Last updated on February 6th, 2020 at 01:12 pm
Salt River Sticks are the perfect cookie bar. Layers of peanut butter, butterscotch, caramel, buttery crackers, and dark chocolate!
Not long ago I visited the Liberty Market in Gilbert, Arizona. They are known for their Salt River Bars which I have reinvented into Salt River Sticks! These bars looked so amazing I had to do some research for myself.
The family and I hopped into the car and turned on the GPS. After making our way to Gilbert, and going around the same block a few times we found a place to park. From all the buzz I heard about this place I was practically running to the door. Once inside, I could get my bearings and then decide where to go from there.
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First stop, the ordering counter! With so much to choose from Brooks and I went “tapas style” and ordered a few different things. Braxton wanted fries so we started with some Oven Roasted Fingerling Fries. These tender potatoes were dusted with cheese and served with a screaming hot Habanero aioli. YUM! We also grabbed an Antipasto Plate because there is nothing like some cheese and olives to get started!
Now that we had some food in front of us we could stop and take a look around. Every time I moved my head an inch I saw something cool. I think Brooks got sick of me saying “LOOK AT THAT!”
They have such history being there since 1938. From the shopping carts that they used to carry wood in for the pizza oven, to the names of the original owners marked in the concrete. So amazing! Plus the food is out-of-bounds (sorry to go all Guy Fieri on you) but it is. Take a look at the items in the dessert counter that were making me drool while I was waiting for my chicken pot pie.
Every plate that walked by me, I had to look at. I always do that and then I immediately regret what I ordered. There is no way I could regret this pot pie! My oldest, Braxton ordered macaroni and cheese. Connor said that he didn’t want any because it had some “burnt stuff” on top of it. What kind of fool doesn’t love a toasted crumb topping? Once Braxton started moaning from the taste and the cheese started stretching, Connor couldn’t help himself. He had to dig under the “stuff” to get the untarnished noodles, but he managed.
While we were waiting for our food to digest, we took a stroll around the market and looked at the pizza oven.
An open kitchen is the best thing to have! I was captivated watching the chefs at the various stations and love that they are so happy to interact with you. When it comes to restaurants, I ask more questions than my youngest, which is approximately 4,375,315.8!
Those Salt River bars are so big that my whole family could share one. Well, attempt to share one with at least three people ending up crying because I beat them to it. We don’t play with sweets in my house.
Any board game competition we have and at least one person always ends up storming out the room. Making it into Salt River Sticks would be fairer!
Thanks to Adell’s research, I had a great starting point to make these bars my own Salt River Sticks. First, I switched the milk chocolate for dark. I love the bitterness that it brings and hopefully will cut down on some of the sweetness of the caramel. Second, I have a thing for too much cinnamon, so I cut down the number of graham crackers in the caramel layer and beefed up the amount of peanut butter.
Who doesn’t want more peanut butter? Third, and in keeping with Take Two Tapas tradition, I cut them into realistic portions. Mine made it to tapas size Salt River Sticks so you won’t go overboard. Unless you eat the whole pan. No judgment here:)
I hope you enjoy these Salt River Sticks! Many bloggers have sacrificed their calorie intake to deliver these bars to you. Don’t disappoint them and not make them!
Salt River Bars from Liberty Market
These no bake layer bars are the perfect mix of sweet, salty, chewy, crispy and they contain chocolate and peanut butter!
Ingredients
Caramel Layer
- 1 cup sea salt and olive oil butter
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
Cracker Layer
- 70-80 club crackers
Topping Mixture
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Mix the graham crackers, butter, milk, and brown sugar in a heavy-bottom sauce pan.
- Bring to a boil over medium high heat.
- Boil for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally
- While the sugar mix is boiling, line a 9x13 pan with one layer of club crackers. Salt side up!
- Count how many you used and get another two layers ready to go.
- When the 7 minutes are up, pour half the mixture over the first cracker layer.
- Spread evenly.
- Place another layer of crackers over the caramel layer.
- Pour the other half of the caramel mixture over the second layer of crackers and spread out.
- Place one more layer of crackers.
- Once the crackers are laid out, melt the ingredients for the topping.
- Pour over the top layer of crackers and spread out evenly.
- Sprinkle with sea salt.
- Chill in the fridge until set.
Notes
*If you like this recipe, please leave me a comment and rate it with some stars. Thank you!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 32 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 206Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 3732mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 1gSugar: 21gProtein: 2g
This nutrition information was generated via a third party, Nutritionix, and can not be held liable for any discrepancies in the information provided.
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I would never have known about this place except for the blogs Classy Clutter and Baked in Arizona. I found their pin for Salt River Bars on Pinterest and saved it knowing I was going to be in Arizona, close to the Salt River, in the near future.
The original recipe for Salt River Bars is here if you want to check out Adell’s version.
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Ash says
Is the caramel layer a soft, chewy consistency? Or does it harden? I saw another recipe for these, or something similar, but the caramel layer calls for heavy cream. Just wondering what kind of difference the evaporated milk vs. the heavy cream makes in that layer.
Jennifer says
The layer isn’t hard, it is pretty chewy. The evaporated milk doesn’t have as much moisture or fat in it so you get the creamy texture but it doesn’t make a brittle like candy.
taylor hayes says
Could I use regular butter? Or is there a benefit to using the salt and olive oil butter?
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
you absolutely can! I just love the salted olive oil kind because the flavor is cleaner to me but feel free to use regular salted/unsalted butter and just add a pinch of salt to your liking:)
crystal kehler says
Hi, A Canadain here, what are club crakers, are they the same a soda crakers? I love you site and plan to look up more delicious reciepies.
Thanks
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Hi Crystal thanks for reading! The club crackers here are like soda crackers but they are buttery and not just plain or salted. More like a Ritz, or Christie Toppables or President’s Choice Rich and Flaky Topping Cracker. I hope that helps:)
Julie says
Wow, I think I would still be there! That place looks amaing!
Tina says
I can’t find the sea salt and olive oil butter. I’m wondering about just subbing butter and an additional amount of salt. Thoughts?
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
That will work fine. I just bought all they had when they sold them in my store. I haven’t seen them since so I think it will be just fine!
Prudence says
My husband and I live in the Phoenix area, and living literally on the opposite side of the city from Liberty it is a special treat we get once, maybe twice a year. And every time go we bring home a Salt River Bar.
Saw a pin for these on Pinterest and may have freaked out a bit.
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Thanks for reading! I will definitely going back next time I am in Phoenix. Even though it is a trek, it’s still worth it!
Marye says
These look so good, I am sure stopping after one would be impossible!
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
It is for me:) Whole pan is my stopping point, usually because they are gone!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Sounds like a great place!
These bars are a wonderful sweet treat!
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Thanks Rebecca! I can’t indulge in these all the time but they are good!
Susan | LunaCafe says
These look ridiculously good. Chocolate, caramel, peanut butter, and graham cracker. What a flavor pairing. ๐
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Thanks Susan! The graham crackers in the caramel is something new to me but totally works!
Sara says
That market looks amazing, I can see why you wanted to replicate those bars at home. And now I want to try those bars too, they look soooo delicious!
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Thanks Sara! I want to go back there again and try some of the things I didn’t get the chance to try:)
Bridget - The Recipe Wench says
I keep stumbling upon your site with these amazing things staring back deep into my soul! I think the Salt River Sticks and I are meant to be together so I am pinning! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe with us at the Inspire Me Mondays Link-Up. They look and sound amazing!
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Thanks Bridget!!
Tina Jui | The Worktop says
Looks delicious! I definitely feel my sweet tooth cravings just looking at those photos!
oliviascuisine says
Oh my… This looks SO GOOD! Major drool!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
These are absolutely addicting. One of my personal favorites! Such a great recipe!
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Thanks Trish! I am a mega fan of your S’mores Dip!
Gwen @simplyhealthyfamily says
How fun! I live in Arizona too!! We lived in Gilbert for several years and now Phoenix. So many fun things to do here, sorry I missed you!
Dee Dee (My Midlife Kitchen) says
Sounds like you had a really great trip! And I’m like you–I always regret what I’ve ordered when I see all of the great stuff I overlooked! These salt river sticks look like they weren’t a mistake though. Yum!
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
They most definitely were not! Glad I’m not the only one who regrets food in a restaurant. I wish everyone had tapas menus of their main dishes:)
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
Wow! These look so amazing! I live in AZ and just went to Liberty Market for the first time ever recently! You’re right – so fab! Glad you had a good time and really glad you’re sharing this recipe!!
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Wasn’t it just the best?!? Next time I am getting a pizza and another dessert. Not a huge coffee fan but might have to try an espresso from their cool bar! Maybe next time I’m there we can go together:)
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
That would be fun! Keep me posted ๐
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
For sure!
Sabrina says
Wow, this looks so delicious!! I love club crackers and now I have a new way to eat them! YUM!
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Thanks Sabrina! I love a good salty cracker and finding ways to incorporate them into desserts.
Christie says
What a fun trip. I love to recreate recipes from a trip. These sticks look amazing.
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Thanks Christie:) I love planning my trip around restaurants and then my hubby gets mad because I talk to the staff too much and take notes.
Madiha Nawaz says
Loved to read about your trip and all the lovely food you had including these luscious looking bars ๐ Loved the recipe of your creation too that I shall be trying out very soon!
Thanks for sharing!
Dini @ The Flavor Bender says
This looks amazing Jen!! Seriously craving for one right now! I must find that sea salt and olive butter!!! ๐
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
It’s a Land O Lakes brand that I used for a cream cheese frosting for a wedding cake and found that it offsets the sugar so it’s not so sweet!
Winnie says
This is such an amazing treat!! Who can refuse to such a dessert?
I could probably eat half of the pan myself ๐
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Thanks! I can destroy a whole one by myself!
Sarah says
I love Liberty Market! If you ever get back to that area, the other surrounding restaurants are also amzing – it’s a fun little area.
Oh yeah, these Salt River Sticks look dangerous….dangerous because I’d eat the whole tray to myself they look so good!
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Thanks for reading Sarah. I had to give the tray away because I would have eaten the whole tray as well. They are so addicting with that crunch and hint of salt!
Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness says
The bars look wonderful, I can see why you had to go find them on your vacation. Yum!
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
I always trust other bloggers recommendations! They have not steered me wrong yet! Thanks for reading!
Amanda@ChewTown says
Those salt river sticks look so incredibly flavorful! I can only imagine how wonderful they tasted.
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Make them today! You won’t regret it. Thanks for reading!
Whitney says
These are beautiful, and I know they are SO tasty. Yum yum yum!!
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Thanks Whitney! I can’t stop eating them!
Peter @ Feed Your Soul Too says
The experience looks wonderful. The sticks look awesome.
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
I could have stayed there all day and ate everything on the menu!
Swayam says
These sound so good Jen! I hv a thing for salted desserts and these seem perfect for a nibble!
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Thanks Swayam! Too bad I end up nibbling all day on these and then the pan is gone!
Katherine says
What a neat place! Love that old pizza oven ๐
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says
With the cholocate, salt, and caramel, I think you might have given us a hit for my whole family too! Thanks for the recipe!
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Thanks Sabrina! They are a hit in mine and all my friends houses too!
Anna @ Sunny Side Ups says
These bars look like ultimate salty/sweet HEAVEN! Yum! ๐ I live in Phoenix, and even though I’ve seen these bars before, I’ve never actually bought them…I always tell myself I can make desserts at home for way less than at the Market…and now, I really have no excuse! ๐ I’m so excited!! Definitely diving in and making them!
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Thanks! Next time I am in Phoenix I will reach out and maybe we can go discover some places together! I love meeting other bloggers. Phoenix has so many cool places to eat, Blanco Taco being my hubby and I’s favorite right now, along with North, that we wouldn’t run out of things to try!
MyCookingSerects.com Krystallia Giamouridou says
Looks craving. I will definitely try your recipe. Thanks for sharing…
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Thanks! Ever since I made them the first time I have a continuous craving for them!
Chrisy @ Homemade Hooplah says
Oh, the layers in this! And sounds like I’ll need to make a stop at Liberty Market, too ๐
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Thanks! I was drooling over all the other desserts, I might need to go back a few more times and try to make some of their other ones!
Katalina @ Peas & Peonies says
Love these, I am so making them, they looks so addictive.
amindfullmom says
Okay, I can see why you had to go and get these bars–I would get mean nasty if I had to share mine. They look incredible. And I love that you sampled a bit of this and that–best way to enjoy a meal out!
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Thanks Kristen! I used to eat one plate and then end up sad that I didn’t get to try other foods. I love tapas style! I certainly don’t want to share either!
Nagi@RecipeTinEats says
This. I need this. NOW! Totally my type of sweet treats, I LOVE crunchy crackers and go nuts over caramel! ๐ Pinning!
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Mine too! I love all the salt and sweet and crunch! Having the graham crackers in the caramel add another hint of cinnamon. Thanks so much for reading AND pinning! You are such a gracious person and I have learned so much from you!!
Amy @ Accidental Happy Baker says
These look and sound very similar to my very favorite Christmas time treat that my momma makes for me each year! But different too. I can’t wait to try these out and see!
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
I love when a recipe brings up memories! Thanks for reading and I hope they taste (almost as good) as your mom’s since I know that nothing ever tastes like mom’s!
pam (Sidewalk Shoes) says
Sounds like a fantastic place to eat! Eating out is my favorite part of vacation! Everything we do is planned around where we are going to eat!
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
I’m glad to know that I am not the only one that does that. I check out all my food apps and plan where we are going to stay and where to eat. I love reading the history of these places and meet the chefs. Luckily I haven’t had anyone be snotty to me:)
Christine says
Wait! A think called sea salt and olive oil butter exists??????
These look absolutely divine and THANK YOU for making a tapas size dessert. I usually end up not having dessert because too much sugar just knocks me out. But a little bar like this? Heaven.
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
I found it on sale, Land O Lakes, and used it to make frosting and the sea salt cut through the sweetness of the sugar. Great balance. I can’t always find it though so when I do find it, I buy all of it!
mimi says
i don’t usually click on desserts and sweets, but these are so intriguing! I might just make them at Christmas! Thanks for sharing.
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
I hope you like them! They are addicting!