If you’re looking to win over a crowd or simply indulge in your own sweet tooth, you absolutely have to try Salt River Bars. These no-bake dessert bars are the ultimate treat, balancing crisp buttery crackers with layers of luscious caramel and a swoon-worthy chocolate-peanut butter topping. Every bite hits that perfect sweet-and-salty harmony that keeps you reaching for just “one more square.” Whether you’re sharing at a potluck or storing a secret stash in your fridge, Salt River Bars are a go-to favorite for anyone who loves decadent flavor and irresistible texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes these bars so special is how a handful of familiar pantry staples come together in an unexpected, utterly crave-worthy way. Each ingredient in Salt River Bars plays a starring role—bringing crunch, richness, sweetness, and that satisfying salty finish you’ll want in every bite.

Club crackers: The buttery backbone of every layer, these crackers deliver that signature salty crunch.
Salted butter: Adds richness and depth to the caramel, ensuring every bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Packed light brown sugar: Provides sweetness and a subtle molasses flavor that makes the caramel sing.
Graham cracker crumbs: Give the caramel its body and a slight toasty note, creating a perfectly chewy filling.
Heavy cream: Makes the caramel silky, luscious, and gloriously smooth for perfect layering.
Milk chocolate chips: Bring classic chocolate flavor to the luxurious topping—feel free to swap in dark chocolate for a bolder twist!
Butterscotch chips: The not-so-secret ingredient that teams up with chocolate for irresistible flavor interest.
Creamy peanut butter: Adds a nutty richness and keeps the chocolate topping velvety smooth.
Flaky sea salt: That finishing touch! Just a sprinkle balances every sweet, gooey, and crunchy layer perfectly.

How to Make Salt River Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Base Layer

Start by lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper—leave a generous overhang so you can later lift the whole batch out easily. Arrange a single layer of Club crackers in the bottom of the pan, fitting them snugly like puzzle pieces. This step guarantees that every bar has a solid, crunchy foundation.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Mixture

Grab a medium saucepan and combine the salted butter, brown sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until everything melts together and transforms into a smooth, golden caramel. As soon as it comes to a boil, set a timer and let it cook for exactly 7 minutes, continuing to stir so nothing burns—your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!

Step 3: Build Up the Layers

Pour half of your caramel over the first cracker layer, spreading it evenly right into the corners. Lay down a second layer of Club crackers on top, pour over the remaining caramel, and add a final cracker layer to finish the stack. These alternating layers are what make Salt River Bars so showstoppingly delicious.

Step 4: Create the Chocolate-Peanut Butter Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and creamy peanut butter. Microwave in short 15–20 second bursts, stirring after each, until everything is melted and silky smooth. Don’t rush it—stirring helps everything meld without scorching your precious chocolate.

Step 5: Top, Chill, and Slice

Pour the melted chocolate topping over the last cracker layer and use a spatula to smooth it out so every corner gets coated. Generously sprinkle flaky sea salt across the top for that essential Salt River Bars finish. Pop the pan in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours until fully set, then lift the bars out, cut into gorgeous squares, and try not to eat half the batch on the spot!

How to Serve Salt River Bars

Garnishes

For a striking finish, don’t skip the flaky sea salt—it really makes the flavors pop. You can also add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate, a handful of chopped toasted nuts, or even a light dusting of cocoa powder for a touch of elegance.

Side Dishes

Because Salt River Bars are so rich and decadent, they pair beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, an ice-cold glass of milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re serving them at a party, set them alongside a tray of fresh berries for a sweet and tart contrast that cuts through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Display Salt River Bars on a tiered cake stand for a sophisticated dessert table centerpiece, or wrap individual squares in parchment and twine for sweet homemade gifts. For bite-sized fun, cut them into mini squares or triangles and serve on a platter with toothpicks for easy grazing at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Salt River Bars keep wonderfully in the refrigerator. Place bars in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers and they’ll stay fresh for up to one week—you’ll thank yourself when you discover a forgotten treat midweek!

Freezing

For longer storage, Salt River Bars freeze beautifully. Simply arrange the cut bars in layers, separated by parchment, in an airtight container and freeze for up to two months. Let them thaw in the fridge before serving for the best texture.

Reheating

If you like your bars a little softer, just let a few pieces sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before enjoying. There’s no need to microwave or bake them again—the caramel will soften slightly and the flavors will bloom as they warm.

FAQs

Can I use a different cracker if I don’t have Club crackers?

Yes! While Club crackers add a unique buttery crunch, you can substitute with Ritz crackers or any other buttery, flaky cracker for a similar texture.

Is it possible to make Salt River Bars nut-free?

Absolutely—just swap the peanut butter for a creamy sunflower seed butter or other nut-free spread. The chocolate topping will still be just as silky and delicious.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?

Definitely! Dark chocolate chips make the bars even richer and bittersweet, balancing the caramel perfectly. Give it a try if you love a deeper chocolate flavor.

How do I keep the caramel from getting grainy?

Make sure to stir the caramel mixture constantly and bring it to a full boil before starting your timer. Consistent stirring ensures the sugar dissolves evenly, preventing any graininess.

What’s the best way to cut Salt River Bars cleanly?

Use a large, sharp knife and run it under hot water between cuts. Wipe the blade clean after each slice for gorgeous, bakery-worthy squares every time.

Final Thoughts

If your sweet tooth is calling or you just want to impress friends and family with a show-stopping, no-fuss dessert, you have to give Salt River Bars a whirl. Their sweet, salty, caramel-packed layers taste as amazing as they look, and they’re easier to make than you’d ever imagine. You’re going to love every bite!

Salt River Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes plus chilling time
Yield: 30 bars 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and salty with these Salt River Bars. Layers of buttery crackers sandwich creamy caramel and decadent chocolate, finished with a sprinkle of sea salt for a delightful treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Club Crackers:

90 Club crackers

Caramel Layer:

1 cup salted butter
2 cups packed light brown sugar
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
3/4 cup heavy cream

Chocolate Topping:

1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup butterscotch chips
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

Garnish:

Flaky sea salt for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Base: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Layer Club crackers on the bottom.
Make the Caramel: In a saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and heavy cream. Boil for 7 minutes, then pour half over the crackers.
Layer and Repeat: Add more crackers, pour remaining caramel, and top with a final cracker layer.
Prepare Chocolate Topping: Melt chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter. Spread over the top crackers.
Chill and Serve: Sprinkle with sea salt, refrigerate until set, then cut into squares and enjoy.