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Salt River Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 90 reviews

Salt River Bars are a decadent no-bake layered dessert featuring crisp Club crackers, rich caramel, and a luscious chocolate-peanut butter topping finished with a sprinkle of sea salt. This easy-to-make treat combines buttery caramel layers with a crunchy, sweet base and a smooth, salty-sweet chocolate coating for the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Layer

  • 90 Club crackers

Caramel Layer

  • 1 cup salted butter
  • 2 cups packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream

Topping

  • 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup butterscotch chips
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • Maldon sea salt, about 1 teaspoon for finishing

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving the two long edges extra long to facilitate removing the bars later. Spray the parchment and sides of the pan with nonstick spray for easy release.
  2. Layer the First Crackers: Arrange the first layer of Club crackers on the parchment covering the bottom of the pan. Cut crackers as needed to fit, using about five rows of six crackers.
  3. Make Caramel Mixture: In a medium heavy-bottomed pan, combine the butter, brown sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and heavy cream. Melt and mix over medium heat, stirring constantly until ingredients are fully combined.
  4. Boil Caramel: Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring continuously and maintain a boiling simmer for 7 minutes to thicken the caramel.
  5. First Caramel Layer: Pour half of the hot caramel mixture evenly over the first cracker layer, spreading to the pan’s edges.
  6. Second Cracker Layer: Quickly add a second layer of crackers on top of the caramel before it sets.
  7. Second Caramel Layer: Pour the remaining caramel evenly over the second cracker layer, then top with the final layer of crackers.
  8. Chill the Bar Layers: Refrigerate the assembled bar layers to allow the caramel to set and firm up while preparing the topping.
  9. Prepare Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine milk chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and creamy peanut butter. Microwave for 30-45 seconds, then stir. Continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
  10. Top the Bars: Pour the chocolate mixture over the final cracker layer, spreading evenly to the edges. Sprinkle Maldon sea salt evenly over the chocolate topping for a finishing touch.
  11. Final Chill and Slice: Chill the bars in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours until firm. Use a sharp knife to cut into bars. Use the parchment paper edges to lift the entire block out of the pan for easier slicing if desired.

Notes

  • Use a pan with straight sides and parchment paper extensions for easy removal of bars.
  • Work quickly when layering crackers over hot caramel to prevent uneven setting.
  • Be sure to stir chocolate mixture thoroughly to avoid burning in the microwave.
  • The Maldon sea salt adds a great contrast to the sweetness—adjust amount to taste.
  • Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Keywords: salt river bars, no-bake dessert, caramel bars, chocolate peanut butter bars, layered dessert, easy party bars

Find it online: https://freshrecipehub.com/salt-river-bars-recipe/