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Honey Caramel Almond Shortbread Bars

Honey Caramel Almond Shortbread Bars for Sweet Delights

These Honey Caramel Almond Shortbread Bars are a perfect treat with buttery shortbread, rich caramel, and crunchy almonds, ideal for sharing or gifting.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Shortbread Ingredients
  • 6 ounces Unsalted Butter softened for easy mixing
  • 6 tablespoons Sugar can substitute with brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract pure for best results
  • 0.25 teaspoon Salt sea salt adds a delightful crunch
  • 1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour opt for gluten-free if needed
Caramel Ingredients
  • 4 ounces Unsalted Butter softened for easy blending
  • 1 cup Sugar plus 3 tablespoons
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract pure vanilla is highly recommended
  • 0.5 cup Heavy Cream you can use half-and-half as a lighter option
  • 0.5 cup Honey maple syrup can change flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Corn Syrup prevents crystallization
  • 0.33 cup Water to dissolve sugar
  • 3 cups Sliced Almonds consider substituting with pecans or walnuts
Topping
  • Flaky Sea Salt optional for a finishing touch

Equipment

  • 9x9-inch baking pan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • microwave-safe bowl
  • medium saucepan

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x9-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper and sprayed with baking spray.
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream together 6 ounces of softened unsalted butter, 6 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually mix in ¼ teaspoon of salt and 1 ½ cups plus 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour until crumbly. Press evenly into the bottom of the pan.
Baking
  1. Bake the crust for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and cool slightly.
  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine ½ cup of heavy cream, ½ cup of honey, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 4 ounces of unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals until melted and blended.
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of corn syrup, and ⅓ cup of water. Heat until boiling without stirring for 8-10 minutes or until it turns medium amber.
  4. Carefully stir the cream mixture into the bubbling sugar mixture, cooking until the caramel reaches 255°F, around 7-10 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups of sliced almonds, then pour evenly over the cooled shortbread base.
  6. Bake for an additional 7-10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Remove and let cool completely for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure the caramel reaches exactly 255°F for the best texture. Be patient and cool the bars completely before cutting.

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