Indulge in the irresistible sweetness of Caramel Toffee Squares, a dessert that combines a buttery shortbread base, a lusciously thick caramel layer, and a delightful sprinkle of crushed toffee bits. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, this decadent treat is elevated with optional drizzles of melted chocolate for a gourmet finish. With only 20 minutes of prep time, this recipe is as easy as it is impressive, making it a go-to dessert for parties, holiday gatherings, or a midday pick-me-up. The playful crunch of toffee, balanced with the creamy richness of homemade caramel, will make these squares your new favorite indulgence. Serve chilled for a refreshing twist or at room temperature for soft, melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, cream 150 grams of the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the all-purpose flour. Stir until the dough comes together.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the shortbread base. Prick it a few times with a fork to prevent bubbling.
Bake the base in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
To make the caramel layer, melt the remaining 50 grams of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Add the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, light corn syrup, heavy cream, and salt. Stir continuously as the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat to low and simmer the caramel for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently until thickened and golden brown. Remove from heat.
Pour the caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread base. Use a spatula to smooth the surface.
Allow the caramel layer to cool slightly, about 10 minutes, then sprinkle the crushed toffee bits evenly over the top.
Optional: Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the toffee layer.
Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours, or until the caramel is fully set.
Once set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire square out of the pan. Transfer to a cutting board and cut into 12 squares or your desired portion size.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Calories |
5766 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 283.9 g | 364% | |
| Saturated Fat | 168.9 g | 844% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 672 mg | 224% | |
| Sodium | 1943 mg | 84% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 766.0 g | 279% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.4 g | 37% | |
| Total Sugars | 557.4 g | ||
| Protein | 65.8 g | 132% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 1435 mg | 110% | |
| Iron | 17.3 mg | 96% | |
| Potassium | 2289 mg | 49% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.