Salt River Bars

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Preparation: Despite their impressive appearance, these bars are straightforward to make, requiring common pantry ingredients.
  • No-Bake Delight: Perfect for warm days or when you want a quick dessert without turning on the oven.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of sweet caramel, salty crackers, and creamy chocolate makes these bars irresistible to both kids and adults.
  • Versatile Serving Sizes: Rich and satisfying, they can be cut into small squares, making them ideal for gatherings or as a quick treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Club crackers
  • Salted butter
  • Light brown sugar
  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • Heavy cream
  • Milk chocolate chips
  • Butterscotch chips
  • Creamy peanut butter
  • Maldon sea salt (for finishing)

Directions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal. Lightly spray with nonstick spray.
  2. First Layer: Arrange a layer of Club crackers to cover the bottom of the pan.
  3. Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and heavy cream. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a boil. Continue boiling and stirring for 7 minutes.
  4. Assemble Layers:
    • Pour half of the caramel mixture over the first layer of crackers, spreading evenly.
    • Add a second layer of crackers over the caramel.
    • Pour the remaining caramel over this second layer.
    • Finish with a third layer of crackers.
  5. Chill: Place the pan in the refrigerator to set the layers while preparing the topping.
  6. Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine milk chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and melted.
  7. Finish the Bars: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the top cracker layer, spreading evenly. Sprinkle with Maldon sea salt to taste.
  8. Set and Serve: Refrigerate for 1-2 hours until firm. Once set, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and cut into desired pieces.

Servings and Timing

  • Yield: Approximately 30 bars
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 1-2 hours
  • Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes

Variations

  • Nutty Twist: Incorporate chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, into the caramel layer for added crunch.
  • Dark Chocolate: Substitute milk chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crackers to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Espresso Infusion: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the chocolate mixture for a mocha flavor.
  • White Chocolate Drizzle: After the bars have set, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top for a decorative touch.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their firmness and freshness.
  • Serving: These bars are best enjoyed chilled. If they sit out at room temperature for too long, the layers may become soft.
  • Freezing: For extended storage, freeze the cut bars in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

What are Salt River Bars?

Salt River Bars are a layered dessert featuring Club crackers, caramel, and a chocolate-butterscotch-peanut butter topping, finished with sea salt. They originated from Liberty Market in Gilbert, Arizona.

Can I use a different type of cracker?

While Club crackers are traditional, you can substitute with Ritz crackers or saltine crackers for a slightly different texture and flavor.

Is it necessary to use Maldon sea salt?

Maldon sea salt is preferred for its flaky texture and clean taste, but any coarse sea salt can be used as a substitute.

How should I cut the bars to prevent cracking?

For clean cuts, use a sharp knife warmed under hot water, wiping it dry before slicing. This helps to smoothly cut through the chocolate layer.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, Salt River Bars can be made up to three days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

What if I don’t have a microwave for the topping?

You can melt the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter together in a double boiler over simmering water, stirring until smooth.

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Salt River Bars

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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes - 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 30 bars
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and salty with these Salt River Bars! Originating from Liberty Market in Gilbert, Arizona, these no-bake treats feature layers of buttery Club crackers, rich caramel, and a silky chocolate-butterscotch-peanut butter topping. Perfect for gatherings, these bars are easy to make and irresistibly delicious!

Ingredients

  • Club crackers
  • Salted butter
  • Light brown sugar
  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • Heavy cream
  • Milk chocolate chips
  • Butterscotch chips
  • Creamy peanut butter
  • Maldon sea salt (for finishing)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper and lightly spray with nonstick spray.
  • First Layer: Arrange a layer of Club crackers to fully cover the bottom of the pan.
  • Caramel Sauce:
    • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and heavy cream.
    • Stir continuously until it boils, then cook for 7 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Assemble Layers:
    • Pour half of the caramel sauce over the crackers, spreading evenly.
    • Add a second layer of crackers.
    • Pour the remaining caramel over the second cracker layer.
    • Finish with a third layer of crackers.
  • Chill the Layers: Refrigerate the pan while preparing the topping.
  • Chocolate Topping:
    • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter.
    • Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth.
  • Final Assembly: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the top cracker layer and spread evenly. Sprinkle with Maldon sea salt.
  • Set & Serve: Refrigerate for 1-2 hours until firm. Once set, lift the bars out using parchment paper and cut into desired pieces.

Notes

  • Cutting Tip: Use a warm, sharp knife (run under hot water and dried) for clean slices.
  • Make-Ahead: These bars can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
  • Variations: Try dark chocolate, chopped nuts, or an espresso-infused chocolate topping for a twist!
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Chill Time: 1-2 hours
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American

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