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Caramel Shortbread Bars

These salted caramel shortbread bars are a delicious holiday treat recipe that you'll find yourself making year after year!
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Additional Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 55 minutes
Course: Dessert
Servings: 24
Author: Chloe | Boxwood Ave.

Ingredients

  • FOR THE SHORTBREAD
  • 1 cup 2 sticks salted butter
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • FOR THE CARAMEL
  • 3/4 cup 1 1/2 sticks butter
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
  • 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk
  • sea salt for topping

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325 F
  • Prepare the shortbread: In a large mixing bowl, cream 1 cup butter & 3/4 cup sugar together until light and fluffy.
  • Blend in 2 cups flour and beat until thoroughly combined. Press the shortbread dough into a 13x9 baking dish.
  • Bake the shortbread dough for 25 min (or until golden brown). While the shortbread bakes, prepare the caramel topping.
  • In a medium pot, melt 3/4 cup butter over low heat. Once the butter is melted, add 1/2 cup sugar. Whisk to dissolve.
  • Once the sugar has disolved, turn heat to high, and pour in the 14 oz. of sweetened condensed milk and 3 tablespoons light corn syrup.
  • Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil that does not cease when stirred.
  • Once the mixture reaches that point, reduce the heat to a simmering level (medium-low heat).
  • Whisk the mixture at a simmer for 10-15 minutes - or until it reaches a caramel color. It is important to continuously whisk to prevent burning. You will know the mixture is ready once it begins to pull away from the sides of the pot. Do not remove from the heat early because your caramel will not "set" over the shortbread.
  • Once both the shortbread & caramel are ready, pour the hot caramel directly over the shortbread. Use a spatula to distribute evenly. Place into the freezer for about an hour.
  • Remove the caramel shortbread from the freezer and sprinkle salt over the top. Cut into small squares, and enjoy!

Notes

We have found that using a regular sized sauce pot to make the caramel works best. If foubling the recipe, use a large stock pot to make the caramel.
If using a non-teflon sauce pot, you can use an electric mixer with the whisk attachment to stir the caramel and save your forearms ;).