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Cursed Caramel Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 85 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 24 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Cursed Caramel Bars are indulgent dessert bars featuring a buttery crumb base layered with a rich, homemade caramel filling, topped with more crumbly dough, melted semi-sweet chocolate, and a touch of sea salt flakes. This delightful treat combines the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors with a chewy and crunchy texture that’s perfect for sharing or gifting.


Ingredients

Scale

Crust and Topping

  • 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Caramel Filling

  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) light corn syrup
  • 1 can (14 oz or 396 grams) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (220 grams) packed brown sugar

Topping

  • 2 cups (340 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • Sea salt flakes, for topping


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
  3. Create Crumb Mixture: Melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and mix it into the flour mixture until it becomes crumbly, forming the base and topping crumbs.
  4. Make Caramel Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, light corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture starts boiling. Then allow it to boil uncovered for 5 minutes without stirring to thicken.
  5. Cool Caramel: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the caramel cool slightly so it doesn’t melt the crust when poured.
  6. Assemble Base: Press half of the crumbly flour mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the crust layer.
  7. Add Caramel Layer: Pour the cooled caramel filling evenly over the crust, spreading it carefully.
  8. Top with Crumbs: Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the caramel layer and gently press down to adhere slightly.
  9. Bake: Place the assembled dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and set.
  10. Cool Completely: Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, ensuring the layers set properly.
  11. Add Chocolate Topping: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips until smooth, then pour and spread evenly over the cooled bars. Sprinkle sea salt flakes generously on the chocolate layer.
  12. Set and Serve: Let the bars set at room temperature for at least 1 hour until the chocolate hardens. Once set, cut into squares and serve.

Notes

  • Ensure the caramel is slightly cooled before pouring to prevent melting the crust.
  • Use a sharp knife to cut bars cleanly after the chocolate has fully set.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
  • For a deeper caramel flavor, watch the caramel closely to avoid burning during the boiling step.
  • Feel free to substitute sea salt flakes with regular coarse salt if preferred, but sea salt enhances the flavor balance best.