Heavenly Caramel Bites
Indulge in the irresistible charm of Heavenly Caramel Bites, a show-stopping treat that layers buttery shortbread with rich, golden caramel and a luxurious chocolate drizzle. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for impressing guests or satisfying your sweet tooth at home. Featuring a crispy, melt-in-your-mouth crust and a velvety, homemade caramel filling accented with a hint of sea salt, these bite-sized squares strike the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Ready in just under an hour of active prep and cook time, these caramel bars are a delightful addition to any dessert table or snack rotation. Whether you enjoy them plain or with the optional chocolate topping, Heavenly Caramel Bites are guaranteed to become your new favorite indulgence. Perfect for parties, holiday gifting, or a simple weekday pick-me-up, these treats are as versatile as they are delicious!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 0.75 cup light brown sugar
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter
- 0.25 cup golden syrup or light corn syrup
- 0.5 teaspoon sea salt, for garnish
- 0.5 cup optional chocolate chips for drizzling
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a square 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 0.5 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined.
Add 2 cups all-purpose flour and 2 tablespoons cornstarch to the bowl. Mix until the dough comes together; it will be slightly crumbly but should hold when pressed.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the shortbread crust. Use the back of a measuring cup to flatten it evenly.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes or until light golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
For the caramel layer, combine 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk, 0.75 cup light brown sugar, 0.5 cup unsalted butter, and 0.25 cup golden syrup (or light corn syrup) in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and turns a golden caramel color. This should take about 8–10 minutes.
Pour the hot caramel over the cooled shortbread crust, spreading it evenly with an offset spatula.
Let the caramel layer cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to fully set.
For an optional chocolate drizzle, melt 0.5 cup of chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 15-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth. Drizzle over the chilled caramel bites.
Remove the set caramel bites from the pan using the parchment overhang. Slice into 24 bite-sized squares.
Sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt over each square for a touch of balance and flavor.
Serve and enjoy your Heavenly Caramel Bites! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
6024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 308.9 g | 396% | |
| Saturated Fat | 191.7 g | 958% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 776 mg | 259% | |
| Sodium | 1737 mg | 76% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 776.2 g | 282% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.7 g | 52% | |
| Total Sugars | 563.0 g | ||
| Protein | 66.6 g | 133% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 1396 mg | 107% | |
| Iron | 16.6 mg | 92% | |
| Potassium | 2309 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.
