Description
A decadent layered dessert bar featuring buttery shortbread, thick caramel, and a smooth milk chocolate topping.
Ingredients
- Shortbread Layer: 2¼ cups all purpose flour
- Shortbread Layer: 1 cup salted butter softened
- Shortbread Layer: ½ cup granulated sugar
- Shortbread Layer: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Caramel Layer: 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- Caramel Layer: ½ cup salted butter
- Caramel Layer: ½ cup light brown sugar packed
- Caramel Layer: 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
- Caramel Layer: ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Caramel Layer: 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- Chocolate Layer: 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- Chocolate Layer: ½ cup heavy cream
- Chocolate Layer: ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8 by 8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang. Lightly grease the parchment.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter, sugar, and vanilla extract for 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the flour until combined and crumbly. Press the dough firmly into the prepared pan.
- Prick the surface all over with a fork. Bake 23 to 25 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and cool completely.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook, whisking constantly, about 18 to 22 minutes until thickened and deep caramel colored.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the hot caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread. Let cool 10 minutes, then refrigerate 1 hour until set.
- Place the chocolate chips in a bowl. Heat the heavy cream until very hot, then pour over the chocolate. Let sit 3 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the chocolate evenly over the caramel layer and spread smooth. Refrigerate at least 4 hours until fully set before slicing.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for neat layers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American