Salted Caramel Bars Recipe

Rich and gooey, these sweet-meets-salty treats are destined to become a family favorite.
A Sweet-Meets-Salty Treat

Salted Caramel Bars

Rich and gooey, these salted caramel bars are destined to become a family favorite.

By: Gaby Dalkin

Related To:

I have a deep love for all things salted caramel, and these bars are no exception.
The salted caramel layer needs plenty of time to set, so be sure to let it cool and set completely before cutting into it. Otherwise this treat tastes just as good eating it with a spoon out of the pan.

Ingredients

For the Crust:
10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 egg yolk, whisked
1-2/3 cups all-purpose flour

For the Salted Caramel Layer:
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup light brown sugar
12 tablespoons light corn syrup
2 teaspoons sea salt
4 tablespoons white sugar
4 tablespoons heavy cream
1-1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
sea salt flakes to garnish

Directions

For the Crust:
1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Line a 9x9 inch pan with parchment paper making sure the edges of the parchment hang over the sides. (This will make removing the bars easier.)
3. In a large bowl combine the butter, sugar and salt with a fork.
4. Add the whisked egg yolk and combine with the fork.
5. Add the flour and, using your hands, combine the dough until it's flaky. Transfer the dough into the parchment-lined pan and press down with your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup, making a flat and even surface. Refrigerate the dough in the pan for 30 minutes.
6. Once chilled, bake the crust for 25 minutes until lightly browned. Set aside to cool.

For the Salted Caramel Layer:
1. In a medium pot combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, salt, sugar and cream. Bring to a boil and make sure all the sugars are dissolved. Stir for about 5-10 minutes until it's thick and bubbly. If you have a candy thermometer, the caramel should be about 230 degrees F.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Once combined, pour the caramel mixture on top of the shortbread.
3. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Then sprinkle with the sea salt flakes and serve.

Next Up

Hot White Russian With Salted Caramel Cocktail Recipe

With its rich flavor and kick of caffeine, this hand-warming version of the classic White Russian cocktail is a great adult alternative to hot chocolate.

Warm Old-Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

Perfect for relaxing on a cold winter night, this drink will warm up the evening with a hot version of the classic cocktail.

Blood Orange Hot Toddy Cocktail Recipe

Swap out the lemon in your standard hot toddy with the sweet raspberry citrus flavor of seasonal blood orange for a delicious variation on the classic cocktail.

Hot-Buttered Bourbon Cocktail Recipe

For a comforting and yummy twist on classic hot buttered rum, try this bourbon cocktail to keep you warm all winter. It’s a cozy drink that's perfect for chilly winter nights.

Salted Caramel-Topped Chocolate Brownies Recipe

Top dense, moist chocolate brownies with a gooey salted caramel layer for a decadent dessert worthy of a special occasion.

Salted Stout Caramel Popcorn Recipe

Hearty stout lends a flavorful kick to the homemade caramel coating on this crunchy-meets-salty snack.

Coca-Cola Cupcake With Salted Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

Chocolate cake is nuanced with the flavor of Coca-Cola, and the peanut butter frosting delivers a perfect sweet and salty bite.

Mini Pear Pies Recipe

Add a sweet-meets-savory flavor to your next dinner party with these delicious individual pear pies.

Chocolate Chai Cups Recipe

These little chocolate bowls create a showstopping dessert, and they're so easy to make. The chai whipped cream is delicious, but also try filling them with your favorite ice cream or fresh fruit.

Basil Banana Cake Recipe

Make use of overripe bananas in this classic cake with a garden twist.

More from:

Thanksgiving Ideas

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.