Salt River Bars

Craving something sweet, salty, and utterly decadent? Look no further than the delightful Salt River Bars! This irresistible treat combines layers of crisp crackers with a gooey caramel sauce, topped off with a creamy chocolate and butterscotch layer. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Here’s how you can whip up these delicious bars in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 90 Club crackers
• 1 cup salted butter
• 2 cups packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup butterscotch chips
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• Maldon sea salt for finishing

Directions:

1. Preparation:
   • Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray. This will help you easily remove the bars later.
2. First Layer:
   • Start by arranging a layer of Club crackers neatly at the bottom of the pan, covering the entire surface.
3. Caramel Creation:
   • In a heavy saucepan, combine the salted butter, light brown sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and heavy cream. Place over medium heat.
   • Stir the mixture constantly until it starts to boil. Once boiling, let it cook for 7 minutes without lowering the heat, still stirring, to form your caramel.
4. Layering Up:
   • Pour half of the hot caramel over the first layer of crackers, spreading it evenly.
   • Add another layer of Club crackers over the caramel.
5. Repeat:
   • Pour the remaining caramel over the second layer of crackers and top it with a final layer of crackers. The layers will help distribute the rich caramel flavor evenly.
6. Chill:
   • Place the pan in the refrigerator to set. This chilling step is crucial as it solidifies the caramel, making the bars easier to top and cut later.
7. Chocolate Topping:
   • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and creamy peanut butter.
   • Microwave in intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
   • Spread this chocolate layer over the chilled crackers and sprinkle with Maldon sea salt for a gourmet finish.
8. Final Chill:
   • Refrigerate the bars for 1-2 hours until the topping is firm. This makes cutting easier and keeps the layers distinct.
9. Serving:
   • Lift the entire block out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper. Cut into 24 bars and serve.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 2.5 hours
• Calories per serving: 450 kcal
• Servings: 24 bars

Conclusion:

Salt River Bars are the perfect blend of salty and sweet, with a satisfying crunch and creamy topping. Whether for a party, a family treat, or just to indulge yourself, these bars are an excellent choice. They store well in the refrigerator, so you can enjoy them for days – assuming they last that long! Happy baking!