Salt River Bars Recipe

Salt River Bars are the ultimate sweet-and-salty treat: buttery layers of crisp Club crackers sandwich a smooth caramel filling and finish with a glossy chocolate-butterscotch topping and a sprinkle of sea salt. They’re positively irresistible and a breeze to whip up — perfect for potlucks, holiday trays, or anytime you need a no-fuss showstopper for your sweet tooth!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Salt River Bars is in how a handful of familiar ingredients transform into something extraordinary. Each element — from buttery crackers to the lush chocolate topping — adds its own special touch to the treat’s flavor, texture, and beautiful layers.

• Club crackers: These crisp, buttery crackers create those distinct, flaky layers and provide the perfect salty foundation for the bars. Don’t substitute with saltines — Club crackers’ rich texture really makes a difference.
• Salted butter: Butter is the heart of the homemade caramel; salted keeps the filling flavorful and balanced.
• Light brown sugar: The deep caramel flavor comes from brown sugar — be sure to pack it well for the richest taste.
• Graham cracker crumbs: Graham crumbs add subtle warmth and help thicken the caramel layer so it sets up just right.
• Heavy cream: This is what makes the caramel so lush, smooth, and just indulgent.
• Milk chocolate chips: For a classic Salt River Bars finish — creamy, sweet, and melty over the top.
• Butterscotch chips: These bring in a nostalgic, buttery sweetness that pairs beautifully with chocolate and caramel.
• Creamy peanut butter: The secret weapon for an ultra-smooth, rich topping that cuts the sweetness with a hint of nutty depth.
• Sea salt: Just a sprinkle on top intensifies every flavor and gives these bars their signature salty-sweet finish!

Variations

Salt River Bars are made for personalization! Don’t be shy about mixing things up — these adaptable bars play well with whatever you have on hand or any creative twist you’re craving.

• Nutty swap: Stir in a handful of chopped roasted peanuts or pecans between the caramel layers for a crunchy surprise.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free buttery crackers (like Good Thins or Schar Table Crackers) and gluten-free graham crumbs for a treat everyone can enjoy.
• Dark chocolate top: Replace the milk chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer, slightly more grown-up flavor.
• Cookie butter twist: Try swapping some or all of the peanut butter for cookie butter — it’s outrageously good and extra spiced!

How to Make Salt River Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Layer the Crackers

Start by lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the paper hang over the long sides so you’ll have “handles” to lift out your bars later. Give it a light spritz of nonstick spray. Arrange Club crackers in a single layer to cover the bottom — break or trim them as needed so every inch is snugly lined.

Step 2: Simmer the Buttery Caramel

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the salted butter, packed light brown sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and heavy cream. Stir constantly as everything melts together, then bring it to a gentle boil. Keep stirring and let it bubble for exactly 7 minutes — this is the secret to that gorgeous, thick caramel filling that holds its shape!

Step 3: Begin Layering the Caramel and Crackers

Pour half of your hot caramel directly over the crackers, quickly smoothing it out to cover every corner. Add a second layer of crackers right on top (work fast — the caramel sets up quickly!), then pour on the rest of your caramel mixture. Finish with one more layer of crackers so you have three lovely layers of crackers sandwiched with caramel.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate-Butterscotch Topping

Pop your pan into the fridge while you melt the topping. In a microwave-safe bowl, stir together the milk chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and creamy peanut butter. Microwave in 15-second bursts, mixing after each, until everything melts into a glossy, pourable topping. Don’t let it scorch — slow and steady is best here!

Step 5: Spread, Garnish, and Chill

Pour the warm chocolate mixture evenly over your last cracker layer, smoothing it out all the way to the edges. Shower the top generously with flaky sea salt while the chocolate is still glossy (it’ll stick beautifully). Let everything chill in the fridge for at least 1–2 hours to set, then use the parchment “handles” to lift out and slice into perfect bars!

How to Serve Salt River Bars

Garnishes

For the prettiest Salt River Bars, sprinkle your favorite flaky sea salt (like Maldon or fleur de sel) over the chocolate before it sets. You can also drizzle a little melted white chocolate in a decorative zigzag or top with a dusting of edible gold flakes for an extra-special touch.

Side Dishes

Since Salt River Bars are wonderfully rich, serve them alongside something light and refreshing — a bowl of fresh berries, a fruit sorbet, or even a scoop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. Strong coffee or dark tea also makes a lovely counterbalance for the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and stack them on a tiered platter. Wrap individual squares in wax paper for grab-and-go party favors, or arrange them in a decorative tin as homemade gifts during the holidays. They make an eye-catching dessert centerpiece any way you slice them!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Salt River Bars store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Separate the layers with parchment paper to keep the chocolate topping looking its best (and to prevent sticking).

Freezing

These bars freeze like a dream! Arrange them in a single layer (or with parchment between layers) in an airtight freezer container. They’ll keep for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge, and they’ll be ready whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

Salt River Bars are delicious chilled or at room temperature, but if you want a little gooeyness, let them sit out for 10 minutes to soften slightly. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the chocolate to melt unevenly and the caramel to separate.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a treat that checks every box — quick, crave-worthy, and guaranteed to delight — Salt River Bars are it. I can’t wait for you to enjoy a batch with friends or sneak a slice for yourself. One bite, and you’ll see why they’re an all-time favorite!

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