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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix until the dough comes together and forms a crumbly texture. You can use your hands or a pastry blender to blend the butter into the dry ingredients.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a uniform crust. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until it turns golden brown. Once done, remove the pan from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly.
2. Make the Caramel Filling:
While the crust is cooling, prepare the caramel filling. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Stir the mixture constantly as it comes to a gentle boil.
Allow the caramel to simmer for about 3-4 minutes, continuing to stir, until it thickens slightly and becomes smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Assemble the Bars:
Pour the caramel mixture over the baked crust, spreading it out evenly to cover the entire surface. Be careful, as the caramel will be very hot.
4. Let the Caramel Set:
Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for about 1-2 hours to let the caramel firm up and set.
5. Cut and Serve:
Once the caramel has set, carefully lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper (if you used it). Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. These bars are best served chilled or at room temperature.
Optional Toppings to Elevate Your Caramel Bars:
- Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the bars after they’ve set. You can use milk, dark, or white chocolate, depending on your preference.
- Sea Salt: Sprinkle a little sea salt on top of the caramel before serving for a sweet-and-salty contrast that enhances the flavors.
- Chopped Nuts: For added texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts over the caramel filling before baking.
- Toffee Bits: If you love extra crunch, adding toffee bits on top of the caramel can give your bars a delightful texture.
Tips for Perfect Caramel Bars
- Butter: Make sure to use unsalted butter for both the crust and the caramel. This gives you more control over the sweetness and saltiness of the bars.
- Cooling Time: Be patient and allow the caramel to cool and set completely before cutting. This will ensure that the caramel doesn’t ooze out and will give you clean cuts.
- Storage: Store these caramel bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator if you prefer them chilled. They also freeze well if you want to save some for later!
Why You’ll Make These Bars Again and Again
These Bars de Caramelo Caseros are truly the perfect dessert to enjoy with family and friends. The combination of a crunchy shortbread crust, smooth and gooey caramel, and a buttery finish will have everyone asking for the recipe. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, and the four simple ingredients ensure that you can whip them up anytime you need a sweet treat.
Whether you’re planning a special dessert for a gathering or simply want to enjoy something sweet at home, these homemade caramel bars will not disappoint. Their rich, indulgent flavor makes them a dessert everyone will love—and you’ll find yourself baking them time and time again.
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