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–+ servings

Shortbread Caramel Bars

Sally Thompson
These Shortbread Caramel Bars are rich, buttery, and layered with smooth homemade caramel and a crumbly shortbread topping. Perfect for a quick dessert, holiday baking, easy party treats, or sweet snack ideas, this easy recipe combines a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust with gooey caramel flavor in every bite. Whether you need simple dessert ideas, homemade bar recipes, or crowd-pleasing food ideas, these caramel bars deliver the perfect balance of texture and sweetness.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 bars
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips optional
  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional

Instructions
 

  • 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  • 2. Combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
  • 3. Add softened butter and vanilla extract, then mix until crumbly dough forms.
  • 4. Press two-thirds of the dough firmly into the prepared pan.
  • 5. Bake the crust for 12 to 15 minutes until lightly golden.
  • 6. Combine sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter in a saucepan.
  • 7. Cook while stirring continuously until the caramel thickens.
  • 8. Spread the caramel evenly over the baked crust.
  • 9. Sprinkle chocolate chips or chopped nuts over the caramel if desired.
  • 10. Crumble the remaining dough mixture over the top.
  • 11. Bake again for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
  • 12. Cool completely before slicing into bars.
  • 13. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before serving.

Notes

Allow the bars to cool fully before slicing to help the caramel set properly.
For cleaner slices, chill the bars in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cutting.
Use thick caramel consistency while cooking to avoid runny layers after baking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 3gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 180mgFiber: 1gSugar: 24g
Keyword buttery shortbread bars, caramel dessert bars, dessert ideas, easy baking recipe, easy dessert recipe, homemade caramel bars, shortbread caramel bars
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