup, and salt into a silky, amber-hued elixir through careful, constant stirring.
4. Lavish the cooled shortbread with the warm caramel, spreading it meticulously to create an even, glossy layer that will set into a luscious, creamy membrane.
5. Allow the caramel to chill and solidify, transforming from a liquid state to a firm, indulgent stratum that promises a rich, velvety mouthfeel.
6. Melt chocolate with a whisper of oil, creating a glossy, smooth coating that will enrobe the caramel in a decadent embrace.
7. Cascade the molten chocolate over the chilled caramel, using smooth, deliberate strokes to ensure a flawless, uniform coverage.
8. Refrigerate the multilayered creation until the chocolate sets into a crisp, glossy shell.
9. Liberate the dessert from its pan using the parchment paper overhang, then slice into precise, tantalizing squares that reveal the harmonious layers within.

Notes

• Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother shortbread base.
• Use a cold knife or bench scraper to press the shortbread dough evenly into the pan for a uniform layer.
• Watch the caramel carefully while cooking to prevent burning, stirring constantly and using a heavy-bottomed pan for even heat distribution.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Create flavor variations by adding a pinch of sea salt on top or using dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a more intense topping.
• Refrigerate bars for cleaner, more precise cuts, wiping the knife between slices for picture-perfect squares.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg