Salt River Bars
These Salt River Bars are the ultimate treat for any occasion! Perfectly blending sweet and salty flavors, these bars are a hit at parties, picnics, or simply as a delicious dessert at home. With layers of creamy caramel and rich chocolate atop crunchy Club crackers, they offer an irresistible combination of textures and tastes. Everyone who tries them falls in love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these delightful bars without much fuss.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The mix of chocolate, butterscotch, and peanut butter creates a flavor explosion that everyone will adore.
- Versatile Treat: Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or family movie nights—these bars fit any occasion beautifully.
- Easy Layering: The simple layering technique makes it easy to assemble without baking skills.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Salt River Bars, having the right tools on hand is essential. They ensure that the process goes smoothly and that your bars turn out perfectly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 inch pan
- Parchment paper
- Nonstick spray
- Medium-sized heavy-bottomed pan
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Sharp knife
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 inch pan: This size is perfect for creating enough layers and cutting uniform bars.
- Parchment paper: Lining the pan prevents sticking and makes it easier to lift out the bars once set.
Ingredients
These Salt River Bars are sweet, salty, chewy, creamy, crunchy, chocolatey PERFECTION! Everyone who tries them LOVES them!
- 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
How to Make Salt River Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
- Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper. Leave two long edges longer for easy removal later.
- Spray the parchment and sides of the pan with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Layer the Crackers
- Place a layer of Club crackers at the bottom of the pan. Cut them as needed to fit perfectly.
- Aim for five rows of six crackers to cover the base.
Step 3: Make the Caramel Mixture
- In a medium-sized heavy-bottomed pan, melt together butter, brown sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and heavy cream over medium heat while stirring constantly.
- Once melted, bring this mixture to a boil while continuing to stir for about 7 minutes.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
- Pour half of the caramel mixture over the first layer of crackers, spreading it evenly.
- Quickly add another layer of crackers on top.
- Pour the remaining caramel over this second layer and finish with one last layer of crackers.
Step 5: Chill the Bars
- Refrigerate the pan for about 30 minutes to let the caramel layers set while you prepare the chocolate topping.
Step 6: Create Chocolate Topping
- Combine milk chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Heat in increments of 30-45 seconds until smooth, stirring between intervals.
Step 7: Final Assembly
- Pour the chocolate topping over the final layer of crackers and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle Maldon sea salt over top according to taste.
Step 8: Cool & Cut
- Chill for an additional 1-2 hours in the refrigerator until fully set.
- Use a sharp knife to cut into bars; lifting with parchment makes this easier.
Enjoy your Salt River Bars! They’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!
How to Serve Salt River Bars
Salt River Bars are an indulgent treat that can be enjoyed in various delightful ways. Whether for a party, a family gathering, or simply a cozy night at home, these bars can be served creatively to please your guests.
With a Scoop of Ice Cream
- Vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of Salt River Bars, creating a delicious contrast of temperatures and textures.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- Enhance the sweetness by drizzling warm caramel sauce over the bars just before serving. It adds an extra layer of gooey goodness.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- A dollop of whipped cream on top brings a lightness that balances the dense, chewy layers of the bars.
Served with Fresh Fruit
- Fresh strawberries or raspberries can provide a tart contrast to the sweetness of Salt River Bars, making every bite exciting.
As Party Favors
- Cut the bars into small squares and package them in decorative boxes or bags as sweet party favors for guests to take home.
Pairing with Coffee or Tea
- Enjoying these bars with a cup of strong coffee or herbal tea makes for a perfect afternoon treat that satisfies both sweet and bitter cravings.
How to Perfect Salt River Bars
Making Salt River Bars is simple, but perfecting them can elevate your dessert game. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh butter and chocolate chips for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Rush the Caramel: Stirring constantly while bringing the mixture to a boil ensures it doesn’t burn and achieves the right consistency.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Precise measurements are crucial for achieving that perfect balance between sweet and salty.
- Let Them Chill Properly: Chilling the bars allows them to set correctly, making them easier to cut without falling apart.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to add nuts or different types of chocolate chips for variety in flavor and texture.
- Store Correctly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Salt River Bars
When serving Salt River Bars, consider complementing them with side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options:
- Cheese Platter – A selection of soft cheeses like Brie or goat cheese pairs well with the sweetness of the bars.
- Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the rich dessert.
- Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries – These are not only visually appealing but also pair beautifully with chocolate flavors in the bars.
- Nutty Granola – Serve alongside yogurt for a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the chewy bars.
- Miniature Cupcakes – Offer a variety of flavors to create an exciting dessert table that complements Salt River Bars.
- Coffee Cake – The cinnamon flavor provides warmth and pairs nicely with both chocolate and caramel notes from the bars.
- Savory Crackers – A variety of savory crackers can balance out sweetness when served alongside these indulgent treats.
- Ice Cream Sundae Bar – Set up toppings like sprinkles, nuts, and syrups so guests can create their own sundaes alongside their Salt River Bars.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Salt River Bars can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using the wrong pan: Always use a 9×13 inch pan with straight sides to ensure even cooking and easy removal.
- Not cooling enough: Allow the bars to chill for at least 1-2 hours before cutting; this helps them set properly.
- Overheating chocolate: When melting chocolate, do it in short bursts and stir often to prevent burning.
- Skipping sea salt: Adding Maldon sea salt on top enhances the flavor. Don’t skip this step for that perfect sweet-salty balance.
- Not measuring accurately: Use packed measurements for brown sugar and graham cracker crumbs. This ensures the correct texture and sweetness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Salt River Bars in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Salt River Bars
- Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to three months for best quality.
Reheating Salt River Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes until slightly softened.
- Microwave: Heat one bar at a time for 15-20 seconds on medium power.
- Stovetop: Place on a non-stick pan over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Salt River Bars.
How do I make Salt River Bars gluten-free?
You can substitute Club crackers with gluten-free crackers. Ensure other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I add nuts to Salt River Bars?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can be added for extra crunch and flavor.
What is the best way to cut Salt River Bars?
Use a sharp knife and let the bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting. This makes it easier to slice through the layers.
How long do Salt River Bars last?
When stored properly, they last about one week in the fridge or up to three months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
Salt River Bars are an irresistible treat that perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors. Their chewy, creamy, and crunchy textures make them a crowd favorite. Feel free to customize your bars by adding your favorite mix-ins or toppings. Try making them today for a delightful dessert experience!
Salt River Bars
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Salt River Bars are the ultimate indulgence, masterfully combining sweet and salty flavors in a layered dessert that everyone will adore. With a satisfying crunch from Club crackers, creamy caramel, and luscious chocolate topping, these bars make for an irresistible treat at parties, picnics, or cozy nights in. Best of all, they require no baking and can be prepared in just 20 minutes! Once chilled, each bite offers a delightful blend of textures that will leave your taste buds craving more. Get ready to impress family and friends with this easy yet decadent recipe that is sure to become a favorite!
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)
Instructions
- Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick spray.
- Layer Club crackers to cover the bottom of the pan.
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, melt butter, brown sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir constantly until boiling for about 7 minutes.
- Pour half the caramel mixture over the first layer of crackers followed by another layer of crackers. Repeat with remaining caramel and top with one last layer of crackers.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Melt milk chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth. Pour over the top layer of crackers and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Chill for an additional 1-2 hours until set before cutting into bars.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
