Gooey Chocolate Toffee Shortbread Bars Recipe

Introduction

This delightful treat features a simple shortbread crust layered with gooey chocolate and crunchy toffee bits, making it an irresistible dessert for any holiday occasion. Easy to prepare and full of rich flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Butter, softened
• 1/2 cup Brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/4 cups Flour
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 cup Toffee bits
• 3/4 cup Toffee bits (additional for topping)
• 1/3 cup Sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon Butter, melted
• 1 cup Chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with non-stick spray and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the flour and salt, mixing until combined. The mixture will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
3. Step 3: Evenly press the shortbread mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes until the crust is lightly golden.
4. Step 4: Remove the crust from the oven and sprinkle 1/4 cup of the toffee bits evenly over the hot crust.
5. Step 5: Mix the sweetened condensed milk and melted butter together, then pour this mixture evenly over the toffee bits on the crust.
6. Step 6: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 7 to 10 minutes, or until the topping is bubbling.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top. Allow 3 to 5 minutes for the chips to soften, then gently spread the melted chocolate for an even layer.
8. Step 8: Finally, sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of toffee bits over the chocolate layer. Let cool before cutting into bars.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, use browned butter in the crust instead of softened butter.
• You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate chips depending on your preference.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the crust for subtle warmth and depth.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature to keep the toffee crisp.

Storage

Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If your home is warm, refrigeration can help maintain the texture but may soften the chocolate layer. To reheat, bring to room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit the salt called for in the recipe to avoid making the bars too salty.

How can I tell when the topping is done baking?

The topping is ready when it is bubbling around the edges and appears set. Avoid overbaking to keep the toffee bits crunchy and the chocolate smooth.

Gooey Chocolate Toffee Shortbread Bars Recipe

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This delectable holiday treat features a buttery shortbread crust layered with gooey chocolate and crunchy toffee bits, making it the perfect festive dessert to share with family and friends during Christmas or any special occasion.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Bars & Brownies
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 1/2 cup Butter, softened
• 1/2 cup Brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/4 cups Flour
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt

Topping

• 1/4 cup Toffee bits
• 3/4 cup Toffee bits
• 1/3 cup Sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon Butter, melted
• 1 cup Chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
2. Make the Shortbread Crust: In a mixing bowl, beat together 1/2 cup softened butter and 1/2 cup packed brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add 1 1/4 cups flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt, mixing until just combined. The dough will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed between your fingers.
3. Press and Bake Crust: Evenly press the shortbread mixture into the prepared baking dish to form the crust layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
4. Add Toffee Bits: Remove the crust from the oven and sprinkle 1/4 cup of toffee bits evenly over the warm crust to add a crunchy, sweet texture.
5. Pour Milk and Butter Mixture: Combine 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk with 1 tablespoon melted butter in a small bowl, then pour this evenly over the toffee bits on the crust.
6. Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 7 to 10 minutes until the mixture is bubbling and set.
7. Add Chocolate Chips: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle 1 cup of chocolate chips over the hot topping. Allow the chocolate chips to sit for 3 to 5 minutes until softened, then gently spread them evenly over the surface.
8. Top with Remaining Toffee: Finish by sprinkling the remaining 3/4 cup toffee bits evenly over the melted chocolate layer for extra crunch and flavor.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and smoother crust.
• Press the crust firmly into the pan to help it hold together during baking.
• The baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so watch for the crust to be lightly golden and the topping to bubble.
• Allow the dessert to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean bars.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: shortbread crust, chocolate, toffee bits, holiday dessert, Christmas bars, gooey chocolate, festive treat, easy bars