For those who adore the interplay of flavors and textures in a dessert, our Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars are a dream come true. This delightful treat combines the rich, buttery crunch of shortbread, the creamy sweetness of caramel, and the smooth, velvety touch of semi-sweet chocolate. These bars are perfect for any occasion, offering layers of indulgence that will captivate your taste buds. In this guide, we will walk you through every detail of making these irresistible bars, ensuring your baking experience is as enjoyable as the final product.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these exquisite Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars, gather the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Confectioners’ sugar | 1 ½ cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Pure vanilla extract | 6 teaspoons |
| All-purpose flour | 4 cups |
| Baking caramel pieces | 14 ounces |
| Heavy whipping cream | ⅓ cup |
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips | 12 ounces |
| Butter (room temperature) | 2 cups |
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
1. Prepare Your Baking Environment
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This temperature is perfect for achieving a golden-brown shortbread base without overcooking the caramel or chocolate layers. Line the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This step is crucial for easy removal of the bars after baking. Lightly coat the parchment paper with non-stick baking spray to prevent sticking and ensure clean edges when cutting your bars.
2. Create the Shortbread Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature butter, confectioners’ sugar, granulated sugar, and pure vanilla extract. Using an electric hand mixer set to medium speed, blend the ingredients until they are well mixed. The mixture should be smooth and creamy, with no visible lumps of sugar or butter.
Next, gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture. It’s important to add the flour slowly to prevent the mixture from becoming too dry. Continue mixing until all the flour is fully incorporated. The shortbread dough might appear crumbly at this stage, but it should hold its shape when pressed together.
Once your dough is ready, press about 3 to 4 cups of it evenly into the prepared baking dish. This will form a solid, even layer that will serve as the foundation of your bars. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes. The shortbread should have a light golden color around the edges when done. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely before proceeding to the next step.
3. Craft the Caramel Layer
While the shortbread is cooling, prepare the caramel layer. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the baking caramel pieces and heavy whipping cream. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent the caramel from burning. Continue stirring until the caramel pieces are fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
