Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Salted caramel butter bars are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves a sweet and salty combination. Rich, gooey caramel layered between a soft, buttery crust creates a dessert that’s not only indulgent but also incredibly easy to make. These bars are perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or even just a cozy night in. Trust me, once you take a bite, you won’t be able to stop at just one!
What makes this recipe special
You’ll fall in love with these salted caramel butter bars for many reasons. They come together with minimal effort, making them a great choice for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. It’s a cost-effective treat that uses pantry staples, meaning you won’t have to run to the store for some fancy ingredients. Just imagine serving these at your next potluck or during your family brunch; you’ll definitely be the star of the show. And let’s be real—who can resist the charm of a sweet dessert topped with a hint of salt?
"These salted caramel butter bars are seriously addictive! The caramel layer is perfectly balanced with the buttery crust—everyone raved about them at our last family get-together!"
How this recipe comes together
Making salted caramel butter bars is a breeze, involving just a few straightforward steps. You’ll start by preparing your baking pan and whipping up a delicious dough. After the initial bake, you melt the caramel and create that heavenly layer that makes these bars so irresistible. Finally, a sprinkle of coarse sea salt elevates the flavor, and the topping adds a rustic touch. The entire process should take about an hour, but trust me, you’ll want to make more once you taste the results!
What you’ll need
Gather these ingredients for the perfect salted caramel butter bars:
- 1 pound (2 cups) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 (14 oz) bag of caramel candies, unwrapped (or 2 cups soft caramel bits)
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- ½ to 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt (adjust to taste)
Note that if you’re feeling adventurous, you can substitute some of the butter with coconut oil for a unique flavor!
Step-by-step instructions
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Prep the Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting.
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Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract and mix. Gradually incorporate the flour until a thick dough forms.
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Bake the Bottom Layer: Press half to two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan. Reserve the rest of the dough for the topping. Bake for about 20 minutes or until it’s lightly golden.
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Prepare the Caramel: While the crust is baking, melt the caramel candies with the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring frequently until smooth.
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Layer the Caramel: Once the bottom layer is done baking, remove it from the oven and pour the warm caramel over the crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula and sprinkle sea salt on top.
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Add the Topping: Crumble the remaining dough over the caramel layer. No need to press it down; sprinkle it to keep that rustic appeal.
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Bake Again: Place the pan back in the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is set and golden.
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Cool and Slice: Let the bars cool completely in the pan. For cleaner slices, chill in the fridge for about 1 hour. Lift out using the parchment overhang before slicing into squares.
Best ways to enjoy it
These salted caramel butter bars can stand alone as an incredible dessert, but you can elevate your presentation with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. You could even pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for an indulgent afternoon treat.
How to store
To keep your salted caramel butter bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious for about a week. If you’d like to enjoy them later, you can freeze them for up to two months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Helpful cooking tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter is at room temperature to achieve that fluffy dough texture.
- Adjusting Saltiness: If you’re unsure about the salt, start with a smaller amount and taste before adding more.
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so make sure to check your dessert a few minutes before the recommended baking times to avoid overcooking.
Creative twists
Feel like mixing things up? You can add a layer of chocolate chips beneath the caramel for added richness. For a nutty flavor, consider tossing in some chopped pecans or walnuts. If you’re craving something fruity, a thin layer of sliced apples could provide a delightful contrast to the sweet caramel.
Your questions answered
Q: How long does it take to prepare these salted caramel butter bars?
A: The total time for prep and baking is about an hour, plus cooling time.
Q: Can I substitute the butter for a dairy-free option?
A: Yes! Coconut oil or vegan butter work well as substitutes.
Q: How should I store leftover bars?
A: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to two months.
Q: Can I use a different type of cream for the caramel?
A: Heavy cream works best for texture, but you can try alternatives like coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Q: What should I serve with these bars?
A: They pair beautifully with ice cream, fresh fruit, or coffee for a delightful treat!
These salted caramel butter bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy baking and indulging!
Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Ingredients
For the crust and topping
- 1 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature Make sure the butter is at room temperature for best results.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the caramel layer
- 1 bag caramel candies, unwrapped (14 oz) or 2 cups soft caramel bits
- ⅓ cup heavy cream You can substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- ½ to 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt Adjust to taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract and mix. Gradually incorporate the flour until a thick dough forms.
Baking the Bottom Layer
- Press half to two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan. Reserve the rest of the dough for the topping. Bake for about 20 minutes or until it's lightly golden.
Preparing the Caramel
- While the crust is baking, melt the caramel candies with the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring frequently until smooth.
Assembling the Bars
- Once the bottom layer is done baking, remove it from the oven and pour the warm caramel over the crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula and sprinkle sea salt on top.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the caramel layer. No need to press it down; sprinkle it to keep that rustic appeal.
Final Baking
- Place the pan back in the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is set and golden.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan. For cleaner slices, chill in the fridge for about 1 hour. Lift out using the parchment overhang before slicing into squares.
