Name: Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars with Nutella and Streusel Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2/3 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 tablespoon butter for greasing pan; 6 ounces chopped semi-sweet chocolate; 1/2 cup Nutella; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, diced; Pinch of salt; Caramel sauce, for drizzling (quantity as desired); Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 77 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth that craves a perfect blend of buttery, chocolaty, and caramel goodness, then I have a treat for you: the Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars with Nutella and Streusel Recipe. This dessert combines a tender shortbread base with rich Nutella-infused ganache, topped with a crisp, crumbly streusel and drizzled with luscious caramel. Every bite is a delightful dance of textures and flavors that feels both indulgent and comforting. It’s the kind of recipe that will quickly become a favorite baking tradition to share with family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A square pan lined with shiny silver foil holds a dessert with two clear layers. The bottom layer is thick and pale beige, like a soft dough or crust, evenly spread across the pan. The top layer is a smooth, dark brown chocolate coating with a glossy shine, completely covering the crust below. The pan is placed on a light wooden surface, next to a cloth with green and blue floral patterns. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is surprisingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and appearance. From the rich butter that enriches the shortbread, to the deep chocolate and nutty Nutella that form the ganache, every element is essential.

1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The base of the shortbread, providing buttery richness and tenderness.
2/3 cup powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and a delicate texture to the shortbread dough.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Brings warmth and aromatic depth to the crust.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the shortbread its structure.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all flavors and balances the sweetness.
1 tablespoon butter for greasing pan: Prevents sticking and adds subtle flavor to the edges.
6 ounces chopped semi-sweet chocolate: The chocolate base of the ganache, rich and smooth.
1/2 cup Nutella: Adds a creamy hazelnut twist to the ganache layer.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates the silky texture in the ganache when warmed and combined.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Incorporates into the ganache for extra silkiness and shine.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: For the streusel topping, giving it a crumbly, tender texture.
1 cup packed brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel flavor and moisture to the streusel.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with the streusel’s crispy texture.
1 stick unsalted butter, diced: Cuts into the streusel for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth crumble.
Pinch of salt: Again, to bring out and balance all those beautiful flavors.

How to Make Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars with Nutella and Streusel Recipe

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Ganache

Start with the ganache so it has time to set while your shortbread bakes. Place the chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a large mixing bowl. Add the Nutella and butter to the bowl. Warm the heavy cream in a saucepan until just simmering – you don’t want it boiling. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate mixture and whisk vigorously until everything melts together into a glossy, smooth ganache. If you prefer, you can make this a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator, just bring it back to room temp and whisk gently before using.

Step 2: Prepare the Streusel

While the shortbread is in the oven, it’s the perfect time to prepare the streusel topping. Mix together the flour, both sugars, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Then add the diced butter and work it in with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture is soft and crumbly, but not sandy. This topping will create a delightful crisp layer over the bars once baked.

Step 3: Make and Bake the Shortbread Base

Preheat your oven to 300°F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with foil and butter it well to prevent sticking. In your stand mixer or with a hand mixer, cream the softened butter on medium speed for about two minutes. Add the powdered sugar and continue beating until the mixture is fluffy, approximately 4 minutes. Add the vanilla extract next, then gradually mix in the flour and kosher salt until just incorporated. To make spreading easier, dip your fingers in flour and even out the dough in the pan. Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes or up to two days to help it set. Bake for around 25 minutes until the edges look slightly set, then remove and let it rest for five minutes while raising your oven temperature to 325°F.

Step 4: Assemble and Finish Baking

Once your shortbread base has cooled slightly, gently spread half of the chocolate ganache over it while still warm. Now generously coat the top with the streusel mixture, making sure the entire surface is covered. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25–30 minutes, or until the streusel is golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack before adding the final touches.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

After cooling, drizzle a beautiful caramel sauce over the streusel for a sweet, sticky finish. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of coarse sea salt on top to create the perfect balance between sweet and salty, elevating every bite. This layered treat will keep for 3–4 days and honestly, tastes even better the next day when all the flavors have mingled.

How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars with Nutella and Streusel Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a rectangular baking tray lined with aluminum foil and filled with a crumbly dessert. The top layer is made of uneven, small to medium-sized golden brown crumbles that look crunchy and slightly sticky in places with a shiny, syrup-like substance seeping through. The tray rests on a surface covered with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding simple garnishes can really amp up the presentation and taste. Sprinkle a little extra coarse sea salt to enhance the caramel, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty snowy effect. You might also top with chopped hazelnuts to echo the Nutella flavor or a drizzle of melted chocolate for an even more decadent experience.

Side Dishes

These bars are substantial and rich, so pairing them with something light works wonderfully. Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the sweetness. Fresh berries can add a bright, tart contrast. If you want something warm, a cup of strong coffee or a rich dark hot chocolate pairs beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

These bars are perfect for special occasions or casual treats. Cut them into small, bite-sized squares for a party platter, or serve them stacked on a pretty dessert plate drizzled with extra Nutella or caramel sauce. Layer them in a clear glass dish with whipped cream and berries for an elegant trifle-style dessert. Personalize by wrapping individual bars in wax paper tied with a ribbon for a perfect homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars with Nutella and Streusel Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days. Keeping them covered ensures the streusel stays crisp while the bars retain their tender texture and rich flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the bars for longer storage by cutting them into squares and placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy these bars warm, reheat gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5–10 minutes, or microwave a single bar for 15–20 seconds. This brings back the fresh-baked, gooey feelings of the ganache and caramel without melting the streusel topping too much.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate for the ganache?

Absolutely! Milk chocolate will yield a sweeter and creamier ganache, which some may prefer. Just be mindful it will alter the sweetness level, so you might want to adjust the caramel drizzle accordingly.

Is it necessary to chill the shortbread dough before baking?

Chilling the dough helps it set and prevents it from spreading too much during baking. It also makes spreading easier and contributes to a perfect, tender shortbread texture.

Can I make the streusel topping in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the streusel up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Bring it to room temperature before sprinkling over the bars to bake.

What kind of caramel sauce works best?

A thick, buttery homemade caramel sauce is ideal to drizzle over these bars. If you don’t have time, a good-quality store-bought caramel sauce can work well too.

How do I prevent the streusel from getting soggy?

Make sure your ganache has thickened slightly before you spread it and bake the bars immediately after topping with the streusel. Also, ensure the bars are stored in an airtight container at room temperature to keep the topping crisp.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely can’t recommend trying the Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars with Nutella and Streusel Recipe enough. It’s that rare dessert that feels both luxurious and approachable, perfect for impressing guests or simply indulging yourself on a cozy afternoon. From the buttery shortbread to the creamy Nutella ganache and crunchy streusel crown, every layer brings something wonderful to the table. Trust me, once you bake these, they’ll quickly become one of your all-time favorites too!