Description
These Salted Caramel Fudge Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with rich chocolate fudge, silky caramel drizzle, and flaky sea salt. A decadent bakery-style dessert perfect for holidays, parties, and chocolate lovers.
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Crust:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Chocolate Fudge Layer:
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Salted Caramel Layer:
1 cup soft caramel candies
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
Optional Garnish:
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans
Extra flaky sea salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until smooth.
3. Mix in flour and salt until a crumbly dough forms.
4. Press dough firmly into the prepared baking pan.
5. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until lightly golden. Cool slightly.
6. In a saucepan over low heat, combine chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter.
7. Stir continuously until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
8. Spread the chocolate fudge mixture evenly over the baked shortbread crust.
9. In a separate saucepan, heat caramel candies and heavy cream until smooth and fully melted.
10. Drizzle caramel over the fudge layer and gently swirl if desired.
11. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and chopped nuts if using.
12. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully set.
13. Slice into 16 squares and serve.
Notes
For the cleanest slices, chill thoroughly before cutting.
Use high-quality chocolate for the richest flavor.
Store refrigerated in an airtight container.
Flaky sea salt provides the perfect sweet-salty balance.
Bars can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg