Salt River Bars are a delicious, indulgent dessert that perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors. With a buttery shortbread crust, a rich caramel filling, and a touch of sea salt on top, these bars are reminiscent of the classic “Millionaire’s Shortbread,” but with a twist of flavor that will leave everyone wanting more. Whether you’re preparing them for a family gathering or a treat for yourself, Salt River Bars are sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Salt River Bars are incredibly satisfying with layers of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the sweetness. The contrast of the sweet caramel and the salty top gives these bars a unique flavor profile that is irresistible. They are easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and can be prepared ahead of time, making them perfect for any occasion. Plus, they have a decadent feel while still being simple enough for a weeknight treat!

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Caramel Filling:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1/4 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

• 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt (or to taste)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Shortbread Crust:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy removal.

2. Make the Shortbread Crust: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.

3. Press the Dough into the Pan: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Use the back of a spoon to smooth it out.

4. Bake the Crust: Bake the shortbread crust for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the caramel filling.

For the Caramel Filling:

1. Make the Caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring constantly. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, until the caramel thickens slightly.

2. Pour the Caramel over the Crust: Once the caramel is ready, pour it over the slightly cooled shortbread crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

3. Bake the Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 12-15 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly and golden brown.

For the Topping:

1. Add the Sea Salt: After baking, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely. Once cooled, sprinkle the coarse sea salt evenly over the top of the caramel filling.

2. Chill: Place the bars in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours to allow the caramel to set before cutting into squares.

3. Cut and Serve: Once the bars are fully chilled and set, cut them into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 16-20 bars

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes

• Total Time: 1.5-2 hours (including chilling)

Variations

• Add Chocolate: For a chocolatey twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the caramel filling once it’s set, or layer chocolate on top of the shortbread crust before adding the caramel filling.

• Nutty Version: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the caramel layer for extra crunch and flavor.

• Different Salt: Experiment with flavored sea salts, such as smoked sea salt or Himalayan pink salt, for a unique twist on the classic salt topping.

• Dried Fruit: Top with dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for an additional layer of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be stored in the refrigerator if you prefer them chilled.

• Freezing: These bars freeze well! Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Let them thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter for the shortbread crust?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce or omit the additional salt in the crust to prevent the bars from becoming too salty.

2. Can I use a different type of sugar for the caramel?

You can use white granulated sugar instead of brown sugar for the caramel, but brown sugar gives it a richer flavor and a deeper color. If you use white sugar, the flavor may be a bit less caramel-like.

3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, these bars are even better after they’ve been allowed to cool and set in the refrigerator for a few hours, so they are perfect for making ahead of time.

4. How can I make the caramel thicker?

If you want a thicker caramel, you can cook the caramel for a few minutes longer to allow it to reduce slightly before pouring it over the crust. Make sure to keep stirring to prevent burning.

5. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use a gluten-free flour blend to replace the all-purpose flour in the shortbread crust.

6. How do I get a clean cut when slicing the bars?

Make sure the bars are fully chilled before cutting, as the caramel will set and harden, making it easier to slice. You can also run your knife under warm water and wipe it dry before each cut for cleaner slices.

7. Can I make these without sea salt?

If you don’t have sea salt, you can use regular table salt, but reduce the amount slightly to avoid making the bars too salty. You can also skip the salt entirely if you prefer a sweeter treat.

8. Can I use a different kind of chocolate?

If you’re adding chocolate to the bars, feel free to use any kind of chocolate you prefer—milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate. You can melt the chocolate and drizzle it on top or add it to the caramel layer for extra richness.

9. What else can I add to the shortbread crust?

You can add a dash of vanilla extract or almond extract to the shortbread crust for additional flavor. You could also stir in a small amount of finely chopped nuts for texture.

10. How can I make these bars more decadent?

For a richer treat, drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce on top of the bars before serving, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Conclusion

Salt River Bars are the perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a rich, buttery shortbread crust, gooey caramel filling, and a sprinkle of sea salt to bring it all together. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, these bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests at your next gathering. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a showstopping treat that everyone will love.