- Salted Caramel Bars

$To create these salted caramel bars, you will need several key ingredients. Each one plays a big role in making this dessert a delight. - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 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 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) These ingredients create a rich, sweet, and salty flavor balance. The cocoa powder gives depth, while the sweetened condensed milk adds creaminess. I love how the sea salt enhances the caramel taste. Gather everything before you start. This way, you will stay organized and focused. Remember, baking is as much about precision as it is about creativity. Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. For the full recipe, check out the full recipe section. You'll find step-by-step instructions that will guide you through the process. Enjoy the journey of making these delicious bars! 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. Leave some overhang to help you lift the bars out later. 2. In a medium bowl, mix together: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 teaspoon salt 3. Pour in 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter. Mix until the mixture feels like wet sand. Press it firmly into the bottom of the pan to form your crust. 4. Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes. It should feel slightly firm but not overbaked. Remove it and let it cool slightly. 1. In a saucepan over medium heat, add 1 cup granulated sugar. Cook it slowly while stirring until it melts and turns a nice caramel color. This takes about 5-7 minutes. 2. Carefully add 1/4 cup heavy cream to the melted sugar. It will bubble a lot, so be cautious! Stir until smooth. 3. Next, mix in 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring well. 4. Pour the warm caramel mixture over the cooled crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula. 1. Let the bars cool to room temperature. After that, place them in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This helps them set up nicely. 2. Once set, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares or bars. 3. If you want, melt 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and drizzle them over the cut bars for an extra treat. Enjoy your salted caramel bars! To make smooth caramel, stir constantly. This helps prevent burning. Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan. It distributes heat evenly. Adjust sweetness and saltiness to your taste. Add a little more sugar for sweetness. If you want more salt, sprinkle in a pinch. For the best results, use a candy thermometer. It helps you track the caramel's temperature. Aim for 320°F (160°C) for a deep amber color. This gives rich flavor without bitterness. For gatherings, present your salted caramel bars on a beautiful plate. Dust them with cocoa powder or extra sea salt. This adds a fancy touch. Pair these bars with coffee or warm milk. They balance the sweetness well. Serve with vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to three days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them. {{image_2}} You can make salted caramel bars even more fun with flavor twists. Adding nuts or seeds gives a nice crunch. Walnuts or pecans work well. You can also try sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. For a fun twist, infuse flavors like coffee or orange zest into your caramel. Just add a teaspoon of instant coffee or a teaspoon of zest while cooking. This will add a unique taste to your bars. Another way to change these bars is with different chocolate drizzles. You could use white chocolate or dark chocolate. Just melt your choice and drizzle it over the top. This will add color and flavor. If you have dietary needs, you can still enjoy these bars. For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. This simple change keeps the taste while meeting your needs. If you're vegan, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. You can also use maple syrup in place of sweetened condensed milk. This will keep it creamy and tasty. Lastly, always adjust for different dietary preferences. Make sure to check ingredients for allergens. Enjoy making this treat your own! To keep your salted caramel bars fresh, choose a good storage container. A sealed airtight container works best. Store the bars at room temperature for short-term use. They will stay fresh for about three days. For longer storage, put them in the fridge. They will last about a week there. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. You can freeze salted caramel bars for up to three months. To freeze, cut the bars into squares first. Wrap each square in plastic wrap tightly. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to eat, take out the number of bars you want. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture. Enjoy them cold or let them come to room temperature before serving. Can I make salted caramel bars ahead of time? Yes, you can make salted caramel bars ahead of time. They store well in the fridge. Just let them cool completely before wrapping. You can enjoy them for up to a week. How do I know when the caramel is done? You will know the caramel is done when it turns a deep amber color. Stir constantly to prevent burning. This process takes about 5-7 minutes. Be careful when adding cream, as it will bubble up. What can I substitute for sweetened condensed milk? You can use coconut milk as a dairy-free option. Another choice is evaporated milk with added sugar. Both will work to give you a creamy texture in your bars. What to do if the caramel seizes up? If your caramel seizes up, it may have cooled too quickly. You can fix it by adding a little water and heating it gently. Stir until it becomes smooth again. Issues with crust texture and solutions If your crust is too crumbly, you might not have used enough butter. Try adding a bit more butter next time. If it's too hard, reduce the baking time slightly. Adjusting cooking times for variations in ovens Ovens can vary greatly. Always keep an eye on your bars as they bake. If your oven runs hot, check them a few minutes earlier. For cooler ovens, you may need to add a few extra minutes. In this blog post, I shared a simple recipe for salted caramel bars. We covered all the key ingredients and the step-by-step process to prepare them. I offered tips for perfecting the caramel and discussed fun variations to suit your taste. With proper storage info, you can keep them fresh longer. In the end, experimenting with flavors and techniques makes these bars even better. Enjoy creating your delicious treats!$

Indulge in the sweet temptation of Salted Caramel Delight Bars with this easy recipe! These rich and gooey bars feature a scrumptious chocolate crust topped with luscious salted caramel and a hint of sea salt. Perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to impress your family and friends. Ready to satisfy your sweet tooth?

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Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

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 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

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and salt.

Pour in the melted butter and mix until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.

Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until slightly firm but not overbaked. Remove and let it cool slightly.

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and slowly cook until it's melted, stirring constantly until it turns a caramel color (about 5-7 minutes).

Carefully add the heavy cream to the caramel (it will bubble up), and stir until smooth. Then add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring well.

Pour the warm caramel mixture over the cooled crust and spread it evenly.

Sprinkle the top with sea salt and let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.

Once set, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper. Cut into squares or bars.

If desired, melt the chocolate chips and drizzle them over the cut bars for an extra treat.

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

- Presentation Tips: Arrange the salted caramel bars on a decorative plate, and dust with a light sprinkle of cocoa powder or additional sea salt for a gourmet finish.