Caramel Slice | Easy, Classic Australian Dessert Recipe (2024)

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This caramel slice is a classic Australian dessert! It features a winning combination of a simple shortbread crust, gooey caramel filling, and a delicate milk chocolate topping.

Caramel Slice | Easy, Classic Australian Dessert Recipe (1)

If you’ve tried our Millionaire shortbread or caramel cookie dough bars, you’ll adore this caramel slice recipe. It’s an Aussie twist on both those desserts, but even more delicious!

Table of Contents
  1. What is a caramel slice?
  2. Ingredients needed
  3. How to make a caramel slice
  4. Tips to make the best recipe
  5. Variations
  6. Storage instructions
  7. More Australian desserts to try
  8. Frequently asked questions
  9. Caramel Slice (Recipe Card)

What is a caramel slice?

A caramel slice is a dessert popularly sold in Australian bakeries. It is a three-layer dessert that features a shortbread base, a soft caramel filling, and a chocolate topping.

Why this caramel slice recipe will be a dessert staple-

  • Simple ingredients. No hard-to-find candy, flour, or chocolate.
  • No baking is required. Besides the shortbread base, there is no need to bake anything.
  • Easy to customize. Change up the flour, use different chocolate, or cut the dairy.

What we love about these caramel bars is just how incredible the texture is. A buttery shortbread base, a gooey caramel, and a chopping topping that melts in your mouth? I’m already salivating!

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Ingredients needed

This recipe calls for pantry staple ingredients that you probably already have on hand! Here is what you’ll need:

For the shortbread base:

  • Butter. Unsalted and softened.
  • Sugar. White or brown granulated sugar.
  • Flour. All-purpose flour, sifted.
  • Salt. To balance out the sweetness of the dough.

For the caramel filling:

  • Condensed milk. To provide a thick base for the filling.
  • Butter. To provide a rich texture and flavor.
  • Sugar. White or brown granulated sugar.
  • Light corn syrup OR golden syrup.Adds sweetness and also prevents the caramel from burning.
  • Vanilla extract. To enhance all flavors.

Topping

  • Milk chocolate. Use good quality chocolate for melting. Chop the chocolate into small pieces for easy and even melting.
  • Coconut oil. A small amount of coconut oil added to melting chocolate gives it a glossy finish. It also helps prevent the chocolate from cracking once it’s set.

How to make a caramel slice

While a classic caramel slice contains three layers, making it doesn’t take a lot of time. In fact, the hard part is waiting for it to firm up!

Step 1 – Bake the shortbread crust

Preheat the oven to 350F degrees. While the oven heats beat together butter and sugar until fluffy. Sift in the flour, add salt, and mix until thoroughly combined.Transfer the dough to a pre-greased square pan. Press evenly until smooth. Prick with a fork to prevent the crust from puffing up.

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Step 2- Make the caramel filling

Add the condensed milk, butter, sugar, corn syrup or golden syrup, and vanilla extract to a saucepan and place it over low heat. Stir until the mixture comes to a boil. Once boiling, stir more vigorously to prevent the caramel from burning.

Remove the caramel from heat when it reaches 225F on a candy thermometer. Continue to store for 2-3 minutes.

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Pour the caramel over the shortbread base, spread it evenly, and let it cool.

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Step 3- Melt the chocolate

Add chopped milk chocolate and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 20-second intervals and mix until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.

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Pour the chocolate over the cooled caramel topping. Spread evenly and allow it to set at room temperature.

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Step 4- slice and serve

Once cool, slice into even pieces and serve.

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Tips to make the best recipe

  • Don’t skip the corn syrup. Corn syrup and/or golden syrup prevents the sugar from crystallizing which in turn, yields an incredibly smooth and gooey caramel.
  • Use full-fat condensed milk. Using light or fat-free condensed milk causes the caramel filling not to set properly.
  • Cook the caramel on low heat and keep stirring. These two things will ensure that you don’t burn the caramel.
  • Chill the dough. Chilling the shortbread dough for 15 to 60 minutes will help you roll it out easily.

Variations

The beauty of this dessert is that you can do a few tweaks to it and still achieve the most perfect slice. Here is what we’ve tested:

  • Add some salt. For a salted caramel slice, sprinkle some coarse sea salt on top.
  • Use white or dark chocolate. For a sweeter or richer note, switch up the chocolate used on top.
  • Cut the dairy. Use coconut condensed milk, dairy-free butter, and vegan chocolate chips for the topping.
  • Make it gluten-free. Use gluten-free flour for the shortbread crust and this dessert is suitable for celiacs.

Storage instructions

To store: Place caramel slices in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can leave the slices at room temperature. But if it is too hot where you live, refrigerate them to prevent the chocolate topping from melting.

To freeze: Caramel slices are the perfect treat to freeze. Freeze it in individual servings wrapped in food wrap. Then place the slices in an airtight bag or container and enjoy within 3 months.

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More Australian desserts to try

  • Caramilk slice
  • Caramilk cheesecake
  • Chocolate slice
  • Caramilk banana bread
  • Caramilk cookies

Frequently asked questions

Where does caramel slice originate from?

Caramel slice, also known as caramel shortbread, has a Scottish origin and dates back to the 12th century.

As the modern recipe of caramel slice first appeared in an Australian magazine and became very popular, caramel slice is associated not only with Scottish but also Australian cuisine.

Why does my slice don’t set?

If the caramel filling doesn’t set, you most likely haven’t cooked it long enough. The caramel should be pourable but thick when you remove it from the heat. It takes around 10 minutes for the caramel to set.

How do you cut a perfect caramel slice?

There are a few tips you can use to get perfectly neat caramel slices. First off, if you have the caramel slice in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before cutting it.

Run the knife under warm water. Dry the knife and cut while the knife is still warm. Clean the knife after each slice to get super neat pieces.

Caramel Slice | Easy, Classic Australian Dessert Recipe (10)

Caramel Slice

5 from 40 votes

This caramel slice is a classic Australian dessert! It features a winning combination of a simple shortbread crust, gooey caramel filling, and a delicate milk chocolate topping.

Servings: 16 slices

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 10 minutes mins

Total: 15 minutes mins

Rate This Recipe

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Ingredients

Shortbread

Caramel

Chocolate

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 180C/350F. Grease an 8 x 8-inch square pan with oil and set aside.

  • Beat together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Sift in the flour and salt and mix until combined.

  • Transfer the mixture to the lined pan and press down until smooth. Prink with a fork. Bake for 15 minutes, or until just golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

  • Place all the caramel ingredients into a small saucepan and place it over low heat. Stir very well until it begins to boil. Once boiling, continue to stir vigorously, ensuring the caramel doesn’t scorch. Once it reaches 225F on a candy thermometer, remove it from the heat while continuing to stir for another 2-3 minutes.

  • Pour over the shortbread base and allow it cool completely.

  • Once the caramel has cooled, add the chopped chocolate and coconut oil into a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 20-second spurts until melted.

  • Pour over the top and spread evenly. Let it cool to room temperature.Once cool, slice and serve.

Notes

TO STORE: Place caramel slices in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can leave the slices at room temperature. But if it is too hot where you live, refrigerate them to prevent the chocolate topping from melting.

TO FREEZE: Caramel slices are the perfect treat to freeze. Freeze it in individual servings wrapped in food wrap. Then place the slices in an airtight bag or container and enjoy within 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 234kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 2gFat: 13gSodium: 144mgPotassium: 62mgFiber: 0.3gVitamin A: 389IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 1mgNET CARBS: 29g

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, australian

Author: Arman Liew

Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Caramel Slice | Easy, Classic Australian Dessert Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why does my caramel slice not set? ›

skim condensed milk) instead of full fat milk (it will not set properly), you didn't bake the caramel layer (this makes sure it sets) or you used a recipe where the caramel filling is made without condensed milk (in which case you need a candy thermometer to achieve an exact temperature to ensure it sets).

How do you cut caramel slices without cracking them? ›

Take your slice out of the fridge for 30 minutes before you cut it into pieces. This will allow the chocolate to soften slightly before cutting. Use a small serrated knife to score straight lines through the chocolate layer. Then use a large flat knife to gently press down through the caramel and base layers.

How many calories in a bakery caramel slice? ›

Nutritional information
Per 100g/mlPer Serving
Carbohydrate58.0020.30
Sugars44.0015.40
Sodium210.0073.50
Energy (Cal)425.53148.93
6 more rows

How to make caramel from condensed milk without boiling? ›

Heating in a Slow Cooker

Fill the slow cooker with enough water to fully immerse the can and cover it with an extra two inches (five cm) of water. Heat on low for eight to 10 hours. For a lighter dulce de leche, cook for eight hours; for a thicker and darker sauce, heat for ten hours.

How do you get caramel to harden? ›

As it cools, it will thicken. You will need to store the caramel sauce in the refrigerator, so it will firm up even more once chilled. Just bring it back to room temperature and microwave before drizzling or dipping!

Why won't my caramel get hard? ›

If caramels are too soft, that means the temperature didn't get high enough.

Why did my caramel slice split? ›

If the heat is too high, but butter might melt too quickly and can separate from the sugar. Toffee and caramel can also separate if the recipe calls for constant stirring and the candy isn't stirred often enough.

Why is my caramel slice grainy? ›

Caramel becomes grainy when the sugars crystallize, a process that happens when the melted sugar splashes up onto the cold sides of the pan. It loses its moisture and turns back into a sugar crystal. If this crystal touches the melted mass, it causes a chain reaction and the caramel will seize up and become grainy.

Why does my caramel slice off the apple? ›

Why is the caramel sliding off? Most likely, the apples were not dried thoroughly before dipping. Try coating the apple slices in chocolate first and then drizzling them with caramel sauce if this happens to you.

How many calories in a raw caramel slice? ›

Gluten Free • Plant Based • No Refined Sugars
Serving per pack: 8 (prepared).
Serving size 37g (prepared).
Average quantity per servingAverage quantity per 100g
Energy477kJ (114Cal)2010kJ (480Cal)
Protein, total3.1g13.0g
7 more rows

How much does a caramel slice weigh? ›

from Woolworths.

How many calories in a digestive caramel slice? ›

Nutritional Information
Typical ValuesPer 100gPer Slice (24.7g)
(kcal)486120
Fat24.7g6.1g
of which Saturates13.5g3.3g
Carbohydrate60.4g14.9g
6 more rows

Does boiling a can of condensed milk turn into caramel? ›

This is a simple baking hack to create 'Carmel in a Can' (Dulce De Leche). It comes together super easy, all you need to do is take the label off a can of condensed milk, fire it into boiling water for about 3 hours (make sure it's fully under the water) and boom, it's ready to go.

Is it safe to boil a can of sweetened condensed milk? ›

Is it safe to boil my can of sweetened condensed milk to make caramel sauce? No. For safety reasons, we do not recommend heating a can of our condensed milk, opened or unopened. The current can is not designed to withstand high temperatures.

What is it called when you boil condensed milk? ›

Dulce de Leche is a heavenly substance. At first glance, it looks a little like caramel, but it's actually sweetened milk that's been heated long enough to cause a caramelizing to occur. That's the long-winded explanation, so here's the short one: It's creamy, dreamy substance used as an ingredient in so many desserts.

How do you fix caramel that didn't set? ›

you simply haven't cooked it enough-- possibly your microwave is less powerful (the original recipe doesn't specify a wattage for cooking the caramel) or the butter you used has a higher water content. You could try cooking the mixture for a little longer, and seeing if it sets up firmer.

What to do if caramel is too runny? ›

For each cup (240 mL) of caramel sauce that you need to thicken, run 1 tbsp (14.7 mL) of cold water into a measuring cup, and slowly stir in 1 tbsp of cornstarch. Pour the cornstarch mixture into your pot caramel sauce, and stir constantly. Keep the sauce on low heat until it begins to thicken.

Should you put caramel in the fridge to set? ›

This can vary depending on the type of stove you use, the brand of ingredients, the pan you use, and so on. I don't boil the caramel to temperature, and I never have. Once you have poured your caramel onto your shortbread, you have to leave it to set. I usually do this in the fridge because it's quicker.

How long does caramel take to set in the fridge? ›

How long does it take caramel to set? Give your caramel at least two hours to set, or overnight if possible. You can also pop caramel into the fridge to help it set up faster. The caramel will sweat a little when brought out of the fridge, but will still taste fine.

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