Decadent Leftover Candy Shortbread Bars

Have you ever found yourself with an abundance of leftover candy after a holiday or celebration? These decadent shortbread bars are the perfect way to use up those treats while creating a delicious dessert that everyone will love. With a buttery shortbread base and a sweet, chewy topping, this recipe is a delightful way to repurpose candy into something extraordinary.

Imagine biting into a rich, crumbly shortbread bar that melts in your mouth, complemented by the sweet surprise of your favorite candies. Whether it’s chocolate bars, gummy candies, or even nuts, each bite offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Shortbread Bars with a Sweet Twist

Shortbread bars are a delightful treat that can be easily customized to fit your sweet tooth. The rich, buttery flavor of shortbread provides a perfect base that pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings. When you add leftover candies, it creates an exciting blend of flavors and textures that elevates this classic dessert.

Imagine biting into a crumbly bar, where each piece melts in your mouth while a burst of sweetness surprises you from the candies mixed in. The combination of different treats, like chocolate bars and gummies, adds a playful element to the experience, making it a favorite for both kids and adults alike.

Crafting the Ideal Base

The foundation of these bars lies in a simple yet rich shortbread dough. Made with just a few key ingredients, it requires minimal effort while delivering a satisfying result. The dough is created by combining softened butter with powdered sugar, which gives the bars their signature sweetness.

Once the butter and sugar are blended to a light and fluffy texture, you gradually add all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. This results in a dough that is easy to handle, allowing you to press it into the pan for an even layer. The shortbread base is what holds everything together and provides a lovely crumbly contrast to the sweet toppings.

Incorporating Leftover Candies

One of the most enjoyable aspects of making these bars is choosing which leftover candies to incorporate. This is a wonderful way to reduce waste while indulging in a delightful treat. From chocolate chunks to chewy gummies, the possibilities are endless.

For those with a penchant for chocolate, consider using your favorite bars or chocolate chips, as they melt beautifully and create a luscious layer atop the shortbread. Gummies provide a chewy contrast, while nuts can add a satisfying crunch. Mixing and matching candies allows you to personalize these bars to suit your taste.

The Baking Process

Baking these shortbread bars is a straightforward process. After preparing the dough and layering it in the pan, sprinkle the chopped candies over the top. The remaining dough is then crumbled over the candies, ensuring they are partly covered to create a sweet surprise in every bite.

Once baked in a preheated oven, the bars turn golden brown, and the aroma fills the kitchen, enticing everyone around. It’s essential to let them cool in the pan before cutting them into squares, as this helps them set properly, making for clean and tidy servings.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These shortbread bars are versatile and can be served on various occasions. Whether it’s a festive gathering, a casual get-together, or just a treat for yourself, they are sure to impress. You can also consider serving them with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent experience.

Feel free to experiment with the types of candies used or even add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a delightful contrast to the sweetness. Each variation can lead to a unique twist on this already delightful treat.

Storing Your Sweet Creation

If you manage to have leftovers, storing these bars is easy. Simply keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. They maintain their flavor and texture, making them an inviting snack throughout the week.

For longer storage, you may also freeze them. Just ensure they are wrapped well to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, allow them to thaw at room temperature, and they’ll taste as fresh as the day they were baked.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mixed leftover candies, chopped (chocolate bars, gummies, etc.)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the Shortbread Base: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together.
3. Press the Dough: Press about two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer.
4. Add the Candy: Sprinkle the chopped leftover candies over the shortbread base evenly. If desired, sprinkle chocolate chips on top as well.
5. Top with Remaining Dough: Crumble the remaining dough over the candies, covering them as much as possible.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is set.
7. Cool and Cut: Allow to cool in the pan before lifting out and cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy!

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 16 bars
• Calories: 180kcal
• Fat: 10g
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 22g