Caramel Shortbread Bars Recipes

CARAMEL SHORTBREAD SQUARES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).
• In a medium bowl, mix together 2/3 cup butter, white sugar, and flour until evenly crumbly. Press into a 9 inch square baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes.
• In a 2 quart saucepan, combine 1/2 cup butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Bring to a boil. Continue to boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and beat vigorously with a wooden spoon for about 3 minutes. Pour over baked crust (warm or cool). Cool until it begins to firm.
• Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1 minute, then stir and continue to heat and stir at 20 second intervals until chocolate is melted and smooth. Pour chocolate over the caramel layer and spread evenly to cover completely. Chill. Cut into 1 inch squares. These need to be small because they are so rich.

SALTED-CARAMEL SHORTBREAD BARS

Steps:

• 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9x13 baking pan with foil, extending over the sides. Spray the foil liberally with cooking spray and set aside.
• 2. In a mixing bowl beat together butter and sugar until creamy and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in powdered sugar and vanilla. Lastly, mix in flour (4 cups) until soft dough forms. Press HALF of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Refrigerate the remaining dough.
• 3. Bake the crust for 15 minutes . Remove from the oven. In a small bowl combine caramel sauce, 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, and remaining 2 Tablespoons of flour. Mix well. Pour evenly over cooked crust.
• 4. Crumble the refrigerated dough on top of caramel layer. Cover the caramel completely and use ALL of the dough (caramel will bubble up ... pay close attention to the edges). Sprinkle generously with sea salt. (I suggest tasting the caramel sauce to gauge how much additional salt is desired.)
• 5. Return to oven and continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes or until golden brown (very light) and the caramel is bubbly. Cool completely before cutting in to squares.