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almond caramel chocolate shortbread wedges recipe

Caramel Almond Shortbread Bars Recipe

A crunchy chocolate base topped with smooth caramel and toasted almonds.
5 from 5 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Setting time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 15
Calories 219 kcal

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer or hand mixer
  • 8" Square Pan may also use a 10" round tart pan to make shortbread wedges
  • Bowls, measuring cups and spoons
  • Heavy-bottomed saucepan
  • Parchment paper

Ingredients
 
 

Shortbread

  • 1 Cup All-purpose flour
  • ¼ Cup Cocoa Powder Unsweetened and Dutch processed
  • ½ Cup Butter Softened
  • Cup Granulated Sugar
  • ½ teaspoon Espresso Powder

Caramel Almond Topping

  • 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons Brewed Espresso, cooled
  • 1 Tablespoon Corn Syrup Light or dark
  • ½ Cup Heavy Cream
  • 2 Tablespoons Butter Cut into ¼" cubes
  • Cup Bittersweet chocolate Chopped finely
  • ½ Cup Sliced or Slivered Roasted Almonds
  • ½ teaspoon Sea Salt optional

Instructions
 

Prepare 8" Square Baking Pan

  • Cut two 8" x 12" strips of parchment paper. Spray pan with nonstick baking spray and place strips in bottom of pan so parchment extends over the four pan sides. Note - if using a 10" round tart pan with a removeable bottom, lightly grease the pan with butter.

Shortbread

  • Preheat oven to 350℉ (180℃)
  • Combine espresso powder, cocoa and all-purpose flour in a small bowl. Set aside.
    ¼ Cup Cocoa Powder, ½ teaspoon Espresso Powder, 1 Cup All-purpose flour
  • Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment mix the butter and sugar until light and creamy (2 - 3 minutes), scraping side of bowl as needed. (note: a hand mixer may also be used)
    ½ Cup Butter, ⅓ Cup Granulated Sugar
  • Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the expresso/flour mixture/cocoa to the mixing bowl. Mix on the lowest speed for 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix for another 1 minute.
  • The mixture should look sandy. If there are large chunks of butter in the bowl, mix on low for another minute or two.
  • Pour the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan. Using your hands, lightly press the dough down so it evenly covers the pan.
  • Bake for 20 - 22 minutes.
  • Let cool completely before adding topping.

Caramel Almond Topping

  • Place sugar, espresso and corn syrup in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
    1 Cup Granulated Sugar, 2 Tablespoons Brewed Espresso, cooled, 1 Tablespoon Corn Syrup
  • Begin heating over medium-high heat, stir ingredients to combine taking care not to get any sugar on side of saucepan.
  • Mixture will begin to boil. Stop stirring and let syrup boil until it turns an amber color. Immediately lower heat to low and add butter and cream. Use caution as mixture may sputter. Stir until combined.
    ½ Cup Heavy Cream, 2 Tablespoons Butter
  • Remove from heat and stir in chocolate until melted. Add a dash of sea salt if desired.
    ⅓ Cup Bittersweet chocolate, ½ teaspoon Sea Salt
  • Pour over shortbread in pan.
  • Evenly sprinkle almonds over the caramel.
    ½ Cup Sliced or Slivered Roasted Almonds
  • Let cool completely before unmolding.
  • Unmold by pulling up on sides of parchment paper and transfer to a cutting board. Remove parchment from bottom of shortbread. Cut into desired shapes.

Nutrition

Calories: 219kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 151mgPotassium: 93mgFiber: 2gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 165IUVitamin C: 0.05mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 1mg
Keyword almond bars with shortbread crust, almond shortbread cookies, caramel almond shortbread bars, caramel shortbread bars, chocolate shortbread, how to make shortbread
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