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Browned Butter Shortbread Salted Beer Caramel and Espresso Chocolate Bars

5 from 3 votes

Ingredients
  

Shortbread:

  • ¾ cup unsalted butter
  • ½ cup golden brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ 185g cups all-purpose flour

Caramel:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar*
  • ¼ cup water
  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon flakey sea salt

Chocolate:

  • 10 oz dark chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup stout beer
  • 2 teaspoons espresso powder or instant coffee powder not coffee grounds
  • 1 teaspoon flakey sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Add the butter to a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until it smells nutty and is a slight amber color, be careful not to burn it. Transfer the butter to the bowl of a stand mixer allow to cool for 15 to 20 minutes. Heat the oven to 325°F.
  • Add the sugar, vanilla, salt, and flour, mix on low speed until just combined.
  • Line an 8x8 pan with parchment.
  • Press the dough into the pan in an even layer.
  • Bake for 30 minutes or until the edges just start to brown. Remove from oven, allow to cool.
  • Add the sugar, cream of tartar, and water to a large heavy-bottom saucepan, stir until the sugar is dissolved, stop stirring.
  • Boil until a dark amber, about 8 minutes, swirling the pan occasionally if hot spots develop.
  • Remove from heat, stir in the butter until melted.
  • Slowly stir in the heavy cream and then the salt.
  • Pour in an even layer over the shortbread, chill until set, about 10 minutes.
  • Add the chocolate chips, beer, and espresso powder to a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, stir and repeat until melted. Pour over the caramel in an even layer. Chill until set. Cut into squares to serve.

Notes

*cream of tartar is option but it does prevent crystallization if grainy caramel has ever been an issue for you