With Valentine’s Day coming up, I thought that I should post one of my favorite dessert recipes. One of the ways I show people that I love them or even just like them is by baking for them. If I have ever made you these Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Squares, it means that I really really like you A LOT! These are a treat that I don’t make very often, a treat that I reserve for special people and special occasions. It’s not that they are difficult to make, it’s just that they are a little more labor intensive and time consuming than I like my desserts to be. However, they are well worth the effort and a perfect treat to share with those you love ♥
Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Squares
*updated 4/6/2014*
*updated 4/6/2014*
Shortbread
1 1/3 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Caramel
1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
Chocolate
2 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
1 1/2 tablespoons peanut butter
1 1/2 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 tablespoons butter
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl, use a pastry blender to mix together the 1 1/3 cup butter, white sugar, and flour until evenly crumbly.
Gather the dough into a ball and place into a 9 by 13 baking dish.
Press the dough out evenly into the dish and then pierce with a fork.
Bake for 20 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Now for the caramel…
In a large saucepan, combine 1 cup butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
Continue to boil and stir for 5 minutes, never stop stirring or it will burn! If your arm gets tired, delegate the stirring to the nearest child.
Remove from heat and beat vigorously with a spoon for about 3 minutes.
Remove from heat and beat vigorously with a spoon for about 3 minutes.
Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread crust. Place in the fridge until the caramel begins firm.
And now for the chocolate…
Place the chocolate, butter and peanut butter in a small sauce pan over low heat.
Stir often until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Once the chocolate is melted, pour it over the caramel layer and spread evenly.
Chill for 20 minutes before cutting into squares.
♥♥♥Serve and enjoy with those you love ♥♥♥
Source: adapted from allrecipes
Ooh, I feel honored. These are awesome! Thank you for posting the recipe.
Alli, I have a question: How well do you think these would ship? How "gooey" is the caramel at room temperature? They look amazing!
These look so good. Hopefully I can get Ashley to make them for us.
I have never shipped these before. I think I would worry more about the shortbread crust breaking than the caramel. The caramel is soft but not overly gooey at room temperature. My guess is that they would be okay to ship if packed carefully in an airtight container. Let me know how it goes :)
Yummy, I love it when you make these for us!
Allie, how did you get those cut into such perfect squares without the sides crumbling? What kind of knife did you use? Did you cut them while still in the pan? It sounds like these are a labor of love so I think I will make them today for Kevin, maybe they will make him heal faster! I want mine to look like yours, perfect, non crumbly; sharp sides!!
The trick to cutting the bars is to chill them first to set the chocolate for about an hour. If the chocolate cracks when you cut the bars then let them sit out at room temperature for a bit and try again. I always use a sharp straight edge knife (not serrated) and have found that if I keep the knife at an angle while slicing that they come out nicer. I hope this helps.
damn! these look good!
Fun recipe- I think I am going to have to give these a go! They look fab!
YUM! These bars look so tasty! I definitely need to make these soon!
My thighs do not thank you. But I do.
Allie, your food blog , web site is beautiful. You are a very talented woman with a wonderful family and lots to share . Thank you , Love and Peace Francine
Awww, thanks Francine :)
Allie, these are so beautiful in every way! Love your step by steps too.
Julie @ Lovely Little Kitchen recently posted..Crunchy Baked French Toast Sticks With Strawberry Syrup