Salted Caramel-Cashew Bars

• Crust
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup flour
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• Brown Sugar Caramel
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 pinch sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup cashews
• sea salt (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350u0b0F and line an 8-inch baking dish with foil. Whisk together flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Cut butter into 1/2-inch pieces; sprinkle over flour mixture and use a pastry cutter to cut in evenly until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add dough to prepared baking dish; use a piece of parchment to press dough into an even layer. Bake for 23 minutes, until crust is lightly golden. Cool on wire rack.
2. Place butter and brown sugar in a heavy saucepan. Melt over medium heat, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula, until boiling. Once mixture boils, reduce temperature to medium-low and let bubble for 3 more minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; carefully add salt and vanilla (mixture will bubble up). Quickly pour caramel over shortbread layer and spread with an offset spatula. Top with cashews, pressingly gently to adhere; sprinkle with sea salt. Chill in the refrigerator until completely set, about 1 hour.
3. Carefully lift foil and place bars on a cutting board; use a sharp knife to cut into squares. Store leftover squares in an airtight container at room temperature.

crust, unsalted butter, flour, powdered sugar, salt, brown sugar, unsalted butter, brown sugar, salt, vanilla, cashews, salt

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/salted-caramel-cashew-bars-510903 (may not work)