Grandma’s Caramel Slice Is the Forgotten Dessert Recipe You Must Try

2024-06-10
Grandma’s Caramel Slice Is the Forgotten Dessert Recipe You Must Try
Prep Time:
25 mins
Cook Time:
12 mins
Bake Time:
18 mins
Chill Time:
1 hr 30 mins
Total Time:
2 hrs 25 mins
Servings:
32
Yield:
32 bars

Caramel slice is a nostalgic dessert that's popular in Australia. Each bite is filled with chocolate, caramel, and coconut shortbread. Some say it's called "caramel slice" because the caramel completely sets, allowing for perfect slices. Finish the caramel bars with a generous sprinkle of flaky sea salt. This dessert is very similar to our fan-favorite Millionaire Shortbread. Here's how to make caramel slice, including how to freeze the bars for up to three months.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cup salted butter (1 cup softened), divided

  • 1 cup packed brown sugar, divided

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut

  • 1 egg yolk

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla, divided

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 2 cups all purpose flour

  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • 1 (12 ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips

  • Flaky sea salt

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 13x9x2-inch baking pan with parchment paper, extending paper over edges.

  2. In the large bowl of an electric mixer, beat 1 cup softened butter on medium speed until creamy, about 30 seconds. Add 1/3 cup of the brown sugar and the granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Beat in coconut, egg yolk, 1 teaspoon of the vanilla, and salt until combined. Gradually mix in flour on low speed just until combined and mixture is crumbly. Press evenly into bottom of prepared baking pan.

  3. Bake until edges are golden and center is set, 18 to 22 minutes. Cool in pan on a wire rack.

  4. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan combine the remaining 1/2 cup butter and remaining 2/3 cup brown sugar. Cook over medium-high heat until butter is melted, stirring constantly, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add in sweetened condensed milk. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer until golden, stirring frequently, about 12 to 14 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla. Spread caramel mixture evenly over crust. Cover and chill until set, about 30 to 40 minutes.

  5. In a small saucepan heat heavy cream over medium heat until just simmering, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat. Add chocolate chips and let stand 5 minutes. Stir until smooth. Evenly spread chocolate layer over caramel layer. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Cover and chill until set, about 1 hour.

  6. Using edges of parchment paper, lift out shortbread. Cut into bars.

How to Store Caramel Slice

Place caramel slice bars in a single layer in an airtight container; cover. Store in the refrigerator up to 1 week or freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

261 Calories
15g Fat
30g Carbs
3g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 32
Calories 260.5
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 15.4g 20%
Saturated Fat 9.6g 48%
Cholesterol 44.3mg 15%
Sodium 151.1mg 7%
Total Carbohydrate 29.9g 11%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 22.6g
Protein 3.1g 6%
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1%
Vitamin C 0.5mg 1%
Calcium 63.6mg 5%
Iron 0.8mg 5%
Potassium 130.8mg 3%
Fatty acids, total trans 0.4g
Vitamin D 5.8IU
Alanine 0.1g
Arginine 0.1g
Ash 0.9g
Aspartic acid 0.2g
Caffeine 6.6mg
Carotene, alpha 0.2mcg
Choline, total 30mg
Copper, Cu 0.1mg
Cystine 0g
Energy 1089.8kJ
Fluoride, F 0.4mcg
Folate, total 19.6mcg
Glutamic acid 0.7g
Glycine 0.1g
Histidine 0.1g
Isoleucine 0.2g
Leucine 0.3g
Lysine 0.2g
Methionine 0.1g
Magnesium, Mg 20.2mg
Manganese, Mn 0.2mg
Niacin 0.6mg
Phosphorus, P 76.2mg
Pantothenic acid 0.3mg
Phenylalanine 0.2g
Phytosterols 0mg
Proline 0.3g
Retinol 103.1mcg
Selenium, Se 6.9mcg
Serine 0.2g
Starch 0g
Theobromine 51.7mg
Threonine 0.1g
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) 0.4mg
Tryptophan 0g
Tyrosine 0.1g
Valine 0.2g
Vitamin A, IU 381.3IU
Vitamin A, RAE 105mcg
Vitamin B-12 0.1mcg
Vitamin B-6 0mg
Vitamin K (phylloquinone) 1.6mcg
Water 11.3g
Zinc, Zn 0.4mg

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Related Article

Crab Rangoon Roll-Ups Are So Much Better Than the Original

Crab Rangoon Roll-Ups Are So Much Better Than the Original

This crab rangoon roll-up recipe is the perfect balance of crispy tortilla shell and creamy crab filling. Serve them with your favorite sweet chili sauce.
Ricotta and Parmesan Spread

Ricotta and Parmesan Spread

Basil, oregano, and chives brighten up this rich Parmesan and ricotta cheese spread. Start your next dinner party with this easy, cheesy appetizer. Just add slices of baguette and veggies for dipping!
Pineapple-Ginger Punch

Pineapple-Ginger Punch

Pineapple-Ginger Punch might just be your new favorite summer drink. To transform the refreshing punch recipe into a cocktail, spike the fresh ginger-infused sip with rum or vodka.
Why You Should Be Eating More Pecans

Why You Should Be Eating More Pecans

Beyond their delicious taste, pecans are also packed to the brim with nutrition. Read on to find out just what makes pecans such a healthy addition to your lifestyle as well as some tasty ways to get started.
What Is Natural Flavor? Here’s What It Means on Food Labels

What Is Natural Flavor? Here’s What It Means on Food Labels

What does “natural flavors” mean when you see it on a food or drink label? A flavorist explains how your favorite strawberry drink gets that taste.
13 High-Protein Breakfast Ideas for a Morning Brain Boost

13 High-Protein Breakfast Ideas for a Morning Brain Boost

Looking for a protein-loaded breakfast? Here are our best energy packed breakfast ideas to give your morning a boost. Incorporate these recipes into your daily routine for a high protein breakfast.
How Long to Cook Steak on a Grill for Perfect Results Every Time

How Long to Cook Steak on a Grill for Perfect Results Every Time

Conquer your next cookout with tips on all you need to know about how long to cook steak on a grill, the best cuts to buy, and how to serve the steak.
How to Cook Eggplant—5 Simple Methods

How to Cook Eggplant—5 Simple Methods

If you're wondering how to cook eggplant, keep reading. On the grill, roasted, sautéed, and—yes—even in the microwave, this vegetable is as versatile as it is delicious.
How to Cook Sweet Potatoes—6 Different Methods Including Baked, Fried, and More

How to Cook Sweet Potatoes—6 Different Methods Including Baked, Fried, and More

Mash them, bake them, pressure-cook them, or turn them into fries—whatever your method, follow these steps to make perfect sweet potatoes every time.
Easy Chicken and Broccoli Recipes You'll Be Making on Repeat

Easy Chicken and Broccoli Recipes You'll Be Making on Repeat

From all-American casseroles to Korean-style suppers to Italian chicken Parm, these chicken and broccoli recipes show how that combo *can* be something you eagerly anticipate. We’ve rounded up our best healthy chicken and broccoli recipes (as well as a few more decadent options) to help remix your weeknight menu.
16 Cauliflower Recipes to Make if You're Cooking Tonight

16 Cauliflower Recipes to Make if You're Cooking Tonight

This round-up of cauliflower recipes features the versatile veggie as the star of the plate. Each of these recipes with cauliflower provides a wide array of options everyone can enjoy, any night of the week.
Snap Peas, Snow Peas, and Farro with Oranges and Citrus-Sesame Vinaigrette

Snap Peas, Snow Peas, and Farro with Oranges and Citrus-Sesame Vinaigrette

The crunchy combo of snap and snow peas complements the chewy bite of farro and contrasts the juicy orange sections.
Chilaquiles Breakfast Casserole

Chilaquiles Breakfast Casserole

Try this make-ahead breakfast casserole to feed a crowd on a busy weekend. The zesty Mexican flavors will inspire everyone to come back for seconds.
Fire-Roasted Tomato and Italian Sausage Grinders

Fire-Roasted Tomato and Italian Sausage Grinders

Use canned fire-roasted tomatoes to rev up this classic Italian sausage sandwich recipe.
Gluten-Free Giant Ginger Cookies

Gluten-Free Giant Ginger Cookies

We've used a 1/4 cup of cookie dough for each of these giant, molasses-infused cookies. If you prefer smaller cookies, there's instructions for mini gluten-free ginger cookies, too.
Gluten-Free Fresh Herb Vinaigrette

Gluten-Free Fresh Herb Vinaigrette

In just 10 minutes, you can have a zesty homemade salad dressing ready. The olive oil will solidify when chilled, so let the vinaigrette stand at room temperature 1 hour before serving. Don't forget to shake it well!
Portobello Pot Roast

Portobello Pot Roast

Meaty portobellos stand in for beef in this vegetarian portobello pot roast that's as rich as the classic but cooks in a fraction of the time.
Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
How to Smoke Food Even if You Don't Have an Actual Smoker

How to Smoke Food Even if You Don't Have an Actual Smoker

Add complex flavors to your meats, seafood, grains, and veggies with our Test Kitchen tutorials on how to smoke food at home using a charcoal or gas grill.
Grilled Trout Stuffed with Lemon and Herbs

Grilled Trout Stuffed with Lemon and Herbs

This is a simple, flavorful way to grill almost any whole fish, with a 'stuffing' designed not to be eaten, but to flavor the fish from the inside out.