Salt River Bars Recipe That’s Sweet, Crunchy, and Salty

Salt river bars represent a delectable fusion of sweet and salty flavors that dance across your palate with irresistible complexity.

Chocolate and caramel intertwine in a harmonious blend that captivates dessert enthusiasts seeking something beyond ordinary treats.

These indulgent bars offer a rich, layered experience that reimagines simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary delight.

Crafted with precision, the recipe balances contrasting textures and intense flavor profiles that surprise and satisfy simultaneously.

The unique combination of ingredients creates a decadent confection that elevates traditional dessert expectations.

Skilled home bakers can easily master this innovative treat that promises to become a crowd-favorite at gatherings and intimate celebrations.

Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey that will tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning dessert connoisseurs.

Ingredients That Bring the Layers to Life

• Club Crackers: Classic buttery crackers that form the crispy foundation of the dessert bars.
• Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface for easy removal and clean cutting of the bars.
• Non-Stick Spray: Ensures smooth release of bars from the pan surface.

• Butter: Rich, creamy base that helps create a smooth caramel texture.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep, molasses-like sweetness and caramel color.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Adds subtle graham flavor and helps thicken the caramel.
• Heavy Cream: Ensures silky, rich caramel consistency and prevents burning.

• Chocolate Chips: Smooth, sweet chocolate layer that complements the caramel.
• Butterscotch Chips: Adds extra depth of sweet, buttery flavor to the topping.
• Peanut Butter: Creamy binding agent that helps melt and smooth the chip mixture.
• Sea Salt: Provides a sharp, contrasting flavor that enhances the overall sweetness.

How to Build and Chill These Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Pan

Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Create First Cracker Layer

Spread a single layer of Club crackers across the bottom of the prepared pan.

Step 3: Cook Caramel Mixture

• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Graham cracker crumbs
• Heavy cream

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture begins boiling. Continue boiling for 7 minutes.

Step 4: Layer First Caramel Coating

Pour half of the caramel mixture evenly over the cracker layer.

Step 5: Add Second Cracker Layer

Place another layer of Club crackers on top of the first caramel coating.

Step 6: Complete Caramel Layers

Pour remaining caramel mixture over the second cracker layer.

Step 7: Chill Initial Layers

Refrigerate the pan to allow layers to set and cool.

Step 8: Prepare Chocolate Topping

• Chocolate chips
• Butterscotch chips
• Peanut butter

Microwave and stir until mixture becomes smooth and fully combined.

Step 9: Spread Chocolate Topping

Evenly spread the chocolate mixture over the chilled cracker layers.

Step 10: Add Finishing Touch

Sprinkle sea salt across the top of the chocolate layer.

Step 11: Final Chilling

Refrigerate for 1-2 hours until completely set.

Step 12: Cut and Serve

Use parchment paper to lift bars out of pan and cut into desired serving sizes.

Tips for Cutting Neatly and Serving Easily

• Choose Quality Crackers: Select crisp, fresh Club crackers for the best texture and base stability.
• Maintain Precise Caramel Temperature: Stir constantly and watch carefully to prevent burning during the 7-minute boiling process.
• Layer Evenly: Spread each caramel and cracker layer uniformly to ensure consistent flavor and texture in every bite.
• Control Chocolate Melting: Microwave chocolate mixture in short intervals, stirring between each to prevent scorching and achieve smooth consistency.
• Salt Sparingly: Sprinkle sea salt lightly to enhance flavor without overwhelming the sweet caramel and chocolate notes.

How to Store Them for Crunchy Bites Anytime

• Refrigerate: Store Salt River Bars in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper. Keep chilled for up to 5 days to maintain their crisp texture and prevent ingredients from separating.
• Freezing: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months to preserve flavor and quality.
• Reheating: Let frozen bars thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For best taste, serve slightly chilled or at room temperature to enjoy the perfect balance of chocolate, caramel, and sea salt crunch.

What Dishes Work Well on the Side

• Sip Sweet Salted Soda: Pair these decadent Salt River Bars with a cold cream soda or root beer. The sugary drink balances the salty-sweet caramel and chocolate layers, creating a delightful taste explosion.
• Complement with Coffee: Serve alongside a rich, dark roast coffee or cappuccino. The bitter coffee notes cut through the bar's sweetness, enhancing the complex flavor profile and providing a perfect afternoon treat.
• Milk Matters Most: Enjoy with a tall glass of cold whole milk. The creamy milk smooths out the saltiness and rich chocolate, making each bite more indulgent and helping to cleanse the palate between bites.
• Wine Wonderland: For adult gatherings, try a sweet moscato or dessert wine. These lighter, fruity wines complement the bar's caramel and chocolate undertones without overwhelming the delicate sea salt finish.

Cool Twists on the Classic Bar Formula

• Nutty Crunch Bars: Replace Club crackers with graham crackers and add chopped almonds or pecans between layers for extra texture and nutty flavor.
• Dark Chocolate Salted Bars: Swap milk chocolate chips with dark chocolate and use Himalayan pink salt instead of sea salt for a more sophisticated taste profile.
• Coconut Caramel Bars: Mix shredded coconut into the caramel layer and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for a tropical-inspired version of the original recipe.
• Espresso Chocolate Bars: Add instant espresso powder to the chocolate topping and use coffee-flavored sea salt to enhance the rich chocolate and caramel notes.

What Makes Salt River Bars a Sweet and Salty Treat

• Elevate Snack Time: These Salt River Bars transform ordinary crackers into a decadent treat that combines sweet, salty, and crunchy elements in one irresistible bite.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a gourmet-style dessert that looks and tastes like a professional bakery creation.
• Crowd-Pleasing Texture Sensation: The layers of crispy crackers, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate-butterscotch topping create a multi-dimensional eating experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Perfect Party Performer: These bars are ideal for potlucks, game days, or casual gatherings, offering a make-ahead dessert that travels well and serves a crowd with minimal fuss.

Salt River Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Salt River Bars blend caramel, chocolate, and pretzels into an irresistible sweet-salty treat. Layers of creamy caramel and rich chocolate melt together over a crunchy pretzel base, creating a dessert that satisfies all cravings in one delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 90 club crackers
• 1 cup (227 grams) salted butter
• 2 cups (440 grams) packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup (120 grams) graham cracker crumbs
• 1 ½ cups (255 grams) milk chocolate chips
• ½ cup (85 grams) butterscotch chips
• ½ cup (128 grams) creamy peanut butter

Liquid Ingredients:

• ¾ cup (180 milliliters) heavy cream

Finishing Ingredient:

• Maldon sea salt (amount not specified)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeters) baking pan by thoroughly lining it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage and lightly coating with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Create a foundational layer by meticulously arranging Club crackers in a uniform, edge-to-edge pattern across the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and heavy cream. Heat the mixture over medium temperature, continuously stirring with a wooden spoon to prevent scorching.
4. Allow the caramel mixture to reach a rolling boil, maintaining constant stirring. Continue boiling precisely for 7 minutes until the consistency becomes rich and glossy.
5. Carefully pour half of the molten caramel directly over the initial cracker layer, ensuring even distribution and complete coverage.
6. Gently place a second uniform layer of Club crackers atop the first caramel layer.
7. Repeat the caramel pouring process, covering the second cracker layer completely with remaining caramel mixture.
8. Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and allow to chill for approximately 15-20 minutes until the caramel sets slightly.
9. Prepare the chocolate topping by combining semi-sweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and creamy peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
10. Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until completely smooth and fully incorporated.
11. Spread the chocolate mixture evenly across the chilled caramel and cracker layers, creating a uniform topping.
12. Sprinkle flaky sea salt across the surface for a sophisticated flavor contrast.
13. Return the pan to the refrigerator and chill for 1-2 hours until the chocolate sets completely.
14. Using the parchment paper edges, lift the entire dessert from the pan and slice into rectangular bars using a sharp knife.

Notes

• Prep your pan meticulously by using parchment paper and non-stick spray for effortless removal of bars.
• Layer Club crackers precisely as the foundational base, ensuring complete pan coverage for consistent texture.
• Caramel requires constant stirring and exact 7-minute boiling time to achieve perfect thick, glossy consistency.
• Alternate layers of crackers and caramel create delightful depth and rich, complex flavor profile.
• Chocolate topping with butterscotch and peanut butter transforms simple crackers into decadent, gourmet dessert bars.
• Sea salt sprinkle provides sophisticated sweet-salty contrast, elevating the entire dessert experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 385 kcal
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg