Salted Caramel Bites

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Yield: 24 bites

Description

These Salted Caramel Bites are the perfect combination of sweet and salty, with a rich, gooey caramel center encased in a buttery shortbread crust. They’re easy to make and absolutely irresistible—ideal for parties, gifts, or a sweet treat with your coffee!

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Crust:

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour

• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar

• ¼ tsp salt

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Caramel Filling:

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter

• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar

• 2 tbsp light corn syrup (or honey)

• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)

For the Chocolate Drizzle (Optional):

• ½ cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 1 tsp coconut oil (or butter)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

2. In a food processor, combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Pulse briefly to mix.

3. Add cold cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan in an even layer.

5. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Salted Caramel Filling

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, sugar, and corn syrup, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves (about 3-4 minutes).

2. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring—be careful, as it will bubble vigorously.

3. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the caramel thickens slightly (it should coat the back of a spoon).

4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and sea salt.

5. Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread crust and spread evenly.

6. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt for extra flavor.

7. Let the caramel set at room temperature for 30 minutes, then transfer to the fridge to chill for at least 1 hour.

Step 3: Optional Chocolate Drizzle

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.

2. Drizzle over the chilled caramel layer.

3. Return to the fridge for 10 minutes to set the chocolate.

Step 4: Cut into Bites

1. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the slab out of the pan.

2. Cut into small squares (about 1-inch pieces) using a sharp knife.

3. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Keeps for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

• Refrigerator: Stays fresh for 1 week—best served slightly chilled.

• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 bite)

Final Thoughts

These Salted Caramel Bites are a decadent, bite-sized dessert that balances sweetness with a touch of saltiness. The buttery shortbread pairs perfectly with the creamy caramel, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.