- Salted Caramel Bars

$- 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk - 1 cup granulated sugar (for the caramel) - 1/4 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (for topping) - 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, for drizzling) The key ingredients in salted caramel bars are simple but essential. The flour and cocoa powder create a rich base. Butter adds flavor and moisture. Sweetened condensed milk gives the bars their creamy texture. Salt brings out the sweet notes in the caramel. - 1/4 cup chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) - 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder (for a coffee flavor) - Sea salt flakes (for a gourmet touch) You can add nuts for crunch or espresso powder for depth. Both variations balance well with the sweetness. A sprinkle of sea salt flakes on top enhances the look and taste. - 8x8 inch baking dish - Parchment paper - Medium saucepan - Mixing bowls - Whisk - Rubber spatula Having the right tools makes cooking easier. An 8x8 inch baking dish is perfect for even baking. Parchment paper helps with easy removal. A medium saucepan is key for making caramel. Use a whisk to combine dry ingredients and a spatula for mixing. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps. To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8x8 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Let the paper hang over the sides; this helps you lift the bars out later. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix until it looks even. Now, pour in the melted butter. Stir until it feels like wet sand. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of the lined dish. Make sure it's even across the base. Bake the crust for 10 to 12 minutes. It should feel slightly firm but still soft. Let it cool a bit after baking. While the crust cools, let’s make the caramel. In a medium saucepan, add 1 cup of granulated sugar. Place it over medium heat. Watch carefully as it melts. Stir constantly until it turns a rich caramel color. This will take about 5 to 7 minutes. Caution! When the sugar melts, it can be very hot. Carefully pour in the heavy cream. It will bubble up, so be careful. Stir until it’s smooth. Then, mix in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Keep stirring and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Once your caramel is ready, pour it evenly over the cooled crust. Make sure to cover every bit. Now, sprinkle sea salt generously on top. Let the bars cool at room temperature first. Then, place them in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This helps them set properly. After chilling, grab the edges of the parchment paper and lift the bars out of the dish. Cut them into squares or bars as you like. If you want to add a fancy touch, melt some semi-sweet chocolate chips. Drizzle them over the bars for extra flair. Enjoy your delicious salted caramel bars from this Full Recipe! To get smooth caramel, heat sugar slowly. Stir it often as it melts. Aim for a rich amber color. If it burns, start over. Once you add cream, keep stirring until smooth. The key is patience. Don’t rush this step. If you notice lumps, just keep stirring. They will dissolve. Salt enhances sweetness. Use sea salt for a great touch. Start with a small amount. Taste your caramel before adding more salt. You want a balanced flavor, not too salty or sweet. When serving, add a pinch of salt on top. This makes each bite pop! Avoid cooking sugar too fast. It can burn easily, ruining your caramel. Don’t skip the cooling step for the crust. This helps the layers stick well. Also, ensure your cream is at room temperature before adding it to caramel. Cold cream can cause splattering. Lastly, cut bars only after they fully set. This keeps them neat and pretty. For more insights, check the Full Recipe for Salted Caramel Delight Bars. {{image_4}} To make gluten-free salted caramel bars, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for a blend that combines rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour. This mix mimics the texture of regular flour well. When you bake, check that the crust holds together just like the original. The taste remains rich and delicious. For a vegan version, use plant-based butter instead of regular butter. You can also switch sweetened condensed milk for coconut cream or a store-bought vegan version. These swaps keep the bars creamy and tasty while being friendly to a vegan diet. Just make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free, too. You can change up the flavors in many fun ways. For nutty bars, add chopped walnuts or pecans into the crust. This adds crunch and taste. If you prefer fruity flavors, try mixing in dried cherries or cranberries. They add a nice tartness to balance the sweet caramel. You can even add a hint of orange zest for a citrus twist. Each variation makes the bars unique and exciting! To keep your salted caramel bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers if you stack them. This prevents sticking and keeps them intact. Keep the container in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources. If it's warm, the caramel can get gooey. Freezing these bars is simple. First, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares or bars. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. After that, place the wrapped bars in a freezer bag. Squeeze out all the air before sealing. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. Salted caramel bars last about a week at room temperature. If you refrigerate them, they stay fresh for up to two weeks. The cold helps preserve the texture and flavor. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving. This makes them taste even better! To make salted caramel from scratch, you need just three main ingredients: sugar, cream, and salt. First, heat sugar in a pot over medium heat. Stir it until it melts and turns golden. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Next, carefully add heavy cream. It will bubble, so be cautious. Stir until smooth. Finally, mix in sea salt to taste. This process gives you a rich flavor that adds depth to your salted caramel bars. You can find great salted caramel bars at local bakeries and specialty shops. Many gourmet stores also carry them. If you prefer online shopping, websites like Amazon and artisanal bakeries often sell unique versions. Look for bars made with high-quality ingredients for the best taste. Don't forget to check reviews to ensure you pick the best options available. Yes, you can use different types of chocolate in this recipe. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate will work well. Each type gives a unique taste. If you want a richer flavor, dark chocolate is a great choice. Milk chocolate will add sweetness, while white chocolate brings creaminess. Feel free to experiment with what you like best. Check out the Full Recipe for guidance on variations! In this article, we explored how to make salted caramel bars. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfect bars. Remember, achieving the right caramel texture is key. Don't shy away from trying gluten-free or vegan options for variety. Proper storage keeps them fresh longer. With these insights, you can create tasty treats that impress. Enjoy your baking and savor every bite!$

Get ready to indulge in the decadent flavors of Salted Caramel Delight Bars! This easy recipe combines a rich chocolatey crust with a silky smooth caramel filling, topped with a sprinkle of sea salt for the perfect balance. In just a few simple steps, you can create a bakery-worthy treat that will impress your friends and family. Click through to explore the full recipe and satisfy your sweet cravings today!

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Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

1 cup granulated sugar (for the caramel)

1/4 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon sea salt (for topping)

1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

In a medium-sized bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and the salt until well combined.

Next, pour in the melted butter and mix until the mixture holds together like wet sand. Firmly press this crust mixture into the bottom of the lined baking dish, ensuring an even layer across the base.

Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until it feels slightly firm but is still underbaked. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.

While the crust cools, prepare the caramel. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the remaining 1 cup of granulated sugar. Allow it to melt slowly, stirring constantly until it transforms into a rich caramel color (this should take about 5 to 7 minutes).

Exercise caution as you carefully add the heavy cream to the melted caramel (it will bubble vigorously). Stir continuously until the mixture becomes silky smooth. Next, mix in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, continuing to cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes while mixing well.

Pour the warm caramel mixture evenly over the cooled crust, ensuring even coverage.

Generously sprinkle the top of the caramel with sea salt. Allow the bars to cool at room temperature before placing them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to fully set.

Once the bars have set, lift them out of the baking dish using the parchment paper overhang. Cut them into squares or bars as desired.

If you’d like to enhance the presentation, melt the optional semi-sweet chocolate chips and drizzle them artistically over the cut bars.

Prep Time: 30 min | Total Time: 2 hr 30 min | Servings: 16 bars

- Presentation Tips: Serve the salted caramel delight bars on a decorative plate. For an elegant touch, dust the top with a light sprinkle of cocoa powder or additional sea salt to finish. Enjoy your gourmet treats!