Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars

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:

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.

Once the shortbread base has cooled, pour the caramel mixture over it. Use a spatula to spread the caramel evenly across the shortbread, ensuring it reaches the edges of the dish. This layer will add a rich, gooey sweetness to your bars, complementing the crisp shortbread and decadent chocolate.

4. Add the Chocolate Layer

After the caramel layer is evenly spread, sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the top. The heat from the caramel will begin to melt the chocolate, creating a smooth, rich layer. Let the chocolate sit for a few minutes until it starts to melt, then use a spatula to spread it evenly across the caramel.

5. Top with Shortbread Discs

For the final touch, take the remaining shortbread dough and form it into small discs. To do this, scoop out small portions of dough with a spoon, roll them into balls, and then flatten them into discs. Place these discs on top of the chocolate layer, slightly overlapping if necessary. This will create a beautiful, textured top layer that adds both visual appeal and additional crunch to your bars.

6. Final Baking and Cooling

Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 35 to 40 minutes, or until the shortbread discs on top are golden brown. Keep a close eye on the bars during this time to prevent the top layer from overcooking.

Once the top layer is perfectly golden, remove the dish from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Allow the Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars to cool completely at room temperature. This cooling period is essential for the bars to set properly, making them easier to cut and serve.

7. Serving and Enjoying

Once the bars have cooled, carefully lift them out of the baking dish using the parchment paper. Place them on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. These bars are perfect for serving at parties, sharing with friends and family, or indulging in as a special treat for yourself.