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Caramel Slice

By:Nagi
596 Comments
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This is a Caramel Slice that works as promised – the creamy caramel sets perfectly and will never be runny, the chocolate won’t crack when cutting it and the caramel won’t ooze out. It’s an easy recipe with no thermometer required.

Essentially, this recipe fixes all the grievances I had with other recipes I’ve tried over my lifetime!

Pile of Caramel Slice

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!”

Stack of Caramel Slice on a plate

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:

What goes in 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:

1. Biscuit base – just mix the ingredients together in a bowl, press into a pan and bake:

How to make base for Caramel Slice

2. 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.

How to make caramel filling for Caramel Slice

3. Chocolate Topping – simply melt the topping then spread on the caramel base. To achieve a perfectly smooth surface, just shake the pan gently.

How to make Caramel Slice - chocolate topping

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!

Overhead photo of Caramel Slice cut into pieces showing the chocolate didn't crack

And a side view so you can see how it slices neatly, showing each individual layer:

Close up of hand picking up Caramel Slice

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!!!

Close up showing inside of 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

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Pile of Caramel Slice

Caramel Slice

Author: Nagi | RecipeTin Eats
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 40 mins
Cooling: 1 hr
Total: 55 mins
Sweet
Australian, Western
4.92 from 124 votes
Servings12 -16
Tap or hover to scale
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Recipe video above. An easy Caramel Slice recipe that delivers as promised - a creamy caramel filling that sets perfectly (no more runny caramel!) and chooclate that doesn't crack when you cut into it!

Ingredients

Base

  • 1 cup flour, plain/all purpose
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar , loosely packed
  • 1/2 cup desiccated coconut (US: sweetened finely shredded coconut, Note 1)
  • 125g / 4.5oz unsalted butter , melted

Caramel filling

  • 125g / 4.5oz unsalted butter , roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup (80g) brown sugar , loosely packed
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (or essence)
  • 395g / 14oz sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 300ml) (Note 1b)

Chocolate Topping

  • 200g / 7oz dark or milk melting chocolate (US: semi-sweet chocolate chips)
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

Base

  • Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F (fan 160°C)
  • Grease and line a 28x 18cm (lamington pan) / 7" x 11" rectangle pan with baking/parchment paper (Note 2). Have overhang for ease of removal.
  • Mix together Base ingredients and press into a pan (I use an egg flip)
  • Bake for 15 minutes until the surface is golden. Cool in fridge if you have time (Note 3).

Caramel

  • Lower oven to oven to 160°C/320°F (fan 140°C)
  • Place butter, sugar and vanilla in a saucepan over medium low heat. When the butter is melted, whisk to combine with sugar, then just leave it until it comes to a simmer.
  • When bubbles appear, add condensed milk. Whisk constantly for 5 minutes (Note 4), until you start getting some big slow bubbles on the base.
  • Once bubbles start appearing, whisk for 1 minute, then pour onto Base. Tilt pan to spread evenly.
  • Bake for 12 minutes. Don't worry if you get splotchy brown bits (this happens with ovens that don't distribute heat evenly).
  • Cool on counter for 20 minutes then refrigerate 30 minutes - bottom of pan should be warm but surface cool (not cold) to touch. (Note 5)

Chocolate

  • Place chocolate and oil in a microwave proof bowl. Microwave in 30 second bursts, stirring in between, until chocolate is fully melted (takes me 4 x 30 sec).
  • Pour over caramel, spread with spatula. Then gently shake pan to make the surface completely fat.
  • Refrigerate 1 hour or until set. Remove from fridge and leave out for 5 minutes to take chill out of chocolate slightly. Then cut into bars or squares to serve!

Recipe Notes:

1. Desiccated coconut is called "Sweetened Coconut Flakes" in America. It is finely shredded coconut, not the large flakes.
2. Sweetened condensed milk -  Do not use skim (low fat), caramel will not set. Also ensure you use sweetened condensed milk (thick sweet milk) that comes in cans, NOT evaporated milk.
3. Cooling base - creates a neater line between caramel and biscuit layer, I rarely do this (pictured caramel slices weren't cooled!)
4. Caramel - If you don't stir constantly, little brown specks will appear, being caramel caught on the bottom of the saucepan. It's not a major problem if you have some brown specks, won't affect flavour just visual. If desperate, strain them out (yes I've done that - mother rang in the middle of caramel making, wouldn't stop talking! ?)
5. Smooth chocolate - The refrigeration times is such that the caramel is mostly set, cool but not cold. That way the chocolate doesn't set too quickly when you pour it on, so when you shake the pan it will spread out evenly. 
If you want to make a textured top like the ones in this photo, refrigerate the caramel until fridge-cold - 1 hr+ in the fridge. When the chocolate is poured on, it will firm up faster. As it starts to thicken, use a spatula or knife back and forth across the surface.
6. To slice neatly, remove from the fridge 5 minutes before cutting. Run knife under warm (not hot) water, wipe dry then cut quickly. For very neat slices, clean knife between each cut - I did this for the photos. Don't make the knife too hot otherwise the chocolate melts when you cut it and smears into the caramel.
7. STORAGE: Airtight container for up to 5 days, but if it's so hot that the chocolate melts, keep it in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.
8. COCONUT FREE BASE: A few readers have asked if it is possible to make the base without coconut. This recipe won't work without coconut but the shortbread base in my Lemon Bars recipe is a perfect substitute. Please DOUBLE the recipe.
9. Nutrition - ignore it. You can eat salads all next week!!?

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 470kcal (24%)Carbohydrates: 54g (18%)Protein: 5g (10%)Fat: 27g (42%)Saturated Fat: 18g (113%)Cholesterol: 58mg (19%)Sodium: 61mg (3%)Potassium: 174mg (5%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 44g (49%)Vitamin A: 646IU (13%)Vitamin C: 1mg (1%)Calcium: 133mg (13%)Iron: 1mg (6%)
Keywords: caramel slice
Did you make this recipe?I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @RecipeTinEats.

Originally published 2016, updated with brand new photos and brand new video in March 2020.

For Caramel Monsters

More slices and 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!!)

Dozer the golden retriever in robe

Hi, I'm Nagi!

I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative!

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596 Comments

    • Nagi says

      Hi Natalie, yes that’s fine – it will all depend on the heat of your stove – use the video as a guide for what colour the caramel should be. N x

      Reply

  2. Linda says

    I would love to make the Carmel Slice recipe but my husband will not eat coconut. I’ve tried to sneak it in but always caught.
    Can I use anything else in the bar.

    Reply

  3. Jo says

    I don’t really like vegetable oil flavour – can butter be used as a replacement and if so how much? Thanks so much

    Reply

  5. Cat says

    This caramel slice recipe is amazing. I like to add a light sprinkling of flaked salt (not too much) on top of the caramel layer after it has baked – I find it helps cut the sweetness.

    Reply

      • Helen says

        5 stars
        I subbed gluten free flour for the normal flour the second time I made this and it was just as good (just slightly crumbly on the base). Both times I lightly toasted the coconut first to bring out the coconut flavour. Thank you for providing such delicious recipes for us all!!!

        Reply

  8. Jezmynn says

    Fantastic! Made many rounds and they’re hot cakes! Want to try a variation, do you think almond flour will work in place of all purpose flour?

    Reply

  10. Tam says

    5 stars
    Made this yesterday, came out perfect! Only problem now is having self control to not demolish it all.

    Love your recipes, we had this as dessert after your delicious Beef Cheeks

    Reply

  13. Mikaela says

    5 stars
    I don’t think I’ve ever rated or commented on a recipe in my life. I usually just bake it and move right along XD But any time I make caramel slice I always look for this recipe, it’s my favourite! Thanks a heap!

    Reply

  14. Anne2049 says

    5 stars
    This is one of our favorite recipes. My grandson especially loves it. A thousand thanks to you and Australia and hugs to Dozer. xoxox
    Anne (Germany)

    Reply

  15. Scottyshman says

    5 stars
    I made this for a work meeting today and went down a treat. Fairly easy to make (I’m not a baker usually) and my colleagues said it was “so good”.

    Reply

  16. Bronwyn says

    5 stars
    Love this recipe! It turns out perfectly every time! Best caramel slice hands down and so easy! Thanks for sharing your recipe!

    Reply
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