There’s something truly satisfying about creating a treat that combines sweet and salty in the most indulgent way. As I stirred together the rich butter and sugar for these Salted Caramel Butter Bars, I couldn’t help but recall a joyful afternoon spent in my kitchen, baking with friends. The laughter and warmth wrapped around us like a cozy blanket, as the scent of melting caramel filled the air.
These bars are not just easy to make; they are a crowd-pleasing delight that gracefully balances flavor and texture. With a buttery base infused with a hint of vanilla, and an irresistible layer of gooey caramel topped with a sprinkle of sea salt, they are destined to brighten up any potluck or family gathering.
Best of all? You can whip them up in just 45 minutes, allowing you to satisfy those sweet cravings without turning to fast food. So gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into this deliciously simple recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Why You'll Love This Salted Caramel Butter Bars
- These Salted Caramel Butter Bars are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to impress your friends and family with minimal effort.
- The blend of sweet caramel and a hint of sea salt creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone’s taste buds dancing.
- Their visual appeal is undeniable, with the beautiful layers of gooey caramel peeking through a buttery crust that looks as good as it tastes.
- Plus, you can whip them up in just 45 minutes, making them a perfect last-minute treat for any occasion.
Salted Caramel Butter Bars Ingredients
• Create this sweet treat with ease!
For the Base
- Unsalted butter – adds richness and moisture to your bars.
- Brown sugar – provides a deep, caramel-like flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
- Granulated sugar – helps to achieve the perfect sweetness without overwhelming the taste.
- Large eggs – binds the ingredients together for a delightful texture.
- Vanilla extract – infuses a warm, aromatic note that enhances the overall flavor.
For the Dry Ingredients
- All-purpose flour – gives structure and stability to your salted caramel butter bars.
- Baking powder – helps the bars rise, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- Salt – balances the sweetness, enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients.
For the Caramel Layer
- Caramel sauce – the star of the show, adding gooey goodness that makes each bite irresistible.
For Topping
- Sea salt – just a sprinkle enhances the salted caramel magic, elevating the taste to new heights.
How to Make Salted Caramel Butter Bars
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake uniformly, creating that perfect golden finish we all love.
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Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. A non-stick coating will help your delicious bars come out easily once baked and ready to be devoured.
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Cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until smooth. This step is crucial for a light texture, so take your time!
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Add the large eggs and vanilla extract, then mix until everything is well combined. The mixture should become fluffy and aromatic, promising a delightful treat ahead.
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Combine in a separate bowl your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture will provide structure to your bars, boosting their deliciousness.
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Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, combining them until just incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix; you want to maintain that tender texture.
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Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula for an even layer. It’s the base that will cradle the gooey caramel filling.
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Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the first layer of batter. Allow the caramel to flow evenly, creating the sweet surprise everyone will love!
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Spread the remaining half of the batter on top of the caramel layer. It doesn’t have to be perfect; a rustic look adds to the charm!
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Sprinkle sea salt over the top before baking. This enhances that irresistible salted caramel flavor, giving your bars an extra kick.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking; we want soft, chewy bars!
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Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars. Patience is key; this waiting time ensures perfect slices without the mess!
Optional: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Salted Caramel Butter Bars are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the ingredients and storing the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only saves you time but also keeps the bars just as delicious when baked. You can also pre-make the caramel sauce up to 3 days ahead, ensuring all components are ready to go. Just remember to bring the batter back to room temperature before spreading it in the pan and baking. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake as directed and enjoy your homemade treats with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Salted Caramel Butter Bars?
Picture this: the enticing aroma of freshly baked salted caramel butter bars mingling with the delightful scents of a well-curated meal. Complement them with sides that elevate the flavors and create an unforgettable dining experience.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing, the creamy texture balances the rich, sweet bars perfectly while enhancing the overall indulgence.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries add a pop of tartness that cuts through the sweetness, refreshing your palate between bites.
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Choco Chip Cookies: These are the ultimate nostalgic treats that can satisfy different cravings, adding another layer of familiar flavors to your dessert table.
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Espresso or Coffee: The bold notes of coffee bring out the buttery richness of the bars, creating an inviting end to your meal.
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Caramel Drizzle Over Fruit Salad: A sweet twist on a healthy side, this combination echoes the bar’s rich flavors while lightening the overall experience with fresh fruit.
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Chocolate Ganache Topping: For chocolate lovers, a rich chocolate ganache brings an extra dimension of flavor to the salted caramel butter bars, making them irresistible.
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Sparkling Water with Citrus: A refreshing drink to cleanse your palate and help balance the sweetness, ensuring you can enjoy every bite.
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Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecakes provide a creamy contrast, making for a delightful combination of textures and flavors with each taste.
Your dessert spread will shine with these pairings, making any gathering feel like a special occasion!
How to Store and Freeze Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Room Temperature: Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their chewy texture and rich flavor.
Fridge: For longer freshness, keep the bars in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week. Just allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Freezer: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or on the counter before enjoying.
Reheating: If desired, warm bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive their gooey goodness before serving.
Salted Caramel Butter Bars Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Salted Caramel Butter Bars and make them uniquely yours!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to suit gluten sensitivities.
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Nutty Delight: Fold in 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for a delightful crunch and additional flavor.
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Chocolatey Indulgence: Add 1 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the batter for a rich twist that combines beautifully with caramel.
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil in place of butter and a dairy-free caramel sauce for a vegan-friendly version that everyone will love.
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or cinnamon in the batter for a warm hint of spice that balances the sweetness.
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Fruit Infusion: Fold in 1 cup of chopped apples or pears for a fruity twist that adds moisture and a lovely tartness to each bite.
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Fudge Layer: Replace half the caramel sauce with fudge sauce for an extra decadent experience that chocolate lovers will go crazy for.
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Seasonal Flavors: Swap the vanilla extract with almond or peppermint extract, depending on the season, for a festive flair that dances on your palate.
Every variation caters to different tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring that your homemade bars will delight everyone at the table!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For your Salted Caramel Butter Bars, make sure to cream the butter and sugars thoroughly; this step helps incorporate air for a lighter texture.
- Avoid over-mixing when combining the wet and dry ingredients to keep the bars tender and chewy.
- When spreading the batter into the pan, use a spatula to create an even layer for consistent baking and texture.
- Keep an eye on your bars while baking; they should be golden brown and a toothpick should come out clean, which usually happens around the 25-minute mark for perfect results.
Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe FAQs
What type of butter should I use?
Absolutely! For the best texture and flavor, I recommend using unsalted butter that has been softened to room temperature. This allows for easy creaming with the sugars and ensures a rich, buttery taste.
How should I store the Salted Caramel Butter Bars?
Keep your delicious bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigeration is a great option; they can stay fresh for up to a week. Just allow them to warm up to room temperature before devouring for the best taste.
Can I freeze Salted Caramel Butter Bars?
Yes! To freeze, individually wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This will keep them fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight or on the counter for a few hours. If you like, warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive their gooey goodness.
What should I do if my bars are too crumbly?
If your bars come out crumbly, it might be due to overmixing or too much flour. When you mix your dry ingredients with the wet ones, mix just until combined, leaving some flour streaks. If the dough feels too dry before you spread it in the pan, consider adding a splash of milk to help moisten it.
Can I modify the recipe for dietary restrictions?
Certainly! For a gluten-free version, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. If you’re avoiding dairy, try using a dairy-free butter alternative and ensure that your caramel sauce is dairy-free too. Always check labels for allergens if serving to guests with dietary needs.
How can I tell when the bars are done baking?
Check for doneness at the 25-minute mark by gently pressing the center—if it springs back, they are ready! The edges should be a lovely golden brown, and you can also insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Enjoy your baking!
Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
- Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until smooth.
- Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the batter.
- Top with the remaining batter, spreading it gently over the caramel layer.
- Sprinkle sea salt on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting into bars.
