CARAMEL SLICE
CARAMEL SLICE
The caramel slice originally came from Scotland, where it was traditionally known as caramel shortbread or millionaire’s shortbread. It consisted of three layers: a buttery shortbread base, smooth caramel filling, and rich chocolate topping.
My grandparents on my dad’s side are actually Lords of Scotland, and so is my dad. We even have our own traditional kilts that represent our family heritage. Although my siblings and I have never visited, my parents travel to Scotland quite often and have shared many stories about its landscapes and traditions. It’s special to know that one of my favorite desserts has roots in our family’s history.
By the 1950s, caramel shortbread had begun spreading beyond Scotland, becoming popular across the United Kingdom. When it made its way to Australia in the 1970s, it was featured in the Australian Women’s Weekly alongside Queen Elizabeth, which helped its fame. From then on, Australians began calling it caramel slice, and the recipe quickly became a beloved staple in bakeries and cafes. Today, it remains one of Australia’s most iconic desserts, loved for its perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and nostalgia.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Bake: 20 minutes | Chilling: 90 minutes | Total Time: 130 minutes | Serving Size: 16 pieces
INGREDIENTS
Base
4.2oz Butter
4.2oz Self-Rising Flour
4.2oz Soft Brown Sugar
2.8oz Desiccated Coconut
Caramel Filling
27.9oz Sweetened Condensed Milk
4.2oz Butter
3.5oz Golden Syrup
Topping
6.4oz Dark Chocolate Chip
0.71oz Butter
Sprinkle Seal Salt
AMERICAN SUBSTITUTIONS
A substitute for Golden Syrup is Amish Originals Clover Honey. Use the same amount as listed above.
Preheat oven to 360°F | Coat butter and line baking sheet (approx 12 x 8 inch) with parchment paper and set aside.
Step One:
Place butter into mixing bowl and melt 2 min/122°F/speed 1, or until butter has melted.
Step Two:
Add flour to the mixing bowl once the butter has fully melted.
Step Three:
Add the brown sugar.
Step Four:
Add the coconut. mix 10 sec/speed 4.
Step Five:
Scrape down sides of mixing bowl with spatula, then repeat mixing 10 sec/speed 4.
Step Six:
Pour the mixture into the 12x8-inch pan and pat down until flat.
Step Seven:
Bake for 10 minutes (360°F). Set the base aside to cool in the tin (approx. 1 hour. Clean and dry mixing bowl.
Step Eight:
Place condensed milk into the mixing bowl.
Step Nine:
Add butter to the same mixing bowl.
Step Ten:
Place honey in the mixing bowl, and cook 20 min/215°F/speed 3.
Step Eleven:
Scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl and make sure there are no clumps before you add the filling to the base.
Step Twelve:
Pour the caramel filling mixture over the cooled base in the tin.
Step Thirteen:
Bake for a further 10 minutes (360°F) and set aside. Clean and dry mixing bowl.
Step Fourteen:
Place chocolate into mixing bowl and grate 5sec/speed 8. Scrape down sides of mixing bowl with spatula.
Step Fifteen:
Add butter and melt 2min 30 sec/125°C/speed 2, or until butter and chocolate are melted.
Step Sixteen:
Pour the chocolate mixture over the caramel filling. Using a spatula, flatten the chocolate over the whole base and filling.
Step Seventeen:
Sprinkle the sea salt over the chocolate and place it in the fridge.
Step Eighteen:
Place into the refrigerator for approximately 1 hour or until set.
Step Nineteen:
Cut it into 4x4 to make 16 slices.
Step Twenty:
Dish onto a plate and serve your Caramel Slice!
BONUS TIPS
○ This treat is in every Aussie bakery, make sure to go try it there too!
○ If you enjoy a sweet-and-salty combo, add more salt once the caramel slice is ready to be taken out of the fridge.
○ Keep it refrigerated when not being eaten, as it can melt quickly and get messy!
At my school in Australia, once you reached Grade 9, you were required to go on a trip called Ironbark. They sent us to the school’s farm for five weeks, where we fed and cared for the animals, rode horses, went on a five-day hike using only a compass and map, spent three days camping and building our own shelters, and even completed a 24-hour solo survival challenge. It was truly one of the best experiences of my life, something I hope my kids get to do one day, too.
During my time there, we had morning and afternoon jobs. If I were lucky, I’d be assigned to the kitchen to bake, but most of the time I was out feeding the chooks, cows, pigs, and sheep. On the days I did get to cook in the afternoon, we’d prepare afternoon tea, and that’s where I first made this caramel slice. It was absolutely delicious and sparked my lifelong obsession with caramel slices.
NUTRITION INFORMATION PER PIECE:
5g Protein
470 kcal Calories
27g Fat
54g Carbohydrates
58mg Cholesterol
61mg Sodium
174mg Potassium
1g Fiber
44g Sugar
1mg Iron
USEFUL ITEMS:
Thermomix/Blender
Spatula
Baking Sheet (12x8 inch)
Parchment Paper
Baking Sheet
Can Opener
Butter Knife
Kitchen Knife
Author: Jane Pontious