Introduction to Salt River Bars Dessert
Oh, the sweet embrace of dessert—there’s nothing quite like it! If you’re like me, always juggling life’s demands, this Salt River Bars Dessert is your new best friend. Packed with layers of buttery caramel, crunchy crackers, and smooth chocolate, these bars are a delightful indulgence that promises to brighten any day. Whether it’s a quick solution for a busy evening or a treat to impress your sweet-toothed loved ones, these bars are sure to steal the spotlight. Grab your apron and let’s dive into this scrumptious adventure together!
Why You’ll Love This Salt River Bars Dessert
This Salt River Bars Dessert is not just a treat; it’s a lifesaver. It’s incredibly simple to whip up, taking only about an hour and a half from start to finish. Plus, the layers create an explosion of flavor that will make your taste buds dance! Perfect for family gatherings, bake sales, or just because—it hits all the right notes. Trust me; these bars will quickly become your go-to sweet indulgence!
Ingredients for Salt River Bars Dessert
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating the magic of Salt River Bars Dessert. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Club crackers: These crispy, buttery crackers form the base of our delicious layers. They add that perfect crunch!
- Salted butter: This is where the flavor begins. The rich, creamy butter adds depth to the caramel.
- Light brown sugar: Packed with moisture, this sugar brings a delightful sweetness and that signature caramel flavor.
- Graham cracker crumbs: These blend beautifully into the caramel, giving it an extra layer of sweetness and texture.
- Heavy cream: Adds a luxurious richness to the caramel, ensuring it’s smooth and silky.
- Milk chocolate chips: The creamy, melt-in-your-mouth topping! You can swap these for dark chocolate if you prefer more richness.
- Butterscotch chips: A sweet twist! They make the chocolate topping irresistible, adding a hint of toffee-like flavor.
- Creamy peanut butter: This adds a lovely nuttiness that pairs perfectly with chocolate and caramel. Choose natural peanut butter for a healthier option.
- Maldon sea salt: A sprinkle of this flaky salt elevates the flavors, balancing the sweetness with its crunch. Adjust to your taste!
Exact measurements for these wonderful ingredients are listed at the bottom of the article for your convenience. The beauty of this dessert is that you can mix and match based on what you have on hand. Let your creativity shine!
How to Make Salt River Bars Dessert
Now comes the fun part—bringing our Salt River Bars Dessert to life! This process is straightforward and rewarding, so let’s roll up our sleeves and get started.
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
Begin by prepping your baking pan. Line a 33 x 23 cm rectangular baking pan with parchment paper. This will make lifting the bars out later a breeze! Make sure the paper extends over the longer sides to create handles. Lightly coat both the parchment and exposed pan sides with nonstick spray to prevent any sticking.
Step 2: Add the First Layer of Crackers
Next, arrange your Club crackers in a single layer over the parchment-lined base. Don’t hesitate to cut some crackers to fit snugly; this ensures every bite is full of deliciousness! You want those crackers to act as a perfect support for the caramel.
Step 3: Make the Caramel Mixture
Now, let’s whip up the caramel! In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt together the salted butter, light brown sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir constantly. It’s like dancing—keep things moving to ensure that everything combines smoothly without burning!
Step 4: Pour Caramel Over Crackers
When your mixture reaches a boil, keep stirring and let it bubble away for about 7 minutes. This is the magic moment—watch it become thick and glossy! Immediately pour half of the caramel evenly over the first layer of crackers. Spread it gently to the edges; we want full coverage for every cracker here!
Step 5: Arrange the Final Layer of Crackers
Quickly add a second layer of crackers on top of the caramel. You’ll want to arrange them in the same way as before, creating a solid base for the next gooey layer. Pour the remaining caramel over this layer, smoothing it out evenly. Now, top it off with a final single layer of crackers. We’re almost there!
Step 6: Chill and Prepare the Topping
Time to chill out! Place the pan in the refrigerator and let it cool for about 30 minutes. This helps the caramel and cracker layers set perfectly. While you wait, gather your ingredients for the topping.
Step 7: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and creamy peanut butter. Microwave for 30-45 seconds. Then, stir. If needed, heat in 15-second increments, stirring in between. The goal is a smooth, melted mixture that will pour beautifully over our bars.
Step 8: Add the Topping and Chill Again
Pour that luscious chocolate mixture over the top cracker layer. Spread it evenly, making sure it reaches all the edges. For the finishing touch, sprinkle Maldon sea salt over the top. Chill the bars for another 1–2 hours until they are firm and ready for slicing.
Step 9: Slice and Serve
Once set, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper handles. Using a sharp knife, slice them into even bars. This is where the anticipation pays off! Serve them up and watch as everyone falls in love with your Salt River Bars Dessert!
Tips for Success
- Measure your ingredients precisely for best results, especially the butter and sugar.
- Stir constantly while making the caramel to avoid burning it.
- Don’t rush the cooling times—letting it chill properly helps to set the layers.
- Use a sharp knife for clean, even slices; it makes a difference in presentation.
- Experiment with toppings, like nuts or additional chocolate drizzles for extra flair!
Equipment Needed
- Baking pan (33 x 23 cm): If you don’t have this size, a similar-sized dish will work too!
- Parchment paper: Foil can be used in a pinch, but parchment prevents sticking best.
- Medium heavy-bottomed saucepan: Any saucepan will do, just ensure it’s sturdy.
- Microwave-safe bowl: A regular bowl is fine if you prefer stovetop melting.
- Sharp knife: A serrated knife also works well for slicing the bars.
Variations on Salt River Bars Dessert
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the caramel for a crunchy texture.
- Cookie Crust: Swap the Club crackers with chocolate or vanilla wafer cookies for a different flavor base.
- Flavorful Fusions: Incorporate a splash of vanilla or almond extract into the caramel for an aromatic twist.
- Healthier Option: Use sugar-free chocolate chips and natural sweeteners in place of sugar to lighten things up.
- Veggie-Friendly: For a vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
Serving Suggestions for Salt River Bars Dessert
- Serve these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful temperature contrast.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness of the bars.
- For a fun presentation, drizzle extra melted chocolate over the top when serving.
- Garnish with fresh berries or mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
FAQs about Salt River Bars Dessert
Can I make Salt River Bars Dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making ahead. Simply prepare them as directed and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for a few days, so you can wow your guests or treat yourself when the craving strikes!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
To keep your Salt River Bars Dessert delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to save them longer, you can freeze them, but they’re best enjoyed fresh!
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Of course! If you’re a dark chocolate lover, feel free to swap in dark chocolate chips. This adds a richer, deeper flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the caramel.
What can I serve these bars with?
These decadent Salt River Bars Dessert pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. You could also serve them alongside fresh fruit to balance the sweetness!
Can kids help make these bars?
Definitely! This recipe is simple enough for kids to join in on the fun. They can help with layering the crackers or even mixing the caramel. Just make sure to supervise while working with the stove and melting chocolate!
Final Thoughts
Creating Salt River Bars Dessert is more than just whipping up a tasty treat; it’s about making memories and sharing joy with those we love. The comforting layers of caramel, chocolate, and peanut butter bring warmth to any gathering or quiet night at home. I’m always grateful for the smiles these bars bring to my family’s faces, and I know you’ll enjoy that same delight. So why not make a batch today? Trust me, each bite is a delicious reminder that life’s sweetest moments are best celebrated together!
Print
Salt River Bars Dessert
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Salt River Bars Dessert is a delightful sweet indulgence made with layers of buttery caramel, crunchy crackers, and a smooth chocolate topping.
Ingredients
- 90 Club crackers
- 225 grams salted butter
- 400 grams light brown sugar, packed
- 100 grams graham cracker crumbs
- 180 millilitres heavy cream
- 255 grams milk chocolate chips
- 85 grams butterscotch chips
- 130 grams creamy peanut butter
- Maldon sea salt for finishing
Instructions
- Line a 33 x 23 cm rectangular baking pan with parchment paper, extending the paper over the longer sides for easy lifting. Lightly coat both parchment and exposed pan sides with nonstick spray.
- Arrange Club crackers in a single layer over the parchment-lined base, cutting crackers to fit snugly as needed.
- In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt butter, brown sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir constantly until combined and smooth.
- When mixture reaches a boil, continue to stir and boil for 7 minutes to achieve a thick, glossy caramel.
- Immediately pour half the caramel evenly over the cracker layer and spread to edges. Quickly add a second layer of crackers in the same arrangement.
- Pour remaining caramel over the second layer of crackers, spreading evenly. Top with a final single layer of crackers.
- Refrigerate the pan to cool and set the caramel and cracker layers while preparing the topping.
- Combine milk chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30–45 seconds, stir, then heat in 15-second increments, stirring between, until mixture is melted and smooth.
- Pour chocolate mixture over the top cracker layer, smoothing evenly to all edges. Sprinkle the surface with Maldon sea salt to preference.
- Chill for 1–2 hours until set. Lift bars from pan using parchment edges and slice with a sharp knife into even bars.
Notes
- Ensure chocolate mixture is fully melted for a smooth topping.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of Maldon sea salt to your taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
