Description
Leftover Candy Shortbread Bars are the ultimate treat to use up any extra Halloween candy you’ve got lingering around! Featuring a buttery shortbread crust, a layer of melted chocolate, and chunks of candy bars, these bars are easy to make and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re using Snickers, Reese’s, M&Ms, or any other sweet treats, this recipe will help you transform your candy stash into a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. Lightly spray the paper with baking spray.
- In a stand mixer, cream together the butter, light brown sugar, and kosher salt until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until fully incorporated. If the dough looks crumbly, press it into the prepared pan with your hands to warm it slightly, ensuring it holds together.
- Press the dough evenly into the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the shortbread is golden brown.
- Once out of the oven, sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot shortbread and return to the oven for 1-2 minutes until the chocolate begins to melt.
- Remove from the oven and spread the melted chocolate evenly across the crust using an offset spatula.
- Top with chopped candy bars and candy-coated chocolates, pressing them gently into the chocolate. Allow the bars to cool for at least 30 minutes, or overnight, until the chocolate sets.
- Slice into 16 bars and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Feel free to get creative with the candy you use—anything from Reese’s to Snickers to M&M’s works great!
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing so the chocolate can fully set.
- You can also drizzle caramel or peanut butter over the chocolate layer for an extra indulgent twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg