If you have a craving for a treat that perfectly blends buttery richness, sweet toffee crunch, and luscious chocolate, then this Shortbread Toffee Bars With Chocolate Recipe is your golden ticket to dessert heaven. These bars start with a tender, crumbly shortbread base that offers a lovely buttery foundation. Then they’re topped with a warm, gooey layer of buttery toffee made from sweetened condensed milk, creating an irresistible caramel flavor. Finally, a blanket of melted milk chocolate adorned with crunchy toffee pieces and toasted pecans adds texture and depth to every bite. It’s a delightful balance of sweet, salty, smooth, and crunchy that’s impossible not to love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is simple yet vital to the final success of these bars. From the buttery shortbread to the rich condensed milk and the crunchy pecans, every item adds a unique flavor or texture that brings these bars to life.
- Butter (¾ cup, room temperature): The heart of the shortbread, providing a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
- Brown sugar (¾ cup): Adds caramel-like sweetness and moisture to keep the shortbread soft.
- Flour (1 ½ cups): Gives structure to the shortbread base, ensuring it holds together perfectly.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 14 ounces): The secret weapon for that luscious toffee layer.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Combined with condensed milk to enrich the toffee’s buttery flavor.
- Milk chocolate chips (2 cups): For a creamy, melty topping that melts just right.
- Toffee pieces (½ cup): Adds crunchy bursts of caramelized sweetness sprinkled on top.
- Salted pecans (½ cup, chopped): Offers a crunchy, salty contrast that perfectly balances the sweetness.
How to Make Shortbread Toffee Bars With Chocolate Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and lining an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Then, beat together the ¾ cup of butter and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Gradually add the flour and mix until the dough has the consistency of cookie dough. Press this dough evenly into your lined pan. Bake it for about 15 minutes until the edges just begin to turn a light golden brown, creating that perfect shortbread foundation with a tender, crumbly texture.
Step 2: Create the Buttery Toffee Layer
While the base is baking, combine the sweetened condensed milk and 2 tablespoons of butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until the butter has just melted—don’t overheat it as the mixture needs to stay smooth. Pour this decadent toffee mixture evenly over the freshly baked shortbread crust and return the pan to the oven. Bake for an additional 12 to 15 minutes until the toffee layer is bubbly and starting to turn a rich golden brown. This bubbling is a sure sign your toffee is beautifully caramelizing.
Step 3: Add the Melty Chocolate Topping
Once the toffee layer comes out of the oven, sprinkle the milk chocolate chips evenly over the hot surface. Put the pan back into the oven for 2 minutes so the chocolate chips soften and melt perfectly. As soon as you take it out, use an offset spatula to spread the melted chocolate into a smooth, even layer over the toffee.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Crunchy Toppings
While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle the toffee pieces and chopped salted pecans over the top. Gently press these crunchy delights into the melted chocolate to make sure they stick well. This step brings together a wonderful combination of textures and flavors — sweet toffee crunch, salty pecan bites, and creamy chocolate all in one bite. Allow the bars to cool completely, then refrigerate them before slicing for clean, perfect squares.
How to Serve Shortbread Toffee Bars With Chocolate Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, consider dusting a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt or cocoa powder on top just before serving. A few extra toffee bits or pecan halves on each square add a lovely finishing touch that signals the deliciousness inside.
Side Dishes
These bars are a fantastic standalone treat, but if you want to balance the richness, serve them alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The freshness and creaminess complement the buttery, toffee sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting these into bite-sized squares and arranging them on a festive platter for sharing at parties. You can also package them in decorative boxes or cellophane bags for gifting — they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a delightful surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Shortbread Toffee Bars With Chocolate Recipe, simply cover any leftovers with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They will keep beautifully at room temperature for up to 3 days while maintaining their texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, freeze the bars tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag. When properly stored, they can last up to 2 months. Thaw the bars overnight in the fridge for the best texture before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy the bars slightly warm with melty chocolate, pop them in a preheated 300ºF oven for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating if you want to maintain the toffee crunch and avoid sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts work beautifully, giving a different yet equally delicious crunch and flavor.
What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is key for authentic toffee flavor and texture, but you could try making your own by simmering evaporated milk with sugar, though it won’t be quite the same.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Yes! Dark chocolate adds a richer depth and balances the sweetness nicely if you prefer a less sweet treat.
Are these bars gluten-free?
The recipe calls for regular flour, so it’s not gluten-free as is. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make it suitable for gluten-free diets.
How long do these bars need to chill before slicing?
Ideally, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours or until fully set so the layers firm up for clean cuts without crumbly or sticky edges.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a sweet and indulgent treat that feels both comforting and a bit fancy, this Shortbread Toffee Bars With Chocolate Recipe has you covered. It’s a wonderful way to impress friends, share with family, or simply treat yourself to a moment of joy. Trust me, once you try it, these bars will become one of your favorite homemade sweets to bake again and again.
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Shortbread Toffee Bars With Chocolate Recipe
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
Description
These Shortbread Toffee Bars with Chocolate combine a buttery shortbread base with rich, gooey toffee and a luscious chocolate topping. The bars are crisp yet tender and packed with toffee pieces and pecans for a delightful crunch, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Shortbread Base
- 3/4 cup butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Toffee Layer
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
Topping
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup toffee pieces
- 1/2 cup salted pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and line an 8 x 8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Make the Shortbread Base: Beat 3/4 cup of room temperature butter and 3/4 cup brown sugar together until well combined. Add 1 1/2 cups of flour and mix until the dough resembles cookie dough. Press this dough evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake for 15 minutes or until it is lightly golden brown.
- Prepare Toffee Layer: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the can of sweetened condensed milk and 2 tablespoons of butter. Microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until the butter is just melted and the mixture is combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the baked shortbread base. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 12 to 15 minutes, or until the toffee layer is bubbly and begins to turn golden brown.
- Add Chocolate Topping: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle 2 cups of milk chocolate chips over the hot toffee layer. Return the pan to the oven for 2 minutes to slightly melt the chocolate.
- Spread Chocolate and Add Toppings: Remove the pan from the oven again. Using an offset spatula, spread the melted chocolate chips evenly over the toffee layer. Sprinkle 1/2 cup toffee pieces and 1/2 cup chopped salted pecans over the chocolate and gently press them into the surface.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate before cutting into 16 bars to ensure clean slices and a firm texture.
Notes
- Be sure to use parchment paper to line the pan for easy removal and cleanup.
- Press pecans and toffee gently into the chocolate to prevent them from falling off after cutting.
- Refrigerating the bars before slicing helps achieve clean and neat squares.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds based on your preference.
- Store refrigerated bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
