Dark Chocolate And Salted Caramel Topped Shortbread

Caramel and Chocolate rules these Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Topped Shortbreads that taste amazing. With only 5 minutes prep time,  you will love this easy recipe.

Ingredients:

• For Shortbread:
• 10 tbsp. salted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• Zest of half an orange
• 1 egg yolk, whisked
• 1 2/3 cups All Purpose flour
• For Caramel:
• 14 tablespoons butter
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup light corn syrup
• 2 tsp. sea salt
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp vanilla bean paste
• Sea salt flakes, to top

Directions:

1. Prepare an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper with the edges of the parchment hanging over two of the sides. This allows you to remove the bars easily once cooled.
2. Combine the melted butter, sugar, salt and zest with a fork in a large bowl. Add the yolk and again combine with the fork. Add the flour and stir with a heavy spoon or your hands and combine the dough until it is well combined. Place the dough in the prepared pan and press down evenly with your hands until the pan is covered. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to one hour. Remove and bake at 350 for 25-28 minutes, until very lightly browned. Allow to cool while you are preparing the caramel.
3. In a heavy bottomed pot, such as enameled cast iron, combine all caramel topping ingredients save for the extract and bean paste. Bring to a boil and stir until sugars are dissolved and the mixture is well combined. Using a candy thermometer, watch for the goal of about 230 degrees. Allow to boil at this temp for several minutes, until it begins to climb over 235. Stir continuously. Remove from heat and stir in the extract and paste. Allow to cool for a couple of minutes, then pour over the shortbread base. Once chilled, top with melted chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt.

Notes:

For chocolate topping, melt 1 cup dark chocolate chips and 1/2 tablespoon shortening in the microwave. Heat at 30 second intervals, stirring after each. When smooth, use as directed.

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Source: doughmesstic.com