Description
Salt River Bars Dessert is a captivating treat that combines the richness of caramel and chocolate with the crunch of Club crackers, making it a dependable choice for any gathering or a simple at-home indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Start by lining your rectangular baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring that the paper overextends on the longer sides for easy lifting later. This step is crucial in helping you remove the bars without any hassle once they’re fully set. Once lined, lightly coat both the parchment and exposed sides of the pan with nonstick spray to prevent any sticking.
- Layer the Crackers: Next, arrange the Club crackers in a single layer on the bottom of your prepared pan. If necessary, cut them to fit snugly without leaving any gaps. This will create a solid base for your caramel layer, providing both structure and flavor.
- Make the Caramel: In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt together the butter, brown sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir constantly to ensure the mixture combines evenly and doesn’t stick to the pan. Once melted, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, continuing to stir for an additional seven minutes. This boiling step is essential to achieving a thick, glossy caramel consistency.
- Pour the Caramel: As soon as the caramel is ready, quickly pour half of it over the layer of crackers, spreading it evenly to the edges. Immediately place a second layer of crackers on top, following the same arrangement. Pour the remaining caramel over this top layer of crackers and ensure it spreads evenly to cover all corners before topping with a final layer of crackers.
- Chill the Bars: Refrigerate the pan for a while to allow the caramel and cracker layers to cool and set. This chilling step is vital for achieving the right texture later.
- Prepare the Chocolate Topping: While the bars are chilling, you can prepare the decadent topping. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter. Heat in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds, then stir. Continue heating in 15-second increments, stirring between each, until the mixture is completely melted and has a smooth consistency.
- Final Assembly: Once the bars have chilled adequately, pour the melted chocolate mixture over the top layer of crackers. Smooth it out evenly to cover the entire surface. For an added touch of flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle Maldon sea salt over the chocolate topping to your taste.
- Chill and Serve: Return the pan to the refrigerator and chill for an additional 1 to 2 hours or until everything is fully set. When you’re ready to serve, use the parchment edges to lift the bars out of the pan. With a sharp knife, slice the bars into even squares or rectangles.
Notes
Keep an eye on the caramel as boiling can be temperamental. Stir constantly to avoid burning. If substituting chocolate chips, ensure any replacements melt smoothly—dark chocolate or blonde chocolate chips are great alternatives.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Protein: 3 g