These Salt River Bars are sweet, salty, chewy, creamy, crunchy, chocolatey PERFECTION! Everyone who tries them LOVES them! Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just as a delightful treat at home, these bars combine the best of flavors and textures in every bite. With layers of buttery crackers, rich caramel, and a decadent chocolate topping, they are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try them.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet and salty makes these bars a crowd favorite.
Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip these up quickly.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion—birthdays, holidays, or just a sweet snack!
Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: These bars are always a hit at gatherings; no one can resist them!
Make Ahead: They can be prepared in advance and stored for later enjoyment.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing Salt River Bars even easier. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

9 by 13 inch pan
Parchment paper
Nonstick spray
Medium heavy-bottomed pan
Microwave-safe bowl
Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

9 by 13 inch pan: This size ensures even cooking and proper layering of the bars.
Parchment paper: It prevents sticking and allows for easy removal of the bars after chilling.
Medium heavy-bottomed pan: Ideal for melting ingredients without burning them.
Sharp knife: Essential for cutting the chilled bars into perfect squares.

Ingredients

These Salt River Bars are sweet, salty, chewy, creamy, crunchy, chocolatey PERFECTION! Everyone who tries them LOVES them!

90 Club crackers
1 cup butter, salted
2 cups light brown sugar, packed
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
3/4 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup butterscotch chips
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Maldon sea salt for finishing

How to Make Salt River Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Prepare a 9 by 13 inch pan by lining it with parchment paper. Leave some overhang on the long sides to help lift the bars out later. Spray the parchment and sides with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Layer the Crackers

Cover the bottom of the pan with a layer of Club crackers. Cut them as needed to fit perfectly in five rows of six crackers.

Step 3: Make Caramel Mixture

In your medium heavy-bottomed pan:
1. Melt butter, brown sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and heavy cream together over medium heat.
2. Stir constantly until it comes to a boil.
3. Once boiling, continue stirring for 7 minutes.

Step 4: First Caramel Layer

Pour half of your caramel mixture over the first layer of crackers. Spread it evenly up to the edges. Quickly add another layer of crackers on top.

Step 5: Add Final Caramel Layer

Pour the remaining caramel over this second layer of crackers. Finish with one last layer of crackers on top.

Step 6: Chill

Refrigerate your pan to chill and set the caramel layers while you prepare the chocolate topping.

Step 7: Make Chocolate Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl:
1. Combine milk chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and creamy peanut butter.
2. Heat in the microwave for 30-45 seconds; stir.
3. Continue microwaving in 15-second intervals until smooth.

Step 8: Top with Chocolate

Pour the chocolate topping over your final layer of crackers. Spread it evenly to cover all edges. Finish by sprinkling with Maldon sea salt to taste.

Step 9: Cut into Bars

Chill again for 1-2 hours before using a sharp knife to cut into bars. Use parchment edges to lift out for easier cutting if desired.

How to Serve Salt River Bars

Salt River Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a sweet snack, these bars are sure to impress. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience with this delicious dessert.

For Parties

Cut into bite-sized pieces – Making smaller portions allows guests to sample more treats without overindulging.
Serve with ice cream – A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the bars.

With Coffee or Tea

Perfect with coffee – Enjoying these bars with a hot cup of coffee brings out the chocolate and caramel notes even more.
Accompaniments for tea – Pair them with herbal or black tea for a cozy afternoon treat.

As a Special Treat

Gift in a jar – Layer the bars in a mason jar for an attractive gift idea, perfect for holidays or birthdays.
Perfect for school lunches – These bars make a sweet addition to kids’ lunchboxes, offering both fun and nutrition.

How to Perfect Salt River Bars

To ensure your Salt River Bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips. They will help you achieve the ideal texture and flavor.

Use fresh ingredients – Fresh butter and chocolate chips enhance the flavor and quality of your bars.
Don’t skip refrigerating – Chilling the bars allows them to set properly, making them easier to cut and serve.
Layer evenly – Spread each layer evenly to avoid uneven cutting and ensure every bite is delicious.
Add extra sea salt – A sprinkle of Maldon sea salt on top balances the sweetness and adds an extra layer of flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Salt River Bars

Salt River Bars make a fantastic dessert, but they can also be complemented by some tasty side dishes. Here are some ideas that pair well with these sweet treats.

Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the bars.
Whipped Cream – Lightly sweetened whipped cream enhances the dessert experience when served alongside.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries – These add an elegant touch and echo the chocolatey goodness of Salt River Bars.
Mini Cheesecakes – Offering mini cheesecakes provides variety on your dessert platter without overwhelming guests.
Nutty Granola – A crunchy granola can be served as a topping or side, giving a satisfying texture contrast.
Cheese Board – A selection of mild cheeses can balance out the sweetness while adding richness to your spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Salt River Bars is simple, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

Using stale crackers: Always use fresh Club crackers for the best texture. Stale crackers can make your bars soggy and less enjoyable.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is key in baking. Use proper measuring cups and spoons to ensure you have the right amounts of each ingredient.
Skipping the refrigeration step: Chilling your bars helps them firm up properly. Don’t skip this step if you want perfectly set layers.
Overheating the chocolate topping: Heat chocolate chips slowly and in intervals. Overheating can cause it to seize and ruin the smooth texture.
Neglecting to line the pan: Always line your baking pan with parchment paper. This makes it much easier to lift out the bars and cut them evenly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Salt River Bars in an airtight container in the fridge.
They will stay fresh for up to one week.

Freezing Salt River Bars

Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
You can freeze them for up to three months without losing flavor.

Reheating Salt River Bars

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place bars on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Microwave a bar for 15-20 seconds on low power for quick warming.
Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Salt River Bars.

What are Salt River Bars?

Salt River Bars are delicious dessert treats made with layers of crackers, caramel, chocolate, and peanut butter. They offer a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.

Can I customize my Salt River Bars?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, swap chocolate types, or include different flavored chips to create your own unique version of Salt River Bars.

How long do Salt River Bars last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, Salt River Bars will last about one week in the refrigerator and up to three months if frozen.

Can I make Salt River Bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars are great for making ahead. Prepare them a day or two before serving for even more flavor as they set.

Final Thoughts

These Salt River Bars are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Their versatility allows for customization based on your preferences. Try adding your favorite toppings or mix-ins for a unique twist!

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Salt River Bars

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Author: Cara
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x

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Description

Salt River Bars are the ultimate indulgent treat that perfectly marries sweet and salty flavors. With layers of buttery Club crackers, rich caramel, and a luscious chocolate topping, these bars deliver an irresistible combination of chewy, creamy, and crunchy textures. They are a hit at parties, potlucks, or simply as a delightful snack at home. Easy to prepare and make ahead, you’ll want to keep this recipe close by for any occasion where you wish to impress friends and family. Just one bite of these decadent bars will leave everyone wanting more!

Ingredients

Scale

90 Club crackers
1 cup salted butter
2 cups light brown sugar
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup butterscotch chips
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Maldon sea salt for finishing

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Instructions

Prepare a 9 by 13 inch pan with parchment paper and nonstick spray.
Layer the bottom with Club crackers.
In a medium heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat, melt butter, brown sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and heavy cream until boiling; stir constantly for 7 minutes.
Pour half the caramel mixture over the first layer of crackers; add another layer of crackers on top.
Repeat with the remaining caramel mixture and finish with a final layer of crackers.
Chill in the refrigerator to set while preparing the chocolate topping.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine milk chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter; heat until smooth.
Spread the chocolate topping over the bars and sprinkle with Maldon sea salt.
Chill again before cutting into squares.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American