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

Where is the caramel slice from? ›

The first known caramel slice recipe appeared in the Australian Women's Weekly in October 1970 under the name caramel shortbread. Scotland understood how amazing caramel shortbread was, because a couple of decades later, the recipe became popular there under the name millionaire's shortbread.

Why does my caramel slice not set? ›

Sweetened condensed milk - Do not use skim (low fat), caramel will not set. Also ensure you use sweetened condensed milk (thick sweet milk) that comes in cans, NOT evaporated milk.

How to cut chocolate slices without cracking? ›

Allow the slice to set in the fridge (preferably overnight before cutting). Remove the slice from the fridge and place onto a chopping board 30 minutes before cutting. This will allow the chocolate to soften slightly which prevents it from cracking. Use a knife to gently 'score' through the chocolate layer first.

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

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. If you don't eat it right away, here's how to store caramel.

What country invented caramel? ›

Most believe caramel was created more than 1,020 years ago in 1000 AD by Arabs mixing sugar and water to create a crystallized liquid. Funny enough, the original caramel was not believed to be enjoyed as a sweet treat but rather used as a beauty product.

What can I use instead of copha? ›

What can I substitute for copha? Copha will always give you the best chocolate crackle crunch, but you can substitute it for coconut oil, melted butter, or melted chocolate (remove the cocoa powder if you're using chocolate).

How to get caramel to harden? ›

Refrigerate until cooled and hardened. (Best if you refrigerate them overnight, or for several hours. They will be easier to cut and wrap). The caramel will seem hard in the fridge after they're set, but they should be soft at room temperature.

Can you use maple syrup instead of golden syrup? ›

Yes, maple syrup can be used instead of golden syrup in many recipes, however this will result in a slightly different flavour. Golden syrup and maple syrup are generally substituted in a 1:1 ratio, however you may choose to use slightly less maple syrup to maintain texture and consistency.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream for caramel? ›

Sugar, water, salt, and milk are the base ingredients for any caramel. Can I substitute milk for heavy cream in caramel? Absolutely! You can use any milk you have at home, whether whole, non-dairy, or evaporated, to make a deliciously creamy caramel sauce.

How to cut millionaires shortbread without the chocolate cracking? ›

How do you cut Millionaire's Shortbread without it Cracking the Chocolate top? Here are a few tips: use a serrated knife when cutting, using slow and continuos motions. make sure you chocolate and caramel layers have fully set before cutting otherwise everything will ooze out the sides.

How do you thin melted chocolate without oil? ›

Shortening: A little shortening mixed in with your chocolate can also make it thinner. Similar to oil, add it sparingly to avoid affecting the taste and texture of your chocolate.

Why is it called Millionaire Shortbread? ›

The name "millionaire's shortbread" appears to have originated in Scotland. The "millionaire" prefix to millionaire's shortbread or millionaires slice implies a level of decadence and wealth to the sweet treat, that it is an upgrade from regular shortbread.

Why did my caramel not set? ›

If caramels are too soft, that means the temperature didn't get high enough. Again place the caramel back into a sauce pan with a couple of tablespoons of water and heat to 244°F. If you don't have a candy thermometer, you can test with a cold water test.

Is condensed milk the same as evaporated milk? ›

Both are concentrated, shelf-stable milk products that have been heated until at least 60 percent of their water content has evaporated. The main difference between evaporated milk and condensed milk is that evaporated milk is unsweetened while condensed milk is sweetened.

Where is caramel extracted from? ›

Controlled heat treatment of carbohydrates produces caramel. The carbohydrate raw materials used are the monomers- glucose and fructose or polymers thereof (such as glucose syrups, sucrose or invert sugars, and dextrose).

What place did creme caramel come from? ›

Crème caramel
Rows of crèmes caramel or flan
Alternative namesFlan, caramel custard
Place of originFrance
Serving temperatureCold or warm
Main ingredientsEggs, milk, sugar
3 more rows

Where did caramel ice cream originate? ›

The first recorded recipe for caramel ice cream appeared in a cookbook called “The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy” by Hannah Glasse in 1747. Her recipe called for cream, sugar, and caramelized sugar to be churned together in a hand-cranked ice cream maker.

Where is caramel tart from? ›

Caramel tart
TypeTart
Place of originAustralia
Region or stateNew South Wales and Queensland
Main ingredientsPie crust, caramel
1 more row

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