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Chocolate Caramel Bars
This recipe is for all those who love chocolate and soft caramel over a shortbread crust.. similar to a Twix Bar but let's say "healthier" .. as it is homemade and no other preservative or additives are used. I saw that similar recipes are actually using caramel candies that are melted, but I wanted to make this recipe from scratch and that include the caramel as well.
It is very simple and the result is as expected, delicious, soft and chewy caramel that can be perfectly cut into small serving bars. Don't know why many are so scared of making caramel at home.. it's quick and easy and I didn't even use a candy thermometer for this recipe. And I've done this caramel for so many times and it always gets perfect.
For the shortbread crust I added some ground almonds for a bit of texture and it is wonderful. These chocolate caramel bars are definitely one of the best candy bars I've ever made. I was so pleased with the final result. It is a great recipe for whenever you need to prepare something for a gathering, it is easy to transport and as holidays are approaching it may be a wonderful homemade gift idea.
Everybody love this combination, and what is not to love about. Layers of goodness one upon another.. amazing chewy caramel over the crusty cookie layer and topped with a chocolate layer.. I am telling you guys..they can be pretty addictive... so make sure you are sharing this bars with somebody otherwise you will end up eating them all by yourself.
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Flourless Chocolate Cake with Salted Caramel Mousse
- Makes about 20 large bars or 60 small ones
- Shortbread Crust
- 1 3/4 sticks (200 g) butter
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup ground almonds
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Caramel Filling
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 3/4 sticks (200 g) butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 egg yolks
- 2/3 cup sugar, for mixing with egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Chocolate Topping
- 8 oz bittersweet chocolate and milk chocolate, a combination or only one type
- 1 tbsp butter
- Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Grease with butter a 9 X 13 inches baking dish. Line with parchment paper.
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Prepare the crust. In a large bowl combine flour, ground almonds, sugar and salt. Add the butter and using a pastry blender or simply a fork cut in the butter until crumbles are formed.
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Press the mixture onto the bottom of the prepared baking dish and bake for about 15-20 minutes until lightly golden brown. Set aside and let cool slightly.
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Prepare the caramel. Mix egg yolks with sugar and vanilla extract until thick, creamy and pale yellow colored.
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In a medium sauce pan heat the sugar and water until turns golden brown. Immediately add butter and salt and mix well. After butter has melted remove from heat and incorporate the egg yolks mixture. Return to heat, stir continuously and simmer until thick.
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Remove from heat, continue stirring for few seconds and pour the caramel over the prepared crust. Using a rubber spatula spread it evenly over the crust. Set aside while you prepare the chocolate.
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Add chocolate and butter in a bowl and melt over bain-marie. When melted pour over the caramel and spread it evenly. Set aside to chill, refrigerate until ready to serve.
- 7. Cut into large or smaller bars and serve. Enjoy!
Thank you Ellen for letting me know about the butter.. don't know how I forgot to add it in the ingredient list. I used unsalted butter so I can control the content of salt I need for the caramel, but if you only have salted you can probably use that as well. In this recipe only the crust is baked. When I bake I preheat my oven to conventional heating function.. heat comes from top and bottom as well. Hope that helps.
yes, it should work well ... Just use the same amount of margarine as for butter..
No, almonds are not necessary, I used them because I love their taste and texture. Just replace almonds with flour.
Sure.. will be good too:)
yes.. exactly.. hope you will try them out :) let me know
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