Salt River Bars Recipe

Salt River Bars are the perfect combination of sweet and salty flavors with layers of graham crackers, caramel, peanut butter, and chocolate, topped with a sprinkle of sea salt. These bars are a delightful treat that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, Salt River Bars are great for parties, potlucks, or just a special treat at home.

Ingredients

For these delectable bars, you’ll need:

• Graham Crackers:
  • 2 sleeves of graham crackers (about 18 crackers)
• Caramel Layer:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• Peanut Butter Layer:
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup milk chocolate chips
• Chocolate Layer:
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Sea Salt:
  • 1 tablespoon sea salt flakes

Preparation

Preparing the Pan:

1. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Layering the Graham Crackers:

1. Arrange a single layer of graham crackers on the bottom of the prepared pan, breaking them as needed to fit.

Making the Caramel Layer:

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring for about 5 minutes until the caramel thickens.
4. Pour the caramel over the graham crackers, spreading it evenly.

Making the Peanut Butter Layer:

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter and milk chocolate chips.
2. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth.
3. Spread the peanut butter mixture over the caramel layer.

Making the Chocolate Layer:

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and vegetable oil.
2. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth.
3. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, spreading it evenly.

Final Touches:

1. Sprinkle the sea salt flakes evenly over the top of the chocolate layer.
2. Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the layers are set.

Cutting and Serving:

1. Once set, remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
2. Cut into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife.
3. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

Salt River Bars are perfect as a dessert or a sweet snack. Pair them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a delightful treat.

Health Benefits

Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and can be a healthier option compared to other types of chocolate. Enjoying treats like Salt River Bars in moderation can be part of a balanced diet.

Variations

• Adding Nuts or Coconut: Sprinkle chopped nuts or shredded coconut between the layers for added texture and flavor.
• Using Different Types of Chocolate: Try white chocolate or dark chocolate for a different taste experience.

Tips for Success

To ensure smooth and even layers, allow each layer to cool slightly before adding the next. Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade caramel?
   • Yes, homemade caramel can be used instead of the caramel layer recipe provided.
2. How long can I store the bars?
   • Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
3. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
   • Use gluten-free graham crackers to make the bars gluten-free.
4. What type of sea salt should I use?
   • Use flaky sea salt for the best texture and flavor.
5. How do I prevent the layers from mixing?
   • Allow each layer to cool and set slightly before adding the next to prevent them from mixing.

Conclusion

Salt River Bars are a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors that are sure to be a hit at any gathering. With layers of graham crackers, caramel, peanut butter, and chocolate topped with sea salt, these bars are a treat you’ll want to make again and again. Try this recipe and enjoy the deliciousness of Salt River Bars with your friends and family.

Yield: 30 Bars

Salt River Bars Recipe

Print

Salt River Bars are the perfect combination of sweet and salty flavors with layers of graham crackers, caramel, peanut butter, and chocolate, topped with a sprinkle of sea salt. These bars are a delightful treat that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, Salt River Bars are great for parties, potlucks, or just a special treat at home.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Prepare a 9 by 13 inch pan (very helpful if the pan has straight sides, like this one) by lining it with parchment paper, leaving the two long edges a bit long so that it can be used to remove the bars from the pan later.  Spray the parchment and sides of the pan with nonstick spray.
2. Cover the bottom of the pan with the first layer of crackers on top of the parchment.  Cut the crackers to fit as needed.  I used five rows of six crackers, which covered my pan perfectly.
3. In a medium sized heavy bottomed pan, melt butter, brown sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and heavy cream together over medium heat, stirring constantly.  
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, continuing to stir, and boil for 7 minutes.
5. Pour half of the caramel mixture over the crackers, spreading it evenly to the edges of the pan.  Working quickly, add another layer of crackers over the caramel.
6. Pour the rest of the caramel over the second layer of crackers, and then add a final layer of crackers.
7. Refrigerate the pan to chill and set the caramel layers while you make the chocolate topping.
8. To make the chocolate topping, add milk chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter to a microwave safe bowl.  Heat for 30-45 seconds, then stir.  Microwave the chocolate in 15 second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Pour the chocolate topping over the final layer of crackers, spreading it evenly to the edges.   Sprinkle sea salt over the chocolate layer to taste.  I used about 1 teaspoon. 
9. Chill for 1-2 hours before using a sharp knife to cut into bars.  Sometimes I like to use the parchment paper edges to lift the whole thing out of the pan to make cutting easier.