Print

Salt River Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 57 reviews

Salt River Bars are a decadent layered dessert featuring crispy club crackers, rich caramel made from butter and brown sugar, and a luscious chocolate topping infused with peanut butter and butterscotch. Finished with a sprinkle of Maldon sea salt, these bars deliver a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy textures, perfect for a crowd-pleasing treat or special occasion dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Layers

  • 90 Club crackers
  • 1 cup salted butter
  • 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream

For the Chocolate Topping

  • 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup butterscotch chips
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • Maldon sea salt, about 1 teaspoon for finishing

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving the two long edges extended to help lift the bars out later. Spray both the parchment and pan sides with nonstick spray.
  2. First Cracker Layer: Cover the bottom of the pan evenly with a layer of Club crackers. Cut crackers as needed. The recipe uses five rows of six crackers to fit the pan perfectly.
  3. Make Caramel Mixture: In a medium heavy-bottomed pan, melt together the salted butter, light brown sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and heavy cream over medium heat, stirring constantly to combine.
  4. Boil Caramel: Bring the mixture to a boil while continuously stirring. Once boiling, let it cook for 7 minutes to thicken.
  5. First Caramel Pour: Pour half of the hot caramel evenly over the first cracker layer, covering all edges quickly.
  6. Second Cracker Layer: Immediately add a second layer of Club crackers on top of the caramel while it is still warm.
  7. Second Caramel Pour: Pour the remaining caramel evenly over the second cracker layer, then top with a final layer of crackers.
  8. Chill to Set Layers: Refrigerate the pan to allow the caramel layers to chill and set firmly before adding the chocolate topping.
  9. Make Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine milk chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and creamy peanut butter. Microwave for 30-45 seconds, stir, then continue microwaving in 15-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.
  10. Apply Chocolate Topping: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the final cracker layer, spreading evenly to cover the entire surface. Sprinkle Maldon sea salt evenly over the chocolate layer to taste.
  11. Final Chill and Cut: Refrigerate for 1-2 hours until firm. Use the parchment paper edges to lift the slab from the pan and use a sharp knife to cut into bars.

Notes

  • Use salted butter as it balances the sweetness and complements the sea salt topping.
  • For best results, use a pan with straight sides to fit the crackers neatly and make layering easier.
  • Be sure to stir the caramel mixture constantly to prevent burning during boiling.
  • Microwaving the chocolate topping in intervals prevents overheating and ensures a smooth finish.
  • Allow bars to chill fully for easier cutting and cleaner slices.
  • These bars should be stored refrigerated and consumed within 4-5 days for freshness.

Keywords: Salt River Bars, caramel bars, layered dessert, chocolate peanut butter bars, salted caramel dessert

Find it online: https://trendytasterecipes.com/salt-river-bars-recipe/