Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper.

Step 2

Using an electric mixer (I use my stand mixer), cream together the vegan butter and sugar until creamy, about 1 minute. Scrape the sides as needed.

Step 3

Gradually add the flour (1/2 cup at a time), scraping down the sides as needed. Add the salt with the last 1/2 cup of flour.

Step 4

The dough should be crumbly. Place the crumbly dough into the prepared pan and press it evenly into the pan.

Step 5

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the edges are golden brown.

Step 6

Let the crust cool while you make the caramel.

Step 7

In a medium saucepan,  add the vegan condensed milk, vegan butter, brown sugar and corn syrup.

Step 8

Turn the heat to medium-high. Stir frequently until the butter is melted and all the ingredients are well combined.

Step 9

Continue to stir until the mixture begins to boil, then reduce the heat so it is simmering (gently bubbling) and stir constantly at this point.

Step 10

Stir gently for 12-15 minutes until it looks like rich caramel and it starts to pull away from the sides of the pot. Do not cut this time short! Trust me, your caramel will not set at all and the bars will be a mess. It should thicken up, but it will thick more as it cools.

Step 11

Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.

Step 12

Pour the caramel evenly over the shortbread crust, using a spatula to spread it if needed. Place in the refrigerator to chill for an hour before topping with the chocolate ganache.

Step 13

Place the chocolate chips and coconut cream in a microwave safe bowl.

Step 14

Heat in the microwave for 1 minute. Stir, then heat in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth.

Step 15

Allow the ganache to cool for about 5 minutes, then evenly spread it over the caramel layer.

Step 16

Sprinkle with sea salt, if desired, and place in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes so the chocolate can harden. Cut into squares and serve.

Step 17

Storing leftover bars: Keep leftover bars in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to 1 week. They also freeze well, simply thaw and enjoy.