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Caramel Bars


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Description

Discover the perfect caramel bars recipe with step-by-step instructions, tips, and FAQs. Learn how to make delicious caramel bars at home!


Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients List 

  1. For the Base:
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
    • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  2. For the Caramel Layer:
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
    • 1/2 cup heavy cream
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  3. For the Topping:
    • 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
    • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure it reaches the correct temperature before baking.
  2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix until a dough forms.
  3. Press into Pan: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Use the back of a spoon to smooth the surface.
  4. Bake the Base: Bake the base in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it turns golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Layer

  1. Melt the Butter and Sugar: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
  2. Add the Cream: Once the mixture turns a golden brown, slowly add 1/2 cup of heavy cream while stirring continuously. Be careful as the mixture will bubble up.
  3. Cook the Caramel: Continue to cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens and reaches a deep amber color. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Pour Over Base: Pour the caramel evenly over the baked base. Spread it with a spatula if necessary to ensure an even layer. Let it cool completely.

For more detailed steps on making caramel, visit the Caramel Preparation Guide on Wikipedia.

Step 3: Add the Toppings (Optional)

  1. Chocolate Topping: If desired, sprinkle 1 cup of chocolate chips over the hot caramel layer. Let them sit for a few minutes until they start to melt, then spread them evenly over the caramel with a spatula.
  2. Nut Topping: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (such as pecans or almonds) over the melted chocolate layer. Press them gently into the chocolate to ensure they stick.

Step 4: Cool and Cut

  1. Cool Completely: Allow the caramel bars to cool completely at room temperature. For faster results, place them in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.
  2. Cut into Bars: Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles.

Notes

  • Use a Candy Thermometer: This ensures your caramel reaches the perfect temperature.
  • Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality butter, sugar, and cream for the best flavor.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Let butter and eggs come to room temperature for better blending.
  • Parchment Paper: Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.