Gourmet Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars Recipe

Gourmet Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars Recipe




Gourmet Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars Recipe



Ingredients:



For the Chocolate Layer:


- Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa): 12 oz (340 g)
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tbsp (30 g), room temperature



For the Salted Caramel Filling:


- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (200 g)
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Unsalted Butter: 6 tbsp (85 g), cut into small pieces
- Sea Salt: 1 tsp
- Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp



For the Garnish:


- Flaky Sea Salt: 1/2 tsp (for sprinkling on top)



Instructions:


1. Prepare the Chocolate Layer:
   - Chop the dark chocolate into small, even pieces and place in a heatproof bowl.


   - Melt the chocolate and unsalted butter together using a double boiler or microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.


   - Pour half of the melted chocolate into a parchment-lined 8x8-inch baking pan, spreading it evenly to form the base layer.


   - Refrigerate the pan for 15 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.



2. Prepare the Salted Caramel Filling:


   - In a medium saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly with a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon until it melts into a smooth amber-colored liquid.


   - Once the sugar is fully melted, carefully add the butter pieces, stirring constantly until fully combined.


   - Slowly pour in the heavy cream (be careful as the mixture will bubble up), and continue stirring until the caramel is smooth and well-mixed.


   - Remove the caramel from heat and stir in the sea salt and vanilla extract.
   - Allow the caramel to cool slightly until it thickens but is still pourable.



3. Assemble the Chocolate Bars:


   - Remove the pan with the set chocolate layer from the refrigerator.


   - Pour the salted caramel over the chocolate layer, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.


   - Refrigerate the pan again for 15-20 minutes until the caramel is firm but still slightly soft.


   - Pour the remaining melted chocolate over the caramel layer, spreading it evenly to cover the caramel completely.


   - Sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt for an added gourmet touch.



4. Set and Cut the Bars:


   - Refrigerate the assembled chocolate bars for at least 1 hour or until fully set.


   - Once set, remove the bars from the pan by lifting the parchment paper, and cut them into desired pieces using a sharp knife.



Serving Size:


- Makes: 
Approximately 16 bars



Nutritional Values (per bar):


- Calories: 200 kcal

- Total Fat: 14 g

- Saturated Fat: 8 g

- Cholesterol: 25 mg

- Sodium: 120 mg

- Total Carbohydrates: 21 g

  - Dietary Fiber: 2 g

  - Sugars: 17 g

- Protein: 2 g



Estimated Cooking Time:


- Preparation Time: 20 minutes


- Chilling Time: 1 hour 30 minutes


- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes



Notes:


- These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.


- For variation, you can add chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, to the caramel layer for added crunch.