Description
Caramel Nut Shortbread Bars are a decadent dessert featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a rich, gooey caramel and a crunchy mix of nuts. Perfect for parties, holiday trays, or a sweet afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups mixed nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds), roughly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Cream together 1 cup butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add flour and salt; mix until a crumbly dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes until lightly golden.
- Meanwhile, combine brown sugar, 1/4 cup butter, and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring, then cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and chopped nuts.
- Pour the caramel-nut mixture over the baked shortbread layer and spread evenly.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 12-15 minutes until the topping is bubbling and golden.
- Cool completely in the pan, then cut into bars.
Notes
- Line your pan with parchment for easier removal and cleaner cuts.
- Use your favorite nut blend or just one variety depending on taste.
- Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for contrast.
- Bars store well in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg