Name: Salt River Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 90 Club crackers; 1 cup salted butter; 2 cups light brown sugar, packed; 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 (about 1 teaspoon)

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Introduction

Salt River Bars are a delightful treat featuring layers of crunchy crackers, rich caramel, and a smooth chocolate-peanut butter topping. These bars combine sweet and salty flavors with a satisfying crunch, perfect for sharing or enjoying as an indulgent snack.

The image shows a close-up of a sliced dessert bar with five visible layers arranged horizontally. The bottom, second, and fourth layers are light tan and appear crumbly, like biscuit or cookie layers. The first, third, and top layers are smooth, thick, and chocolate brown with a glossy finish. The top has a few small, scattered salt flakes and faint small chocolate balls visible on the surface. The dessert pieces are placed on brown parchment paper over a wooden board, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Prepare a 9 by 13 inch pan by lining it with parchment paper, leaving the two long edges extended to help remove the bars later. Spray the parchment and sides of the pan with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Cover the bottom of the pan with the first layer of Club crackers, cutting to fit as needed. Arrange about five rows of six crackers to cover the pan evenly.
Step 3: In a medium heavy-bottomed pan, melt the butter, brown sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and heavy cream together over medium heat, stirring constantly.
Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring, then continue to boil for 7 minutes to develop the caramel.
Step 5: Pour half of the hot caramel evenly over the cracker layer, then quickly add another layer of crackers on top.
Step 6: Pour the remaining caramel over the second cracker layer, then add a final layer of crackers on top.
Step 7: Refrigerate the pan to chill and set the caramel layers while you prepare the chocolate topping.
Step 8: Combine the milk chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 30 to 45 seconds, stir, then microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
Step 9: Pour the chocolate topping over the final cracker layer and spread evenly to the edges. Sprinkle Maldon sea salt over the top to taste, about 1 teaspoon.
Step 10: Chill the bars for 1 to 2 hours until set. Use the parchment paper edges to lift the bars from the pan, then cut with a sharp knife into squares.

Tips & Variations

Use parchment paper with long edges for easy removal and cleaner cuts.
Feel free to substitute the milk chocolate chips with semi-sweet or dark chocolate for deeper flavor.
Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top before chilling for extra crunch.
To ensure the caramel doesn’t burn, keep stirring constantly while it boils.

Storage

Store Salt River Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before serving, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly. These bars can also be frozen for up to one month; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

How to Serve

A wooden board holds nine chocolate squares arranged in three rows and three columns, each piece topped with a smooth, shiny milk chocolate layer that has small bubbles and a few coarse salt flakes sprinkled on top. One piece on the right is being lifted by a silver spatula, showing the even thickness and clean edges of the chocolate squares. Next to the board is a small wooden bowl filled with coarse salt and a wooden spoon inside, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cracker?

While Club crackers provide the perfect balance of crunch and flavor, you can experiment with graham crackers or similar buttery crackers. Keep in mind the texture and saltiness may vary.

Why is Maldon sea salt used on top?

Maldon sea salt flakes add a subtle crunch and enhance the sweetness of the chocolate and caramel with a touch of saltiness. You can substitute with other flaky sea salts if needed.