Golden Caramel Slice with Macadamia Nuts
A classic Australian dessert featuring a buttery biscuit base topped with a rich caramel layer studded with crunchy macadamia nuts. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 45 minutes layers (227g), softened unsalted butter, (100g) granulated sugar, (250g) all-purpose flour into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 16, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (227g), softened unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup (220g) brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter for caramel
- 2 tbsp golden syrup
- 1 cup, roughly chopped macadamia nuts
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, cream 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add 2 cups all-purpose flour and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
- Step 2: Press the dough evenly into a greased 9x13-inch baking tray and bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 can sweetened condensed milk, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, and 2 tbsp golden syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 8-10 minutes until thick and caramel-colored.
- Step 4: Remove caramel from heat and stir in 1 cup chopped macadamia nuts. Pour the hot caramel evenly over the baked base and spread to edges.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 1 cup dark chocolate chips over the caramel immediately and let sit for 5 minutes. Using a spatula, spread melted chocolate evenly across the caramel layer. Let cool completely and refrigerate for 2 hours before slicing into bars.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Golden Caramel Slice with Macadamia Nuts take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Golden Caramel Slice with Macadamia Nuts?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Golden Caramel Slice with Macadamia Nuts?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Golden Caramel Slice with Macadamia Nuts for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 16 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 16). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Golden Caramel Slice with Macadamia Nuts?
Australian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
