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Salt River Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 107 reviews

Salt River Bars are a delightful layered dessert featuring crunchy Club crackers and graham cracker crumbs combined with a rich homemade caramel sauce, topped with a creamy blend of melted milk chocolate, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter, finished with a sprinkle of sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Base and Layers

  • 90 Club crackers
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs

Caramel Sauce

  • 1 cup salted butter
  • 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
  • 3/4 cups heavy cream

Chocolate Topping

  • 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup butterscotch chips
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

Finishing

  • Maldon sea salt for sprinkling (about 1 teaspoon)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Line a 9 by 13 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving extra length on the two long edges for easy removal later. Spray the parchment and the pan sides with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. First Layer of Crackers: Cover the bottom of the pan with one layer of Club crackers, cutting pieces as needed to fit. Arrange about five rows of six crackers to cover the pan evenly.
  3. Make the Caramel Sauce: In a medium heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat, melt the butter, then add brown sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and heavy cream. Stir constantly as the mixture combines.
  4. Boil the Caramel: Bring the caramel mixture to a boil while stirring continuously. Once boiling, allow it to boil for 7 minutes to thicken, still stirring to prevent burning.
  5. First Caramel Pour: Pour half of the hot caramel sauce evenly over the first layer of crackers, spreading it to the edges of the pan.
  6. Second Layer of Crackers: Quickly add another full layer of crackers on top of the caramel before it sets.
  7. Second Caramel Pour and Final Cracker Layer: Pour the remaining caramel sauce over the second cracker layer, then add a final layer of crackers on top.
  8. Chill to Set Caramel: Refrigerate the assembled layers to chill and firm up the caramel before adding the chocolate topping.
  9. Prepare Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine milk chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and creamy peanut butter. Microwave for 30-45 seconds, stir, and continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.
  10. Top and Finish: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the final cracker layer, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle Maldon sea salt over the chocolate topping to taste.
  11. Final Chill and Cut: Chill the assembled bars in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours until set. Use a sharp knife to cut bars. For easier cutting, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper edges.

Notes

  • Using a pan with straight sides makes layering and removal easier.
  • Keep stirring the caramel mixture continuously to prevent it from burning.
  • Microwaving in short bursts and stirring ensures the chocolate topping melts evenly without burning.
  • The sea salt enhances the flavor by balancing the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate.
  • Make sure to chill the bars thoroughly before cutting to get clean slices.

Keywords: Salt River Bars, caramel bars, layered dessert, chocolate peanut butter bars, sea salt dessert

Find it online: https://platedandproud.com/salt-river-bars-recipe/