As the rich aroma of freshly baked treats wafts through your kitchen, there’s something undeniably delightful about the moment when you first cut into a warm salted caramel butter bar. These delectable squares bring together the buttery richness of a cookie base with a luscious layer of sweet and salty caramel, making them a perfect addition to any gathering. Whether it’s a cozy weekend at home with family or a festive holiday celebration, these bars are destined to be a hit.
Reasons to Love Salted Caramel Butter Bars: Tasty & Irresistible
Salted caramel butter bars are the epitome of comforting desserts, combining a buttery crumb with a velvety caramel that is impossible to resist. Their balanced sweetness, enhanced by a sprinkle of coarse sea salt, makes for a delightful treat that appeals to all palates. Here are a few reasons why you’ll absolutely adore these bars:
- Indulgent Flavor: The combination of caramel and butter creates a rich, satisfying flavor.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple steps make these bars approachable, even for novice bakers.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for any occasion, from casual snacks to dessert tables.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The unique taste and texture will impress your guests, leaving them wanting more.
Gather These Ingredients
The ingredients for salted caramel butter bars are straightforward, making this recipe both accessible and delicious. Each component plays a key role in creating the bars’ unforgettable flavor and texture. Use high-quality ingredients for the best results, and feel free to make substitutions where needed. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 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)
Bringing It Together
Creating these salted caramel butter bars is both fun and rewarding. The process is simple, and the results are nothing short of spectacular. Follow these steps for a sweet treat that will delight your taste buds:
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy lifting later.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. The batter should feel airy and smooth. Add the vanilla and mix to combine. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a thick dough forms that holds together well.
- Press and Bake the Bottom Layer: Press half to two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating a solid base. Set the remaining dough aside for later. Bake for 20 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant.
- Prepare the Caramel: While the crust is baking, melt the caramel candies and heavy cream together in a microwave-safe bowl or over low heat on the stove. Stir frequently until smooth and fully combined, allowing the sweet aroma to fill your kitchen.
- Layer the Caramel: Once the bottom layer is done baking, remove it from the oven and pour the warm caramel over the crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the top with sea salt, allowing it to enhance the sweet caramel flavor.
- Add the Topping: Crumble the remaining dough over the top of the caramel layer. Don’t press it down—just sprinkle it generously to create a rustic buttery topping that invites anticipation.
- Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is set and lightly golden, filling your kitchen with an irresistible scent.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. For cleaner slices, chill in the fridge for 1 hour after cooling. Use the parchment overhang to lift and slice cleanly.
Prep ~25 minutes, Cook ~50 minutes, Total ~1 hour 15 minutes, Servings ~24 squares, Kcal ~225 per square (estimate).
Planning Ahead
These salted caramel butter bars are perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the dough and caramel a day in advance and then bake, layer, and slice them right before serving. Once baked, let the bars cool fully before storing them in an airtight container. If you want to keep things extra fresh, consider wrapping individual squares for easy grab-and-go snacks.
How to Store Leftovers
To maintain the deliciousness of your salted caramel butter bars, follow these storage tips:
- Fridge: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. The caramel will remain soft and gooey while the bars stay fresh.
- Freeze: For longer storage, wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored this way for up to three months.
- Gentle Reheating: To enjoy them warm again, gently reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to allow the caramel to soften, making for that freshly baked texture again.
A freshness cue? If the bars start to become dry or lose their enticing aroma, it’s time to enjoy them before they lose their delightful charm.
Perfect Pairings
Salted caramel butter bars have a delightful range of companions that can complement their sweet and buttery notes:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creaminess contrast.
- Fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for a tart balance.
- Hot coffee or tea to enhance the sweetness of the bars.
- A drizzle of dark chocolate for a sumptuous twist.
- Whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Variations and Swaps
Feel free to get creative with your salted caramel butter bars! Here are some fun ideas to customize your treats:
- Chocolate Chip Twists: Fold in chocolate chips into the dough for extra chocolatey richness.
- Nutty Goodness: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the caramel layer for a crunchy texture.
- Salted Peanut Butter: Swirl in some peanut butter with the caramel for a deliciously nutty flavor twist.
- Dried Fruits: Incorporate dried cranberries or cherries for a hint of tartness.
- Cocoa Powder: Replace some of the flour with cocoa powder for a chocolate version of these bars.
Remember, the sky’s the limit in the kitchen, so let your imagination run wild!
Cook’s Notes and Secrets
To achieve the best results with your salted caramel butter bars, keep these pro tips in mind:
- Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is at room temperature to achieve the best creaming texture.
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft to handle, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to make it easier to work with.
- Don’t Overbake: For the best texture, keep an eye on the topping while baking. Few extra minutes can make a significant difference.
- Resting Time: Allow bars to cool completely for optimum flavor and easier slicing.
Salted Caramel Butter Bars: Tasty & Irresistible FAQs
- Can I use margarine instead of butter?
- While margarine can be used as a substitute, using real unsalted butter will yield a richer flavor and better texture in the bars.
- How do I know when the bars are done baking?
- The top should be lightly golden and set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean with a few crumbs attached.
- Can I skip the sea salt?
- You can omit the salt if you’re not a fan, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor that balances the sweetness.
- What if I can’t find caramel candies?
- You can use soft caramel bits, which are readily available in most grocery stores, or make your own caramel using a simple recipe.
- How can I make these bars gluten-free?
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Just ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason salted caramel butter bars are such a beloved treat. Their captivating blend of flavors and delightful texture makes them perfect for everything from casual snacking to festive occasions. With this recipe, you’re well on your way to creating a batch of these irresistible bars that will charm everyone who takes a bite. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to impress both yourself and your loved ones with this sweet and satisfying dessert!
Print
Salted Caramel Butter Bars
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 24 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delicious salted caramel butter bars that combine a buttery crumb with a rich layer of sweet and salty caramel.
Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and mix to combine. Gradually add the flour to form a thick dough.
- Press half to two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes until lightly golden.
- Melt caramel candies and heavy cream together in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth.
- Pour the warm caramel over the baked crust and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the caramel layer without pressing it down.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 25–30 minutes until the topping is set and golden.
- Cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Notes
These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 225
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: salted caramel, dessert, butter bars, baking, sweet treat
