If you adore rich, buttery desserts with the perfect balance of sweet and salty, you are going to fall madly in love with this Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe. These bars bring together a tender, buttery crust layered with luscious caramel, all topped with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt that elevates every bite. They’re like a handheld hug for your taste buds and are surprisingly simple to make, yet irresistibly impressive, whether for a family gathering or a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe plays a vital role in creating that luscious flavor and ideal texture. From the creamy butter to the sweet brown sugar and rich caramel, each component contributes layers of taste and character.
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened: This is the rich, creamy base that makes the bars tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps achieve the perfect crumb texture.
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed: Infuses deep caramel notes and moisture into the dough.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness and structure.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, inviting aroma.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb to the bars.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a slight lift to keep the bars light and not dense.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness perfectly and intensifies the caramel’s richness.
- 1 cup caramel sauce or soft caramel chews melted: The star ingredient that offers gooey, luscious caramel goodness.
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt for topping: A finishing touch that adds a delightful crunchy contrast and enhances flavor.
How to Make Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This step is key for effortless cleanup and helps your Salted Caramel Butter Bars come out in perfect squares.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and beautifully pale. This process incorporates air, ensuring your bars have a delicate, tender crumb.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each to fully incorporate before adding the next. Follow this by mixing in the vanilla extract. These ingredients enrich the dough and bring a subtle moisture that keeps the bars soft.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your butter mixture, stirring until just combined. The goal is a soft dough that’s easy to press down without being sticky.
Step 5: Assemble the Bars
Press about two-thirds of this soft dough evenly into your lined baking pan to form a sturdy base layer. Then, spread the caramel sauce or melted caramel chews evenly over the dough. Finally, crumble the remaining dough over the caramel, gently pressing to cover as much as possible without mixing layers together.
Step 6: Bake and Finish
Bake your assembled bars for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top surface is lightly golden and feels firm to the touch. Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt to create that iconic sweet-salty finish. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang and cutting them into squares.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A lovely way to amp up the presentation is by drizzling a little melted dark or milk chocolate over the cooled bars. You can also add a few extra sprinkles of sea salt or even chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for a crunchy texture.
Side Dishes
These bars are a delightful treat on their own but pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a hot cup of coffee or tea to balance their rich sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, consider cutting the bars into bite-sized squares and serving them on a decorative platter with edible flowers or fresh berries. Layered in a dessert box with parchment paper, they also make a charming homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Salted Caramel Butter Bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If your kitchen tends to be warm, it’s best to refrigerate them to maintain their shape and texture for up to a week.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars by wrapping individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months, making them a great make-ahead dessert option.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen bars, thaw them at room temperature, then warm slightly in the microwave or oven for a soft, gooey treat reminiscent of freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought caramel sauce works wonderfully and speeds up the process. Just make sure to choose a soft, pourable caramel for the best layering effect.
What if I don’t have flaky sea salt? Can I skip it?
Flaky sea salt adds a lovely texture and a balanced salty contrast, but if you don’t have it, a light sprinkle of regular coarse salt or even a pinch of kosher salt will still taste great. Skipping salt altogether makes the bars sweeter but still delicious.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for the texture to hold.
Can I make smaller batches of this recipe?
Definitely! You can easily halve the ingredients and bake in a smaller pan, such as an 8×8 inch, adjusting the baking time slightly to avoid overbaking.
How do I get the caramel layer thick and gooey?
Using soft caramel chews melted with a tablespoon of cream creates a thicker, more indulgent caramel layer compared to some thinner sauces. This method adds richness and keeps the bars wonderfully gooey.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that combines buttery goodness and sticky-sweet caramel with that perfect touch of salt, this Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a recipe that feels like comfort and celebration all at once, perfect for sharing or simply savoring a little slice of heaven yourself. Give it a go, and watch these bars become your new favorite dessert indulgence!
Print
Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously rich and buttery Salted Caramel Butter Bars featuring a tender homemade dough base layered with smooth caramel sauce, finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. These bars are an easy-to-make American dessert perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with the perfect balance of salty and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Butter Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Caramel Layer
- 1 cup caramel sauce or soft caramel chews, melted
Topping
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars later.
- Prepare Dough Base: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to flavor the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour.
- Combine Dough: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Form Base Layer: Press about two-thirds of this dough evenly into the prepared pan, creating a smooth and even base for the bars.
- Add Caramel Layer: Spread the caramel sauce evenly over the dough base layer, ensuring full coverage for a luscious caramel middle.
- Top with Remaining Dough: Crumble the remaining one-third of the dough over the caramel layer, gently pressing down to cover as much of the caramel as possible without fully sealing it.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and feels firm to the touch.
- Add Salt and Cool: Remove the bars from the oven and immediately sprinkle the flaky sea salt evenly over the top. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Cut and Serve: Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into 24 even bars and serve.
Notes
- For a thicker caramel layer, melt soft caramel chews with a tablespoon of cream before spreading.
- Optional: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars for an extra decadent touch.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- Use parchment paper lining to easily lift the bars out of the pan without breaking.
