Description
These Matcha Caramel Bars offer a delightful blend of sweet, salty, and earthy flavors. A buttery shortbread crust supports a luscious matcha-swirled caramel, finished with a white chocolate drizzle and toasted pistachios.
Ingredients
Scale
- 200g (1 ⅔ cup) All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure for the shortbread crust.
- 100g (½ cup) Unsalted Butter, Melted: Creates a tender, crumbly crust.
- 60g (¼ cup) Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust.
- Pinch of Sea Salt: Enhances flavors in the crust.
- 200g (1 cup) Brown Sugar: Forms the base of the chewy caramel.
- 120ml (½ cup) Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth and creamy caramel.
- 80g (⅓ cup) Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the caramel.
- 1 tsp Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract: Enhances the caramel’s flavor.
- ½ tsp Sea Salt: Balances the caramel’s sweetness.
- 2 tsp Culinary-Grade Matcha Powder: Adds vibrant color and earthy flavor.
- 100g (3½ oz) White Chocolate, Chopped: For a luxurious drizzle.
- 30ml (2 Tbsp) Heavy Cream: Thins the white chocolate for drizzling.
- 30g (¼ cup) Pistachios, Toasted and Coarsely Chopped: Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
- Flaky Sea Salt: Provides a final touch of saltiness and texture.
Instructions
- Prepare Shortbread Crust: Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and line an 8-inch pan with parchment.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl.
- Incorporate Butter: Mix melted butter into dry ingredients until crumbly.
- Press into Pan: Press crumb mixture firmly into the prepared pan.
- Bake Crust: Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown.
- Cool Crust: Let crust cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make Caramel: Combine brown sugar and butter in a saucepan, stirring until melted.
- Boil & Simmer: Whisk in heavy cream, vanilla, and salt; boil then simmer for 2 minutes.
- Divide & Matcha-fy: Divide caramel; stir matcha into one portion.
- Layer Caramel: Pour plain caramel over crust, then drop matcha caramel on top.
- Swirl Magic: Swirl caramel layers together with a knife.
- Chill & Set: Refrigerate for 30-40 minutes, until firm.
- Melt Chocolate: Melt white chocolate and cream using a bain-marie or microwave.
- Cut & Arrange: Lift bars with parchment and cut into squares.
- Drizzle & Garnish: Drizzle with white chocolate, sprinkle with pistachios and sea salt.
Notes
For best results, use culinary-grade matcha for a vibrant color and flavor. Don’t skip the salt – it balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: matcha,caramel,bars,white chocolate,pistachios,dessert,shortbread,baking,sweet,salty