Brown Butter Toffee Bars

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Buttery, nutty, and gloriously gooey, these Brown Butter Toffee Bars are everything your sweet tooth dreams of. A rich shortbread base meets a silky, caramel-toffee layer, all crowned with a glossy swirl of melted toffee and a sprinkling of flaky sea salt. Each bite is a perfect contrast of crunch, chew, and melt-in-your-mouth bliss.

What makes these bars stand out? It’s the browned butter—bringing a deep, nutty aroma that sets the tone for a dessert that feels both rustic and gourmet. These bars are quick to whip up and even easier to devour, making them a go-to for both weeknight indulgence and celebratory spreads.

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Why You’ll Love This Brown Butter Toffee Bars

• Rich and Indulgent Flavor: Brown butter and toffee create an intense, caramelized sweetness with warm undertones.
• No-Fuss Prep: Minimal steps and simple ingredients make this an approachable treat.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, bake sales, and gifting.
• Stores Well: Keeps beautifully in the fridge or freezer, so you can enjoy them for days.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the decadence, make sure you’ve got the right setup:

• 9×9-inch Baking Pan: Provides the ideal thickness for layering and slicing.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures the bars lift out cleanly without sticking.
• Saucepan: Essential for browning butter and melting the toffee mixture evenly.
• Rubber Spatula: Helps to spread layers smoothly and avoid waste.
• Mixing Bowls: For combining the base and prepping the toffee topping.

Each tool plays its part in delivering that luscious texture and professional finish. Browning butter can’t be rushed, and a quality saucepan helps keep things from burning while achieving that golden nutty hue.

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Ingredients for the Brown Butter Toffee Bars

• Unsalted Butter – Browning it brings out an irresistible nutty depth.
• All-Purpose Flour – The base of the shortbread crust, offering a sturdy yet tender bite.
• Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a warm molasses flavor that complements the toffee.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the richness and depth of the caramel tones.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk – Creates the creamy, chewy toffee layer.
• White Chocolate Chips – Melt into the toffee for added sweetness and silkiness.
• Salt – A pinch in the crust and a sprinkle on top balances the sweetness beautifully.

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How To Make the Brown Butter Toffee Bars

Step 1: Brown the Butter

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir constantly until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Crust

Combine the browned butter with brown sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt. Press the dough evenly into a parchment-lined 9×9 pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–20 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 3: Create the Toffee Layer

While the crust bakes, heat sweetened condensed milk and white chocolate chips in a saucepan. Stir until smooth and thickened slightly. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 4: Layer and Swirl

Pour the toffee mixture over the warm crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Swirl the top lightly for texture and visual flair.

Step 5: Finish and Chill

Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top. Let the bars cool at room temp, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing into squares.

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Serving and Storing Brown Butter Toffee Bars

These bars are best served slightly chilled or at room temperature to maintain their gooey texture. They’re ideal for dessert platters, lunchbox treats, or pairing with coffee.

To store, place them in an airtight container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep for up to 5 days in the fridge or up to 2 months in the freezer. Let frozen bars thaw at room temperature before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is brown butter, and why use it?

Brown butter is regular butter cooked until the milk solids toast. It adds a deep, nutty flavor that elevates baked goods.

Can I use salted butter instead?

You can, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting.

Can I swap the white chocolate chips?

Yes! Milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips also work, though they’ll change the flavor slightly.

Do I have to use parchment paper?

Highly recommended—it prevents sticking and ensures clean slices.

How do I know when the crust is done?

The edges should be lightly golden and slightly firm to the touch, not soft or doughy.

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Want More Dessert Bar Ideas?

If you love these Brown Butter Toffee Bars, you’ll want to try these next:

• Quick and Simple Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars for a chewy, nutty twist.
• Chocolate Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake for more layered toffee goodness.
• Simple Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies if you’re craving fruity tang with creamy centers.
• Winter Brittle for a crunchy, seasonal classic.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add chopped nuts or drizzle chocolate on top? I love seeing how you make these your own!

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