If dessert perfection had a name, it would be Salted Caramel Shortbread Bars. These bars combine buttery, crumbly shortbread, rich, gooey caramel, and a touch of flaky sea salt for an irresistible balance of sweet and salty. Perfect for afternoon treats, holiday baking, or impressing guests, they’re a crowd-pleaser that looks as good as it tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For a 9×9-inch pan of bars, gather the following:
For the Shortbread Base:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Salted Caramel Layer:
1 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
½ cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for topping)
For the Chocolate Topping (Optional but Recommended):
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon coconut oil or butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
