Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars

These Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars are an irresistible treat for shortbread enthusiasts! Featuring layers of buttery homemade shortbread, rich caramel, and luscious chocolate, this recipe for chocolate caramel bars is a must-have for any celebration.

Introducing Millionaire’s Shortbread—decadent caramel bars crafted with three indulgent layers: crisp, buttery shortbread, thick caramel, and a smooth chocolate ganache topped with sea salt flakes. These bars are delightfully simple to make with just a few staple pantry items and are utterly addictive.

Chocolate, caramel, and shortbread combine to create a truly spectacular treat that fully justifies its luxurious name, Millionaire’s Shortbread. I prefer using semi-sweet chocolate for its deep, slightly bitter flavor, enhanced by a sprinkle of sea salt flakes for that irresistible salted caramel twist. Easy to prepare with no complex ingredients, these bars are perfect for making ahead. They stay fresh for days and can even be frozen. For more scrumptious chocolate and caramel delights, don’t miss out on my Carmelitas and Toffee recipes—they’re simply delectable!

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars:

These aren’t just any ordinary bars! Our Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars feature: 

• Three irresistible layers: a crumbly shortbread base, smooth caramel, and luxurious chocolate. 

• A beloved classic that’s been given a contemporary update. 

• Ideal for any occasion, from elegant gatherings to relaxed movie evenings. 

• Each bite offers a captivating sensory delight, combining contrasting textures and flavors that will make your taste buds rejoice!

Ingredients for Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars:

• Butter: Use butter at room temperature to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Powdered Sugar: This is key for the shortbread’s soft texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Opt for high-quality, pure vanilla to enhance the aroma.
• Baking Caramel Bits: These melt seamlessly into the mixture. If you can’t find them, you can substitute with wrapped caramels, though they may require more effort to melt.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These complement the caramel’s sweetness perfectly. Feel free to use darker chocolate for a bolder taste.

How to make Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars:

• The Preparation: Start by preheating your oven and preparing your baking dish with a lining. It’s essential to have your oven ready to go—there’s nothing like a ready mix and an unheated oven!
• Shortbread Base: Begin by creaming together butter, both types of sugar, and vanilla until it’s light and fluffy. Gradually mix in the flour to prevent a messy flour burst. The dough will be crumbly, but that’s just the nature of shortbread. Press 3-4 cups of the dough into the dish and bake until it turns golden brown, releasing that delightful scent.
• Caramel Layer: Gently melt the caramels with cream over low heat—patience is crucial for a smooth texture. Evenly spread the caramel mixture over the baked shortbread.
• Chocolate Galore: Liberally sprinkle chocolate chips over the caramel layer. Don’t hold back!
• Top Layer: Now for the fun part! Take the remaining dough, form small discs, and arrange them over the chocolate layer. Bake until the top is beautifully golden brown. Let it cool completely, which might test your patience, but it’s worth the wait.

Storage Options: 

If you happen to have leftovers (a rare occurrence!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For a slightly longer shelf life, you can refrigerate them. However, they are best enjoyed fresh and shared with friends and family right away!

Variations and Substitutions: 

• Replace semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or white chocolate. 

• Mix in a pinch of sea salt into the caramel layer for a delightful salted caramel flavor. 

• No baking caramel bits? Use traditional wrapped caramels instead—just allow a bit more time for melting. 

• For a holiday flair, top with crushed peppermint candies during the festive season.

SAVE THIS RECIPE TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD!

Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

30 minutes minutes

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2 cups butter room temperature
• 1 ½ cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 14 ounces baking caramel bits
• ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
• 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray with non-stick baking spray.
• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter, confectioners’ sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and well-combined.
• Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until fully incorporated. The dough will be crumbly but should stick together when pressed.
• Press about 3-4 cups of the shortbread dough into the prepared baking dish to form a base layer.
• Bake the shortbread base for about 25 minutes, or until it is firmly set and the edges are golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
• In a medium saucepan, combine the caramel bits and heavy whipping cream. Stir over medium heat until the caramels are melted and the mixture is smooth.
• Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the cooled shortbread base, spreading to the edges.
• Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the caramel layer.
• Take small scoops of the remaining shortbread dough, form them into balls, flatten into discs, and arrange them over the chocolate chips, overlapping slightly as needed.
• Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden-brown.
• Remove from the oven and let the Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars cool to room temperature before slicing and serving.