Are you ready to treat yourself to a delicious dessert that’s super simple to make? This Caramel Slice recipe is a crowd-pleaser, with its creamy caramel, crunchy base, and smooth chocolate topping! Grab your apron, and let’s whip up a sweet treat that will bring smiles to everyone’s faces!
What Makes This Caramel Slice Recipe Perfect?
You might be wondering, what makes this Caramel Slice recipe stand out from the rest? Well, let me tell you! This recipe has been crafted with love and a few secret tricks that guarantee delicious results every time. Say goodbye to runny caramel and cracked chocolate—this is your new go-to dessert!
Here’s why I think this recipe is simply the best:
- Easy To Make: You don’t need fancy gadgets or complicated techniques. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! Seriously, anyone can do it!
- Perfectly Set Caramel: The secret to that creamy caramel filling? Condensed milk! It thickens up beautifully, so you won’t be left with a gooey mess.
- No Cracked Chocolate: We’ve all been there—cutting into a dessert and watching the chocolate crumble. Adding a little oil to the melted chocolate keeps it nice and smooth. Trust me, your friends will be impressed!
- Versatile Enjoyment: Whether you’re baking for kids or adults, everyone loves this slice. It’s sweet, crunchy, and utterly satisfying.
- Quick to Serve: Slice it into bars or squares, and serve it up at parties, picnics, or just for a cozy night in.
So, if you want a treat that’s sure to bring smiles and satisfied tummies, this Caramel Slice recipe is the way to go! Get ready for a dessert that checks all the boxes! Isn’t that just delightful?
Key Ingredients for a Heavenly Caramel Slice
Let me share the key ingredients that bring this Caramel Slice to life! With just a handful of simple items, you can create a dessert that’s sure to wow everyone around you. Trust me, these ingredients are what make the flavors pop!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Plain Flour: About 1 cup. This helps form the base of our slice. You can also use gluten-free flour if needed!
- Brown Sugar: Half a cup, loosely packed. This gives a lovely sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Desiccated Coconut: Half a cup. It adds a fantastic texture and a bit of chewiness!
- Unsalted Butter: 125 grams (or 4.5 oz), melted. This is what holds everything together and keeps it rich.
For the delicious caramel filling:
- Unsalted Butter: Another 125 grams, chopped up. More buttery goodness coming your way!
- Brown Sugar: ½ cup again—because we want that sweetness to shine!
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon for that lovely flavor boost.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: A whole can (395 grams or 14 oz). This is the magic ingredient that makes the caramel creamy and thick!
And for that luscious chocolate topping:
- Melting Chocolate: 200 grams (7 oz) of your favorite dark or milk chocolate. This is the crown on our slice!
- Vegetable Oil: Just 1 tablespoon. This keeps the chocolate nice and smooth when you cut into it!
With these fabulous ingredients, you’ll be on your way to creating the best Caramel Slice ever! Are you excited? I know I am!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Caramel Slice
Ready to make your very own Caramel Slice? Let’s get cooking! This is where all the fun happens. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious treat that looks and tastes amazing!
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- Preheat Your Oven: First, set your oven to 180°C (350°F). This will get it nice and hot for baking!
- Mix the Base Ingredients: In a bowl, combine 1 cup of plain flour, ½ cup of brown sugar, and ½ cup of desiccated coconut. Pour in 125 grams of melted unsalted butter and mix until everything is well combined!
- Press and Bake: Grease and line a rectangular baking pan (28x18cm) with parchment paper. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for about 15 minutes or until it’s golden brown. Yum!
Step 2: Make the Caramel Filling
- Lower the Oven Temperature: Set your oven to 160°C (320°F).
- Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan: In a medium saucepan, add 125 grams of chopped unsalted butter, ½ cup of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Heat over medium-low until the butter melts.
- Add Condensed Milk: Stir in 395 grams of sweetened condensed milk and whisk for 5 minutes until bubbly. Then, pour this luscious caramel over the baked base!
Step 3: Bake the Caramel
- Bake Again: Bake the caramel layer for about 12 minutes. Let it cool for about 20 minutes on the counter!
Step 4: Finish with Chocolate
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 200 grams of dark or milk chocolate with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Spread Over Caramel: Pour the melted chocolate over the cooled caramel, spreading it evenly. Give the pan a gentle shake for a smooth finish!
Now let it cool in the fridge for about an hour, and voila! Your Caramel Slice is ready to be sliced and enjoyed. Doesn’t that sound easy and delicious? I can’t wait for you to try it!
Tips for a Smooth Chocolate Topping
Getting that chocolate topping just right can be the cherry on top for your Caramel Slice! I love a good chocolate layer that looks amazing and cuts perfectly. Here are my best tips to help you achieve a smooth and beautiful finish!
Choose the Right Chocolate
- Dark or Milk Chocolate: Pick a chocolate you love! Dark chocolate gives a rich flavor, while milk chocolate is creamy and sweet. It’s really up to your taste buds!
- Quality Matters: Go for good quality chocolate. It melts better and tastes fantastic!
The Melting Process
- Microwave Method: Chop your chocolate into small pieces. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Heat it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. This prevents burning and helps it melt evenly!
- Double Boiler Method: If you prefer a more traditional method, use a double boiler. Just place the bowl over simmering water and stir until melted. This is a foolproof way to get silky smooth chocolate!
Spreading It Out
- Pour Gently: Once your chocolate is melted, pour it over the cooled caramel layer.
- Smooth It Out: Use a spatula to spread it evenly. If you want to get fancy, give the pan a gentle shake to level it out. Maybe even a little dance while you’re at it!
Allow Time to Set
Let your slice cool in the fridge for at least an hour. This will help the chocolate harden perfectly!
By following these tips, you’ll have a Caramel Slice with a glorious chocolate topping everyone will love! Isn’t it exciting to create gorgeous desserts? I can’t wait for you to try it!
Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Slice
I’ve had my share of kitchen adventures, and with every recipe, questions pop up! So, let’s dive into some of the most frequently asked questions about making a Caramel Slice. I hope these tips help you out!
Why is my Caramel Slice runny?
A runny caramel slice can be a bummer! The main culprits are often:
- Using low-fat condensed milk instead of full-fat. Always go for the sweetened kind!
- Not baking the caramel layer. Baking helps it set properly, so don’t skip this step!
How do I keep the chocolate from cracking when cutting?
Cracked chocolate can spoil the “wow” factor! Here’s my tip:
- Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the melted chocolate. This makes it softer and helps it cut smoothly without any unhappy surprises!
How long does Caramel Slice last?
If you can resist eating it all at once (which is a challenge!), your Caramel Slice will last:
- 5 days in an airtight container. If it’s warm, keep it in the fridge. Otherwise, a cool pantry will do just fine!
Can I make this without coconut?
Yes, you can! If coconut isn’t your thing, try using a shortbread base like the one in my Lemon Bars recipe. Just remember to double the recipe to match the size!
I hope these answers make your baking experience easier and more fun! Cooking should be enjoyable, after all! Got more questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out—let’s keep the conversation going!