Chocolate Caramel Shortbread

Name: Chocolate Caramel Shortbread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 pieces
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making Chocolate Caramel Shortbread because it combines my favorite textures and flavors in one indulgent treat. The buttery shortbread, creamy caramel, and rich chocolate create a delightful balance that always satisfies my sweet tooth. Whenever I prepare this dessert, I’m reminded of special moments shared with friends and family over delicious homemade sweets. Plus, the recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, allowing even novice bakers to impress their guests with a stunning dessert.

Created by

Naomi Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-13T00:49:22.394Z

In my quest to create the perfect dessert, I found myself experimenting with layers of caramel and chocolate on a classic shortbread base. One day, I decided to fiddle with the proportions, and the result was nothing short of magical. The buttery shortbread holds up beautifully to the luscious caramel and chocolate, making every bite a delight. I’ve also found that using high-quality chocolate elevates the flavor to a whole new level, so don't skimp here!

This recipe is frequently a crowd favorite at gatherings and holidays. I once brought these to a potluck, and they disappeared within minutes. Seeing everyone’s faces light up at the first bite was unforgettable! I'll share a little tip: chilling the caramel can make slicing the bars much cleaner and neater around the edges.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Decadent layers of flavor and texture.
Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing.
A crowd-pleaser that impresses every time.

      

Understanding the Layers

The Chocolate Caramel Shortbread consists of three distinct layers, each playing a vital role in the overall flavor profile and texture. The buttery shortbread base creates a sturdy yet crumbly foundation that complements the creamy caramel and rich chocolate. It's essential to achieve a light and fluffy texture when creaming the butter and sugar, which helps to aerate the shortbread, resulting in a more tender bite. Take care to avoid overmixing once you add the flour, as this can lead to a denser texture.

The caramel layer is the star feature of this dessert, adding a luscious sweetness that balances the richness of the chocolate. When making the caramel, ensure that you cook it just long enough to achieve a golden color and thick consistency; if simmered too long, it can crystallize or become overly hard. Utilizing a heavy-bottomed saucepan helps distribute heat evenly, reducing the risk of burning at the bottom. The addition of vanilla extract not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful aroma that complements the sweetness.

Perfecting the Chocolate Topping

The chocolate topping should be both smooth and glossy, which can be easily achieved by gently melting the dark chocolate and butter together. Using a microwave-safe bowl, melt them in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to prevent overheating. If the chocolate becomes too thick, a touch more butter or a splash of vegetable oil can restore its smooth texture. Additionally, consider using a good quality dark chocolate for deeper flavor; chocolate with around 60-70% cocoa content will offer a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness.

If you prefer a different chocolate experience, feel free to substitute dark chocolate with milk or white chocolate. Just remember that milk chocolate will lend a sweeter profile, while white chocolate may require a pinch of salt to balance its sweetness. After pouring the chocolate over the caramel, tap the baking pan gently on the counter to evenly distribute the top layer and eliminate any air bubbles, ensuring a visually appealing finish.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your Chocolate Caramel Shortbread:

Shortbread Base

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt

Caramel Layer

1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Topping

1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect Chocolate Caramel Shortbread:

Prepare the Shortbread Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.

Press the mixture into a greased 9x9 inch baking pan and bake for 20 minutes or until lightly golden. Let it cool.

Make the Caramel Layer

In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture boils, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread layer and let it set for about 10 minutes.

Prepare the Chocolate Topping

Melt the dark chocolate chips and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Pour the chocolate over the set caramel layer, spreading evenly. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until completely firm.

Serve

Once set, remove from the pan and cut into squares. Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Caramel Shortbread!

For the best results, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Pro Tips

For a more sophisticated touch, sprinkle a little sea salt over the chocolate before it sets!

Storage Tips

To keep your Chocolate Caramel Shortbread fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container. Layer parchment paper between the squares to prevent sticking. It can last up to a week at room temperature or up to two weeks if refrigerated. If you plan to make it ahead of time for a special occasion, consider freezing individual squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container, where they can last for about a month.

When ready to enjoy the frozen treats, remove them from the freezer and allow them to thaw in the refrigerator for several hours. This gentle thawing process will help maintain the texture of both the caramel and chocolate layers, ensuring they remain indulgently rich when finally served.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your caramel layer turns out too runny, it likely hasn't cooked long enough to thicken properly. To fix this, return the mixture to low heat and allow it to simmer for an additional couple of minutes while stirring constantly, making sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Conversely, if the caramel has become too hard, its texture can be softened by gently reheating it and adding a splash of heavy cream to rehydrate the mixture.

For the shortbread base, if you find it too crumbly, this could be due to under-mixing or insufficient butter. A small addition of melted butter can help bind it together before pressing it into the pan. Always ensure to use fresh, room-temperature butter to achieve the right consistency; cold butter can result in an uneven texture and poor rise in baked goods.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate, but it will result in a sweeter topping.

→ How do I store the shortbread?

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the bars a day in advance; they taste even better when the flavors meld overnight.

→ What can I do if my caramel is too runny?

If your caramel is too runny, try cooking it for a few more minutes to thicken it up.