Leftover Candy Shortbread Bars: The Perfect Post-Halloween Treat

Have leftover Halloween candy but not sure what to do with it? Don’t let it sit in your pantry waiting to be forgotten! Leftover Candy Shortbread Bars are the perfect way to use up those extra candy bars, transforming them into a delightful dessert treat. These bars feature a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust, topped with a layer of melted chocolate and finished off with chunks of your favorite candies. They’re quick to make, super versatile, and an absolute crowd-pleaser!

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You won’t even have to worry about the candy going to waste because, trust me, these bars will be devoured in no time. Whether you’re making them for a Thanksgiving dessert or just as an after-dinner indulgence, you’ll love how easy and delicious they are!

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Why You’ll Love These Leftover Candy Shortbread Bars

Fast and Simple: Only 10 minutes of prep, followed by some oven magic!
Customizable: Use any candy you have on hand, from chocolate bars to peanut butter cups.
Perfect for Gifting: Wrap these up, and they make great holiday gifts.
Crowd-Pleaser: They’re perfect for Thanksgiving, potlucks, or a cozy weekend treat.

The Taste and Texture

These bars are all about indulgence. The base is a buttery shortbread that provides the perfect amount of richness and crunch. On top, a smooth layer of melted chocolate is adorned with your chopped leftover candies, adding a variety of textures—crunchy, chewy, and creamy. Each bite is a sweet surprise, depending on what candy combo you used!

Ingredients

1 cup butter, room temperature (2 sticks)
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 cups chopped candy bars and candy-coated chocolates (your choice)

Necessary Tools

8×8 baking pan
Parchment paper
Stand mixer or handheld mixer
Offset spatula

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Recipe Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s adaptable! Here are some variations:

Candy Combos: Mix and match whatever you’ve got—Snickers, Reese’s, Twix, or M&M’s work great! Or, try swapping the chocolate chips for white chocolate.
Add Some Nuts: Toss in some chopped peanuts, pecans, or almonds for an added crunch.
Make it Extra Gooey: Drizzle caramel or peanut butter over the top before adding the candy layer for a gooier texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Leftover Candy Shortbread Bars

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure there’s a little overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly spray with baking spray and set aside.
2. In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine butter, light brown sugar, and kosher salt. Beat until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes). If your butter is a bit cooler, it might take a bit longer.
3. Gradually add the flour in increments, mixing well after each addition until the dough comes together. If the dough is crumbly, don’t worry—just press it into the prepared pan and warm it with your hands as you go.
4. Press the dough into the baking pan, making sure it’s even so it bakes uniformly. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and set.
5. Once the shortbread is done, sprinkle 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips over the hot shortbread. Pop it back in the oven for 1-2 minutes until the chocolate starts to melt.
6. Remove the pan from the oven and use an offset spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly across the crust. Immediately top with chopped candy bars and candy-coated chocolates, pressing them gently into the chocolate layer.
7. Allow the bars to cool for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) to let the chocolate set. Once firm, slice into 16 bars and enjoy!

What to Serve with Leftover Candy Shortbread Bars

These bars are pretty decadent on their own, but if you want to kick things up a notch:

Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream makes these bars extra special.
Coffee or Hot Cocoa: Pair these sweet treats with a warm drink for a cozy afternoon snack.

Tips for the Best Shortbread Bars

Soft Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is room temperature for the best texture in your shortbread.
Press the Dough Evenly: Press the dough as evenly as possible in the pan for even baking.
Cool Completely: Be patient and let the bars cool completely before slicing so the chocolate can fully set.

How to Store Leftover Candy Shortbread Bars

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to a month. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover holiday candy instead of Halloween candy?
Absolutely! These bars are versatile enough for any leftover candy—Easter, Christmas, or even Valentine’s Day!

What can I do if my shortbread is too crumbly?
If your dough is crumbly, just press it into the pan with your hands. The warmth will help the dough come together.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan for more servings.

Craving More Delicious Halloween-Inspired Recipes?

If you loved these Leftover Candy Shortbread Bars, you might also enjoy some of our other spooky treats! Check out these recipes:

Halloween Cookies and Cream Fudge
Ghastly Candy Bark
Candy Corn Fudge

Share Your Creation on Pinterest!

If you give these bars a try, I’d love to see how they turn out! Share your photos on Pinterest and tag me at @EMMARECIPES18. Let’s spread the leftover candy joy!

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