Salt River Bars Recipe

If you are a fan of rich, buttery, and delightfully layered treats, Salt River Bars will quickly become your new favorite indulgence. These bars perfectly balance a crisp, buttery cracker base with luscious caramel and a smooth, chocolate-peanut butter topping, finished off with a sprinkle of Maldon sea salt that adds an irresistible pop of flavor. Salt River Bars are not just a dessert; they’re a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing adventure in every bite that’s easy to make and impossible to put down.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses ingredients that are simple yet incredibly essential to achieving the perfect harmony of texture and flavor in your Salt River Bars. Each element plays a crucial role, from the crunchy crackers to the creamy peanut butter, creating layers of taste you’ll love.

• 90 Club crackers: These provide a sturdy, lightly salty base and layers that give the bars their signature crunch.
• 1 cup salted butter: Melts into the caramel mix, adding richness and a smooth mouthfeel.
• 2 cups packed light brown sugar: Gives the caramel its deep, caramelized sweetness.
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs: Adds a subtle depth and extra texture to the caramel layer.
• 3/4 cup heavy cream: Creaminess that makes the caramel silky and smooth.
• 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips: For the luscious, melty chocolate topping.
• 1/2 cup butterscotch chips: Adds a buttery, sweet complexity to the chocolate layer.
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: Brings creaminess and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate and caramel.
• Maldon sea salt: A finishing touch to enhance all the sweet, buttery flavors.

How to Make Salt River Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Crackers

Start by lining a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper, letting the paper hang over the two long sides for easy removal later. Be sure to spray the parchment and sides with nonstick spray—it’ll save you a lot of headache when you’re ready to cut. Then, arrange a layer of Club crackers to cover the bottom, trimming as needed. This cracker layer forms the crisp foundation of your Salt River Bars.

Step 2: Cook the Caramel Mixture

In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and heavy cream. Stir consistently over medium heat as the mixture melts and blends. When it starts boiling, keep stirring and let it bubble for a full 7 minutes to develop that rich, caramel flavor that defines these bars.

Step 3: Layer Caramel and Crackers

Once your caramel is ready, pour half of it evenly over the first cracker layer—make sure to reach all the edges! Quickly add another cracker layer on top, followed by the rest of the caramel, and then a final cracker layer. Refrigerate the assembled layers so the caramel can set firmly before you move on.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and creamy peanut butter. Heat in 30–45 second bursts, stirring in between to get a perfectly smooth, luscious chocolate-peanut butter topping. Pour this topping over the final cracker layer and spread evenly. Then sprinkle Maldon sea salt on top for a surprising salty crunch that complements the sweetness.

Step 5: Chill and Cut

Chill the Salt River Bars for 1 to 2 hours, allowing the chocolate topping to set beautifully. When ready to serve, use the parchment paper edges to lift the entire slab out of the pan, making it easier to slice into neat bars with a sharp knife.

How to Serve Salt River Bars

Garnishes

A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt or some extra crushed Club crackers on top can add texture and a touch of elegant simplicity. Fresh berries on the side also provide a lovely bright contrast to the richness of Salt River Bars.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a cold glass of milk to balance the intense sweetness. For an adult twist, serve alongside a creamy, spiced chai latte or a robust espresso.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting Salt River Bars into bite-size squares for parties or assemble a layered dessert jar with crumbled bars, whipped cream, and fresh fruits. They also make a fantastic addition to a dessert platter with nuts and dried fruits to mix and match flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and cut, store Salt River Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, making them perfect for preparing ahead for busy days or gatherings.

Freezing

You can freeze the bars for up to a month. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place them in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn while retaining all their delicious flavors.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the bars slightly warmed, just let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes or microwave for about 10 seconds. This softens the chocolate topping while keeping the caramel layers intact, perfect for that gooey texture we all love.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cracker?

Club crackers provide a perfect balance of buttery flavor and crispness, but you can experiment with saltines or graham crackers for a subtle variation. Just keep in mind that texture and flavor will differ slightly.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the Club crackers and graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free alternatives. Be sure to check that all other ingredients like chocolate chips don’t contain gluten.

What if I don’t have butterscotch chips?

They add a unique buttery sweetness, but you can simply increase the milk chocolate chips or add a splash of vanilla extract in the topping to maintain a rich flavor.

Can Salt River Bars be made vegan?

It’s a bit tricky since the recipe relies on butter, heavy cream, and milk chocolate. However, you can try vegan butter, coconut cream, and vegan chocolate chips as substitutes, but expect some flavor and texture differences.

How long do these bars keep their best texture?

For the best chewy and crispy balance, enjoy within a week when stored properly in the fridge. After that, they may begin to lose their crispness but will still taste delicious.

Final Thoughts

Salt River Bars are truly a joyous treat to make and share with those you love. The combination of buttery crackers, luscious caramel, and creamy chocolate-peanut butter topping is downright addicting. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover just how magical this classic bar can be—once you taste it, it’s hard to go back!

Print