Shortbread Caramel Brownie Bars

By MaryEllen

These were really tasty and a huge hit with everyone! They cut beautifully. Definitely a keeper.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups (3/4-pound) butter
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 12 ounces individually wrapped soft caramels, such as Kraft
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 10 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Details

Servings 12
Preparation time 15mins
Cooking time 75mins

Preparation

Step 1

Cut 1 cup butter into chunks. In the bowl of a food processor, combine 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, cornstarch, and the butter chunks. Whirl until dough comes together. Press evenly over the bottom of a buttered 9- by 13-inch baking pan. Bake in a 325°F regular or convection oven until top feels dry and is just beginning to brown, about 25 minutes. Let cool completely.

Meanwhile, unwrap caramels and place in a microwave-safe bowl with milk. Cook in a microwave oven on full power (100%) for 1 minute. Stir mixture, then cook and stir at 30-second intervals until melted and smooth, about 3 minutes longer.

Spread caramel mixture evenly over cooled crust and chill until firm, about 20 minutes.

In a large bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water (bottom of bowl should not touch water), stir chocolate and remaining 1/2 cup butter often until melted and smooth. Remove bowl from over water and, with a whisk or a mixer on medium speed, beat in remaining 3/4 cup sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well blended. Stir in remaining 1/2 cup flour, baking powder, and salt until well blended. Pour chocolate mixture over caramel layer and use a knife or spatula to spread level, completely covering caramel.

Bake in a 350°F regular or convection oven until a wooden skewer inserted into the chocolate layer comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool completely, then cut into 24 bars.

Nutrition information calculated from recipe ingredients.
Amount Per Serving
Calories 314.79
Calories From Fat (47%) 146.45
% Daily Value
Total Fat 17g 26%
Saturated Fat 10.55g 53%
Cholesterol 58.19mg 19%
Sodium 82.11mg 3%
Potassium 103.85mg 3%
Total Carbohydrates 39.63g 13%
Fiber 0.53g 2%
Sugar 19.99g
Protein 3.48g 7%

Source
Source: Desserts du Jour