These layered dessert bars hold a special place in my heart. They were a staple recipe of my grandma’s, a dessert she’d whip up for all sorts of occasions, but especially during the holiday season. The aroma of buttery shortbread and rich caramel filling the kitchen always signaled the approach of Christmas festivities. With every bite, I’m transported back to those warm holiday gatherings, surrounded by family and enjoying the simple pleasures of delicious homemade treats. This recipe is more than just a combination of ingredients; it’s a reminder of cherished memories and the joy of sharing sweet treats with loved ones. I hope it brings you the same sense of warmth and comfort that it brings to me.

These layered dessert bars are a symphony of textures in every bite. The buttery shortbread crust crumbles delightfully, giving way to the rich, chewy caramel center that offers a satisfying bite. Finally, the smooth semi-sweet chocolate top adds a touch of decadence and a satisfying finish. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few steps, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy bakery. Perfect for novice bakers or those short on time, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re also incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative and add your own personal touch, like a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet and salty contrast, or infuse the chocolate with a touch of espresso powder for a coffee twist. No matter how you choose to prepare them, these dessert bars are sure to become a new favorite.

For the Shortbread Base:

• Margarine: This adds richness and flakiness to the shortbread crust. You can substitute unsalted butter for the margarine if preferred.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the crumbly shortbread crust.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to bind the shortbread dough together.

For the Chewy Caramel Center:

• Light Brown Sugar: Provides a deeper, richer caramel flavor compared to granulated sugar.
• Margarine: Melted margarine helps to create the smooth and chewy caramel texture.
• Light Corn Syrup: This helps to prevent the caramel from crystallizing and keeps it nice and chewy.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk (Eagle Brand): The base of the caramel layer, adding sweetness and a creamy texture.

For the Smooth Chocolate Topping:

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melted chocolate chips create a decadent and flavorful topping. You can adjust the sweetness by using milk chocolate chips or even bittersweet chocolate chips for a darker flavor profile.
• Margarine: Melted margarine helps to thin the chocolate and create a smooth, pourable topping. You can also use butter here if desired.

My Grandmas method of choice was to refrigerate or freeze these squares for later. Here is a few ideas on how to maximize the freshness of these squares:

Room Temperature (Short Term): If you plan to enjoy the bars within 1-2 days, you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container. This will keep them fresh and retain their texture.

Refrigerator (Medium Term): For storage lasting up to a week, the refrigerator is your best bet. Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out or absorbing any unwanted fridge odors. Once you’re ready to enjoy a bar, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.

Freezer (Long Term): For longer storage, up to 3 months, the freezer is the way to go. Allow the bars to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or store them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Here are some substitutions and alterations you can explore:

Flavor Twists:

• Sweet and Salty: For a delightful textural and flavor contrast, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the warm chocolate topping before it sets. This adds a wonderful sweet and salty element to each bite.
• Nutty Delights: For a delightful crunch, incorporate chopped nuts into the recipe. You can either fold in about ½ cup of finely chopped nuts (such as peanuts, pecans, or almonds) into the cooled caramel center before adding the chocolate, or sprinkle them over the warm chocolate topping for a nice visual touch.
• Festive Fun: Feeling festive? Get creative and decorate the tops of the bars with colorful sprinkles! This is a fun way to add a playful touch and make them perfect for birthday parties or other celebrations.
• Chocolate Chunk Surprise: Love chocolate? Instead of a smooth chocolate topping, consider using chopped Skor bars or another favorite chocolate candy bar. Fold the chopped candy (about ½ cup) into the melted chocolate for the topping, creating a delicious surprise in every bite.

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Margarine for butter: Don’t have margarine? No problem! You can substitute unsalted butter for the margarine in a 1:1 ratio throughout the recipe. For a dairy-free option, some vegan butter alternatives may also work, however, the results may vary slightly.
• Chocolate Variations: The semi-sweet chocolate chips in the topping offer a delightful canvas for exploration. Consider using milk chocolate chips for a sweeter finish, or delve into a more sophisticated flavor profile with bittersweet chocolate chips.
• Caramel Tweaks: Want a deeper caramel flavor? Substitute dark brown sugar for the light brown sugar in the caramel center. This will create a richer and slightly more intense caramel taste.
• Corn Syrup Swap: If you don’t have corn syrup on hand, you can often substitute it with honey or maple syrup in a 1:1 ratio. However, keep in mind that this may alter the texture of the caramel slightly, making it a bit less chewy.