Description
These Shortbread Caramel Bars are the kind of dessert that instantly feels special with very little fuss. The buttery shortbread layers bake up tender and rich, while the caramel center turns smooth, sweet, and wonderfully gooey. I love making them when I want an easy dessert bar recipe that works for holidays, weekend baking, potlucks, dessert trays, and casual coffee breaks. If you are hunting for dessert ideas, bar cookies, easy baking recipes, sweet treats, or simple homemade food ideas that still look impressive, this one deserves a spot in your kitchen.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 can sweetened condensed milk, 14 ounces
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Add the flour and salt, then mix until a soft crumbly dough forms.
4. Press two-thirds of the dough firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
5. In a separate bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
6. Pour the caramel mixture over the shortbread base and spread it evenly.
7. Crumble the remaining dough over the caramel layer.
8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and the center is set.
9. Let the bars cool completely, then chill for cleaner slices before cutting into squares.
Notes
Use room temperature butter so the shortbread dough mixes evenly and presses into the pan without cracking.
For the cleanest slices, chill the bars for at least 1 hour before cutting with a sharp knife.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 248
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 37mg
Keywords: shortbread caramel bars, caramel dessert bars, easy dessert bars, buttery shortbread bars, homemade caramel bars, bar cookies, easy baking recipe, dessert ideas, sweet treats, food ideas