Decadent Salted Caramel

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Crust

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Caramel Filling

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping

• Flaky sea salt (to taste)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the crust
   In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
   Mix in flour and salt until crumbly dough forms.
3. Bake the crust
   Press the mixture evenly into the baking pan.
   Bake for 15–18 minutes until lightly golden.
4. Prepare the caramel
   In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and condensed milk.
   Stir constantly and cook for 8–10 minutes until thick and caramel-like.
5. Add vanilla
   Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
6. Assemble the bars
   Pour the warm caramel over the baked crust and spread evenly.
7. Bake again
   Return to the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes.
8. Cool and finish
   Let the bars cool completely, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
9. Slice and serve
   Cut into squares and enjoy!

Tips

• Chill the bars for 1 hour before cutting for cleaner slices.
• Store in an airtight container up to 5 days.
• For extra flavor, drizzle with melted chocolate.