If you’re on the hunt for a sweet treat that perfectly balances buttery richness and chocolatey goodness with a hint of saltiness, the Salt River Bars Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These bars offer that nostalgic cookie bar texture you’ll crave again and again, with sea salt flakes crowning every bite for an unforgettable flavor punch. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers simple ingredients into an irresistible dessert that feels homemade and downright special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, featuring pantry staples that come together effortlessly. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—from the creamy butter providing moisture and richness, to the sugars offering the perfect sweet depth and a tender crumb. The chocolate chips bring that melty texture we all adore, while the pinch of salt elevates every other flavor beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, room temperature): The creamy base that brings richness and moisture to these bars.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a slightly crisp surface texture.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Gives a warm, caramel-like flavor and adds extra chewiness.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The essential structure for these bars, ensuring they hold together without being cakey.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Just enough lift to keep these bars light, not too dense.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Chocolate chips (1 cup, semi-sweet or dark): Melts into soft pockets of rich flavor in every bite.
- Sea salt flakes (for topping): The crowning touch that adds a delightful crunch and contrast.
How to Make Salt River Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This simple step makes sure your bars bake evenly and come out clean when it’s time to slice.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, whip the room temperature butter together with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This 3 to 4-minute process introduces air, ensuring your bars are tender but still melt-in-your-mouth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Slowly add in the flour, baking powder, and salt to the bowl, mixing just until everything comes together. Overmixing here can lead to tougher bars, so keep it gentle to maintain that soft texture.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips. Be mindful to distribute them evenly for every bite to have a rich, melty surprise.
Step 5: Spread the Batter
Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface to ensure uniform cooking and a nice shape.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating the perfect gooey-chewy texture inside.
Step 7: Add Sea Salt and Cool
While the bars are still warm, sprinkle sea salt flakes across the top. This salt finish creates a perfect flavor contrast and a little crunch. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and slicing into 12 squares.
How to Serve Salt River Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of sea salt flakes is a must, but feel free to get creative. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can elevate the presentation and delight your guests with extra sweetness or gloss.
Side Dishes
Salt River Bars pair brilliantly with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. They also work well alongside fresh berries or a refreshing raspberry coulis to add a bright, tangy counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these bars on a rustic wooden board for a charming, casual vibe, or arrange them neatly on a tiered dessert stand if you’re hosting a party. You can also wrap individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine for a lovely homemade gift idea that carries your warmth with every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Salt River Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay tender and fresh, perfect for grabbing a quick treat whenever cravings strike.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap then foil, and place in a freezer-safe container. When you want to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.
Reheating
If you prefer your Salt River Bars warm, pop a piece in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or bake in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. The melty chocolate and buttery softness come alive with just a bit of heat.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
While unsalted butter is recommended to control the salt level, you can use salted butter by reducing or omitting the added salt in the recipe to keep the balance just right.
What kind of chocolate chips work best?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips both work wonderfully. Dark chocolate offers a richer, less sweet punch, while semi-sweet keeps it classic and balanced.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking, keeping the same quantity. The texture might be a little different but just as delicious.
Is it okay to add nuts?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds can add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor, simply fold them in along with the chocolate chips.
How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?
The edges should be golden brown and the center should be set but still slightly soft. A toothpick test leaving a few moist crumbs is your best indicator of that perfect chewy texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Salt River Bars Recipe enough if you love desserts that are simple yet full of flavor and texture. It’s one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again, whether for a simple family dessert or a crowd-pleasing treat. So go ahead, warm up your oven and dive into this buttery, chocolatey, and perfectly salted delight—you won’t regret it!
Print
Salt River Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Salt River Bars are rich, buttery dessert bars studded with semi-sweet chocolate chips and topped with a sprinkle of sea salt flakes for the perfect sweet and salty balance. These bars have a tender, slightly chewy texture and are easy to prepare, making them an ideal treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
Topping
- Sea salt flakes (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars later.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step helps incorporate air for a tender texture.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bars tender.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold the semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the dough to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.
- Spread batter: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Bake bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with slightly moist crumbs, indicating the perfect texture.
- Add sea salt topping: While the bars are still warm, sprinkle sea salt flakes generously over the top to enhance the sweet and salty flavor profile. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and cutting into 12 bars.
Notes
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature to achieve the best creaming results.
- Do not overmix the batter once dry ingredients are added to avoid tough bars.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate or even white chocolate for variation.
- For an extra flavor twist, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
