Essentially, this recipe fixes all the grievances I had with other recipes I’ve tried over my lifetime!
Caramel Slice
It’s practically un-Australian for a bakery to NOT sell Caramel Slice. With a simple coconut biscuit base, soft caramel filling and a chocolate topping, it’s one of those treats that’s craved by kids and grown ups. I’ve only ever known it as a Caramel Slice, but I was quite interested to learn that overseas, it’s also known as Millionaire’s Shortbread (appropriate!), Caramel Shortbread, Chocolate Caramel Bars. Doesn’t really matter what you call these. Just the sight of them surely brings a smile to anyone’s face, and that, my friends, is a universal language. 🙂 (“That” being a Food Smile) Reader Rachel says “Wow! This was really fantastic. I’ve been hunting for a caramel slice that cuts well, doesn’t ooze or crack and had enough filling. This is perfect! So tasty, I love how crunchy the base gets and my mum adores it! I only made it last night, but I don’t think it will last long!”
A Caramel Slice recipe that actually works
I’ve tried countless recipes over the years including from some well known cooks, and classic “best ever” recipes but always experienced problems such as:
Runny caramel Chocolate topping cracked when it was cut
I think some recipes make Caramel Slice overly complicated, trying to make the caramel using a traditional candy making method which calls for a thermometer and exact caramel temperatures. Scratch that. Make Caramel Slice the easy way using condensed milk. Tastes just like you get from the bakeries!
What goes in Caramel Slice
Here’s what you need to make Caramel Slice:
Base – a coconut biscuit base, not too sweet (because the caramel filling is plenty sweet!) Caramel filling – the secret ingredient here is condensed milk. So we make a caramel using sugar and butter, then we add condensed milk which thickens it and makes the caramel set; Chocolate topping – the secret to making sure the chocolate doesn’t crack when cut is a touch of oil!
How to make Caramel Slice
There are 3 components to Caramel Slice:
Biscuit base – just mix the ingredients together in a bowl, press into a pan and bake:
Caramel Filling – bring the butter and brown sugar to a simmer (this is caramel!) then stir in condensed milk. Whisk over low heat for a few minutes to give it some colour, then pour onto the base and bake. Baking is what makes the caramel set once cool.
Chocolate Topping – simply melt the topping then spread on the caramel base. To achieve a perfectly smooth surface, just shake the pan gently.
And proof – the chocolate DOES NOT CRACK when you cut into it!!! These were fridge cold too – you can see the surface is sweating on this hot summer day I made them!
And a side view so you can see how it slices neatly, showing each individual layer:
Normally I try to show a bit of self respect with up close “bite shots” and use a fork…. But I’m not going to lie to you – in this case I just took a big fat bite out of this Caramel Slice!!!
Caramel Slice – Q&A
Here’s a little Q&A section for common questions and problems people face making Caramel Slice!
Why is my caramel slice runny?
Common problems that causes runny caramel include: using low fat condensed milk (ie. skim condensed milk) instead of full fat milk (it will not set properly), you didn’t bake the caramel layer (this makes sure it sets) or you used a recipe where the caramel filling is made without condensed milk (in which case you need a candy thermometer to achieve an exact temperature to ensure it sets).
How do you keep chocolate from cracking when cutting?
Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the melted chocolate – this makes the chocolate topping slightly softer so it doesn’t crack!
How long does caramel slice last?
5 days in an airtight container – in the fridge if it’s warm weather, otherwise in the pantry is fine. That’s the proper answer. But does Caramel Slice ever last FIVE WHOLE DAYS in anyone’s house??? 😳😳😳 – Nagi x
Watch how to make it
Originally published 2016, updated with brand new photos and brand new video in March 2020.
For Caramel Monsters
Caramel Brownies Salted Caramel Tart Peanut Butter Caramel Tart – dangerously easy Salted Caramel Stuffed Brownies Sweetened Condensed Milk Caramel – just place a can of condensed milk in the slow cooker!
More slices and bars
Brownies!! Also outrageous Nutella Stuffed Brownies! No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars Strawberry Bars – made with tons of FRESH strawberries! Easiest Ever Raspberries Jam Bars Easy Lemon Bars
Life of Dozer
Dozer in his swanky bathrobe. On a scale of 1 to 10, how ridiculous do you think he looks in his bath robe??? 😉 (And on a scale of 1 to 10, how much do you want to see me in my matching robe?! 🤣 It was a GIFT!! I would never!!)
